Shabana Sharif is a breakout author, educator, community organizer and activist. A native of Queens, Shabana has always been inspired by its diverse residential body. From the instructive age of 16, she has invested and channeled her efforts to promote the welfare of Queens as a whole, by volunteering with local non-profit organizations. However, she couldn’t help noticing the dissonances, the divide of people and cultures into close-knit communities, though she easily maneuvered through them herself.

Shabana’s new series is inspired by her lived experiences in Queens, New York. Her inspiration for the series is deeply rooted in her younger sister's inquisitive mind. While out for their frequent walks, Jasmine would always ask about the different people and cultures they encountered. 

Shabana received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, as well as a Masters in Education. She is currently a middle school teacher in Elmhurst, Queens and an Early Intervention Therapist. Shabana resides in Queens.