In the multi-award-winning ABC comedy series “Black-ish,” young scholar, philanthropist, and actor Yara Shahidi plays popular adolescent “Zoey Johnson,” an ambitious, technologically obsessed high school junior.
Since the show’s launch in September 2014, Yara has won a 2016 Gracie Award for Female in a Breakthrough Role, been nominated for a Teen Choice Award, and received an NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actress” in a Comedy Series.
Yara Shahidi continues to utilize her platform to inspire and encourage others, making her one of Hollywood’s most lauded young stars. Shahidi, who was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, spent the early years of her youth there when she delighted in yearly trips to the state fair and helped her grandpa run the family’s Persian Rug store.
Her mother is a well-known commercial actress, while her father is a prominent cameraman. Along with her mother, the little celebrity debuted in a number of international print and commercial campaigns. When she was given the chance to try out for the part of “Olivia Danielson” in the Paramount movie “Imagine That,” with Eddie Murphy, that became her first significant picture.
She soon embraced the part of Murphy’s artistic and upbeat daughter, which fueled her passion for acting. With Cheryl Hines and Megan Mullally, Shahidi later had appearances in TV shows including ABC’s “In the Motherhood,” CBS’ “Cold Case,” Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” FOX’s “Lie to Me,” and FOX’s “The Finder,” to mention a few.
In addition, Shahidi continues to play recurring parts as the “young Olivia Pope” on the popular ABC drama “Scandal” and as “Maddie” on the ABC Family drama “The Fosters.” Among Shahidi’s numerous film roles are “Unthinkable” (Sony Pictures), in which she played the son of Samuel L. Jackson, “Salt” (Columbia Pictures), in which she appeared alongside Angelina Jolie, “Alex Cross” (Summit Entertainment), in which she played the daughter of Tyler Perry, and “Butter,” in which she played Jennifer Garner’s co-star. Yara is not only equally dedicated to performing and academics, but she also just established “Yara’s Club,” a collaboration with The Young Women’s Leadership Schools (TYWLS) in New York.
A bi-monthly online gathering called Yara’s Club brings together Yara and students to talk about social challenges, personal development, and higher education. Yara also acted as the spokeswoman for the DoSomething.Org and 3M “Science Sleuth” campaign, which generated money for Minnesota and St. Louis classrooms in need of science and technology supplies.
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. Yara Shahidi 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.
Yara 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.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
No reviews available for this post.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live. This epic story of survival was first showcased in Overwhelming Odds, the book his parents […]
DJ Broadband, born and raised in Uganda and now proudly based in Minnesota, is a masterful entertainer who has brought his global musical influence to the heart of the Midwest. With years of experience and a passion for connecting people through music, DJ Broadband has become one of Minnesota’s most well-known and respected DJs. His […]
Amanda Stevens, the distinguished Consumer Futurist and Customer Experience Speaker, stands out as one of Australia’s most revered female speakers. Renowned for her captivating presentations, she seamlessly blends entertainment, inspiration, humor, and engagement to create an unforgettable experience for her audiences. With her unparalleled ability to tailor each speech to resonate deeply with diverse audiences, […]
Kristen Ziman’s career in law enforcement began with the Aurora Police Department, where she rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police. In her tenure, she spearheaded numerous initiatives that enhanced public safety, strengthened community relations, and improved organizational efficiency. Under her leadership, Aurora’s policing strategies evolved to embrace modern, forward-thinking approaches, prioritizing collaboration, […]
Dr. Nido Qubein came to the United States as a teenager with little knowledge of English and only $50 in his pocket. His journey has been an amazing success story. The Biography Channel and CNBC aired his life story titled “A Life of Success and Significance.” As an educator, Dr. Nido Qubein is president of High Point […]
Melissa Stockwell may appear to be the quintessential Midwestern All-American girl, but her story goes far beyond the surface. She is an American war hero, a Paralympic medalist, a World Champion, and a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals around the world. Melissa’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to turning adversity […]
Ryann Richardson is a tech marketer-turned-founder and Diversity & Inclusion leader spent 10 years building brands then made history when she became the 50th Anniversary Miss Black America Her work earned her a spot as the youngest honoree on Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America and set her on the […]
Mallory Weggemann is a 4-time Paralympian for Team USA, having most recently competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where she added a gold and silver medal to her impressive collection. A 7-time Paralympic medalist, including four gold, two silver, and one bronze, Weggemann is known for her resilience, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence. […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel