Zainab made history in 2017 as the first Black woman to present on RTÉ’s news2day, marking a significant milestone in Irish broadcasting. Currently, she is a presenter and reporter for RTÉ’s long-running factual programme, Nationwide, where she travels across Ireland to spotlight stories of resilience, innovation, and cultural richness.
In 2024, Zainab expanded her storytelling prowess with the release of her debut young adult novel, Braids Take A Day, published by The O’Brien Press. The novel earned a nomination for the Irish Book Awards in the Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year category.
Beyond her work in journalism and literature, Zainab is an active voice in promoting diversity and inclusion. She co-founded Beyond Representation, an initiative established in 2019 to champion women of colour professionally.
Zainab also ventured into filmmaking with her short film Worthy, which debuted on the film festival circuit in 2023. Her multifaceted career reflects a dedication to storytelling across various mediums, aiming to inspire and connect with audiences of all ages.
Currently she is working on her second YA book which will be out in the summer of 2026.
Zainab is an engaging and confident speaker, particularly on the following topics:
- The importance of Diversity in the Media
- Generation Z & Millennial Issues
- Mental Health
- Confidence