Yara Shahidi: A Rising Star, Actress, Activist, and Influencer in Hollywood

A Model and Ambassador

In addition to her acting career, Yara has also established herself as an ambassador for various luxury brands. Recently featured in Gucci’s 2025 campaign titled “Where the Light Finds Us,” alongside British actor George McKay, Yara continues to prove her influence in the fashion industry. The creative director of Gucci, Sabato Di Sarno, emphasizes the campaign’s focus on “humanity, connection, and authenticity,” values that perfectly align with Yara’s personal brand.

Activism and Advocacy

Beyond her achievements in film and fashion, Yara Shahidi is a passionate activist. She understands the power of her platform and uses it to inspire her peers and advocate for social change. In 2020, she founded “Eighteen x 18,” a project in collaboration with the social news publisher NowThis, aimed at encouraging young people to participate in the electoral process, especially during critical midterm elections.

Her dedication to empowering individuals does not stop there. Yara launched “Yara’s Club,” a mentorship initiative in partnership with the Young Women’s Leadership Network (YWLN) in New York. The program’s mission is to provide educational opportunities and mentorship to young women, helping to combat poverty through education.

Yara’s activism captured the attention of prominent figures, including former first lady Michelle Obama, who praised her work and even provided a letter of recommendation when Yara applied to Harvard University. Yara’s commitment to social justice and her ability to engage in meaningful dialogues have allowed her to conduct interviews with powerful leaders, including Hillary Clinton in 2017.