Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is an actress and producer known for her work in television, film, and social activism. Shahidi began her career in the entertainment industry at age 6, appearing in advertisements for brands such as McDonald's, Target, GapKids, Ralph Lauren, and Disney. She made her television debut before taking on the role of Zoey Johnson in the ABC sitcom "Black-ish" and its spin-off series "Grown-ish." Black-ish received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, and Shahidi's performance earned her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, as well as three NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for Grown-ish.

In addition to her on-screen roles, Shahidi expanded into producing, co-founding 7th Sun Productions with her mother and business partner, Keri Shahidi, through a producing partnership with ABC. In film, Shahidi starred in the young adult drama "The Sun Is Also a Star" and served as executive producer and lead in the romantic comedy-drama "Sitting in Bars with Cake." She portrayed Tinker Bell in "Peter Pan & Wendy," becoming the first Black woman to play the character. Shahidi has also contributed voice work to animated films including "Smallfoot," "PAW Patrol: The Movie," and "My Father's Dragon."

Shahidi is recognized for her academic achievements, earning a degree from Harvard University with a concentration in Black Political Thought under Neocolonial Landscapes within the Social Studies and African American Studies Department. She founded WeVoteNext, formerly Eighteen x 18, to promote Gen Z and BIPOC inclusion in the political process, and established Yara's Club, an online mentorship program for young women focused on combating poverty through education.

Her influence spans entertainment, education, and civic engagement. Shahidi has been recognized by TIME Magazine's 30 Most Influential Teens, Forbes 30 Under 30, British Vogue Forces for Change, Glamour Magazine's Women of the Year, and Essence Magazine's Black Women in Hollywood. She received the Women in Film Max Mara Face of the Future Award and has delivered a TED Talk titled "Let Curiosity Lead," discussing her approach to pursuing diverse interests and career paths. Shahidi continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, higher education, and youth activism.