Award-Winning Actress, Producer, Change Agent, & Host of The Optimist Project
Yara Shahidi: Biography at a Glance
- Yara Shahidi is an award-winning actress, producer, and change agent who gained recognition as the breakout star of ABC’s Emmy-and Golden Globe-nominated series black-ish.
- Yara went on to become the executive producer and lead of black-ish's Freeform spinoff series, grown-ish, where she plays "Zoey Johnson," an ambitious, fashion-forward college student, on her journey of figuring out adulthood.
- Yara balanced her career while simultaneously graduating from Harvard University, earning a Social Studies and African American Studies degree with a concentration in Black Political Thought Under a Neocolonial Landscape.
- Inspired by her extensive work with President and First Lady Obama, Shahidi founded Eighteen x 18, now called WeVoteNext, to shine a light on Gen Z and BIPOC inclusion in the political process.
- She served as the spokesperson for DoSomething.org and 3M's "Science Sleuth" campaign, which raised funds for classrooms in need of science and technology resources in Minnesota and St. Louis.
- Yara is currently the international thesis advisor for Ghetto Film School, the free, multi-year visual storytelling course for young artists in New York, Los Angeles, and London.
- She has been highlighted in 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.
- Yara and her mother Keri launched their podcast, The Optimist Project, on which they connect with changemakers across different industries to find out what gives them hope.
- The mother-daughter duo also launched 7th Sun Productions, a production company with a mission to tell more stories, continue expanding the media landscape, and keep the door open for other creatives.
Media
- Podcast: The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi
- PEOPLE: Yara Shahidi Is Challenging Herself with New Podcast
- W Magazine: Yara Shahidi on the Power of Observation
- Vogue: Yara Shahidi and Cartier Joined Forces for Female Entrepreneurs
- BET Presents: Yara Shahidi & Michelle Obama in Conversation
- Ebony: Yara Shahidi on How She’s Helping Empower the Next Gen Through Technology
- PEOPLE: Yara Shahidi's Year of Yes
- It’s easy to feel down. That’s why Yara Shahidi is speaking up for optimism.
Videos
Biography
Yara Shahidi is an award-winning actress, producer, and the breakout star of ABC’s Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated series black-ish. Alongside her business partner and mother, Keri Shahidi, she expanded her relationship with ABC by signing a multi-year producing deal under the moniker “7th Sun Productions.”
Currently, she serves as executive producer and lead of Freeform’s black-ish spinoff series, grown-ish, which is the #1 cable comedy among the 18 – 49-year-old demographic. She also executive produces and stars in Meta’s new interview show, Yara Shahidi’s Day Off, where she joins her celebrity peers and gets a glimpse into their lives through a variety of experiences that reflect their authentic interests outside of their fame. Recently, Yara voiced Callie in Netflix’s animated film, My Father’s Dragon.
Shahidi can also be seen in the role of "Tinker Bell" in Disney’s live-action film, Peter Pan & Wendy. She serves as executive producer and stars in Amazon Studios’ romantic-comedy Sitting in Bars with Cake. Additionally, she appears in Apple’s upcoming American anthology drama series, Extrapolations.
Offscreen, Shahidi is a champion for inclusive media programming and an advocate for equity. Identified as a leader of the New Hollywood guard, she has received numerous accolades for her work outside of entertainment, such as 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 to name a few. Inspired by her extensive work with President and First Lady Obama, Shahidi founded Eighteen x 18, now called WeVoteNext, to shine a light on Gen Z and BIPOC inclusion in the political process. A sought-after public speaker, Shahidi has appeared in conversation with university peers and thought leaders such as: Dr. Angela Davis, President Obama, Harry Belafonte Jr., former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Dr. Cornell West, Senator Cory Booker, and Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock.
Shahidi graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in Social Studies and African American Studies, with a concentration in Black Political Thought Under a Neocolonial Landscape. Her final thesis for graduation was entitled, “I AM A MAN”: The Emancipation of Humanness from Western Hegemony Through the Lens of Sylvia Wynter.
Shahidi currently serves as a global ambassador for Cartier, Dior Beauty and Dell.
Topics
Womens & Girls Empowerment
Diversity in Media
STEM & Computer Science
Girls in STEM
How Being Multi-Cultural Has Shaped Her World
The Lack of Quality Roles for Diversity in Hollywood
Youth Civic Engagement
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FAQs
How do I book Yara Shahidi for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book Yara Shahidi to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
Quick booking process- Email CAA Speakers with event details
- Get availability confirmation within 24 hours
- Review speaking fee and contract terms
- Sign agreement and finalize logistics
As one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, CAA handles all speaking engagements from contract to event day coordination.
Who is Yara Shahidi's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for Yara Shahidi’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all Yara Shahidi in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact Yara Shahidi's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
- Response: Within 24 hours
CAA Speakers can check Yara Shahidi's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list Yara Shahidi, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is Yara Shahidi's speaking fee?
Yara Shahidi's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Yara Shahidi's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
- Travel distance and logistics
- Presentation length and customization
- Virtual vs. in-person delivery
Additional costs: Travel, accommodation, A/V requirements, and optional meet-and-greets.
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Yara Shahidi's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Yara Shahidi as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Yara Shahidi as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- Yara Shahidi's keynote speaking fee
- Travel and accommodation
- Technical requirements and A/V setup
- Optional add-ons like book signing and meet & greets
- Virtual presentations
- Local/regional events
- Off-peak booking periods
- Flexible event dates
Email speakers@caa.com for Yara Shahidi's exact booking cost and customized pricing proposal.
How to contact Yara Shahidi for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Yara Shahidi speaking engagements.
Official contact for Yara Shahidi bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/yara-shahidi
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Yara Shahidi.
Is Yara Shahidi available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Yara Shahidi speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Yara Shahidi's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
- Interactive workshops and breakouts
- Hybrid events (in-person + virtual)
- Pre-recorded presentations
Virtual events offer global reach, flexible scheduling, and reduced travel costs while maintaining Yara Shahidi's engaging presentation quality.
Contact CAA Speakers for Yara Shahidi's virtual event availability and technical specifications.
What events can I book Yara Shahidi for?
Book Yara Shahidi for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. Yara Shahidi customizes content for any audience size or event type.
Event types:- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Industry summits and trade shows
- Private executive retreats
- Educational institution events
- Virtual and hybrid conferences
Yara Shahidi engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how Yara Shahidi can customize their presentation for your specific event.
Yara Shahidi booking information and availability
Check Yara Shahidi's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
- Peak conference seasons
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure Yara Shahidi for your preferred event date.
Book Yara Shahidi keynote speaker through CAA
Book Yara Shahidi through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Yara Shahidi, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to Yara Shahidi's calendar
- 24-hour availability confirmations
- Professional contract negotiation
- Full logistics coordination
- Industry-leading client service
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies for their most important speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com to book Yara Shahidi for your next event.
Will Yara Shahidi speak at private events?
Yes, Yara Shahidi speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
- Client entertainment and VIP gatherings
- Corporate celebrations and award ceremonies
- Private dinners and exclusive functions
Private event benefits: Customized content, enhanced interaction, complete confidentiality, and flexible scheduling.
Contact CAA Speakers for Yara Shahidi's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking Yara Shahidi?
CAA Speakers responds to Yara Shahidi booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
- Urgent requests: Same-day priority response
Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Yara Shahidi?
Book Yara Shahidi 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Yara Shahidi pricing information?
Get Yara Shahidi pricing information by contacting CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com with your event details. Receive detailed cost breakdown within 24-48 hours with no obligation to book.
For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
- Audience size and type
- Event format and duration
- Budget parameters
CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.