Zeba Zebunnesa is an American peace ambassador, a spiritual Diplomat, a cultural bridge-builder, born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Zebunnesa serves on the Executive Board of the American Muslim Multi‑Faith Women’s Empowerment Council, the first Muslim women civil rights organization in the United States of America, an organization focused on countering extremism and promoting religious freedom, women’s rights, peace and security. In 2024 she was invited to a White House convening on conflict‑related sexual violence hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris. In 2025 Business Asia named her among the Top 100 non‑resident Bangladeshi women, and she was featured as the cover story of Capital Time Magazine’s December 2025 women’s special edition. A longtime Orange County , California resident who recently relocated to Washington, D.C. Zebunnesa’s work spans humanitarian advocacy, immigrant and refugee support, multifaith diplomacy and women empowerment. She has a long legacy of volunteering for the South Asian communities and collaborated with diverse organizations addressing newcomers, students, women, and refugees – always with a warm heart. A former Californian farmer and fashion stylist, she combined agribusiness experience and creative leadership – serving as a USDA consultant on the Farm-to-School program for Los Angeles Unified school district – while earning a Bachelor’s degree with honors from UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts (2007). In 2018 she participated and led the Orange County’s Me Too women’s march, and during the COVID‑19 crisis she was honored as a Muslim “Shero” for frontline volunteer service. A former fashion stylist, a South Asian American fashion icon, she remains celebrated for her fashion sense, elegance and influence in South Asian fashion here in the United States as well. Zebunnesa states that “Fashion is not just about external glamour; it can be a dialogue of cultures, a source of economic dynamism, and a source of social strength”. Rooted in a family tradition of public service from Bangladesh, Zebunnesa credits her late parents as guiding stars in her life. Zeba Zebunnesa’s journey from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to becoming a peace ambassador in the United States is truly inspiring. Her multifaceted background illustrates how her diverse experiences have shaped her into a leader and advocate for various American communities. Zeba Zebunnesa exemplifies the essence of community leadership and cultural bridge-building in America. Her contributions to society highlight the importance of resilience, advocacy, and the need for strong, compassionate voices in immigrant communities. As she continues her journey, her work serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
