Yara Shahidi is an American actress, producer, and activist renowned for her roles in television and film, as well as her commitment to education advocacy and social justice. She gained prominence portraying Zoey Johnson on the ABC sitcom Black-ish and its spin-off Grown-ish. Beyond her acting career, Yara is deeply involved in initiatives promoting educational access and civic engagement among young people.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Yara began her career in entertainment at a young age, appearing in television commercials and print advertisements. Her early film roles include appearances in Imagine That (2009) alongside Eddie Murphy and Salt (2010) with Angelina Jolie. Her breakout role came with the character Zoey Johnson on Black-ish, leading to widespread recognition and critical acclaim.

Yara's dedication to education advocacy is deeply rooted in her family's emphasis on learning and social responsibility. Leveraging her public platform, she founded Eighteen x 18, a platform aimed at encouraging her peers to engage in the political process and understand the importance of voting. She has also been involved in various speaking engagements and initiatives focused on addressing systemic barriers in education and promoting inclusivity.