Zainab Johnson was raised in the vibrant community of Harlem, sharing her life with 12 siblings in a large Muslim family. Her upbringing was marked by a rich cultural heritage, but also strict family rules, such as no dating during her teen years. With a natural aptitude for numbers, Zainab pursued a degree in mathematics in college and subsequently became a teacher—a profession that seemed both sensible and stable. However, life took a turn with the passing of her father, a moment that prompted Zainab to reconsider her path. Realizing that her true passion lay in the world of entertainment, she made the bold decision to leave teaching behind and set her sights on Los Angeles with dreams of acting. Fate, however, had a different plan. A comedy producer friend needed an assistant, and Zainab took on the role with the initial goal of earning enough to buy a pair of boots she wanted. The short-term gig stretched into six months, during which she observed a noticeable scarcity of women in the comedy scene. Inspired and curious, she decided to take the plunge herself, performing at an open mic on the day she quit the assistant job. Her comedy career quickly gained momentum. In 2014, she earned a spot at the prestigious Montreal Just for Laughs Festival as one of the "New Faces of Comedy." The same year, Zainab made waves reaching the semi-finals on NBC's "Last Comic Standing" in its eighth season. By late 2016, her talent was further recognized when she was one of five comedians showcased on the HBO special "All Def Comedy," marking the relaunch of the iconic Def Comedy Jam. Currently, Zainab is channeling her creativity into developing a sitcom with Wanda Sykes, centered around the life of a Muslim model, set to air on ABC. Through her journey from the classrooms to the comedy stage, Zainab Johnson continues to break barriers and bring her unique voice to the world of entertainment.