Zaina Sesay from ‘The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On’ Season 3 is all about passion, purpose, and resilience. She’s a content creator, entrepreneur, and advocate for holistic living, with a story that starts in Maryland but is deeply connected to the vibrant cultures of Sierra Leone and Lebanon. Her unique background has played a huge role in shaping who she is and how she approaches both her career and life.
Zaina’s time in the Netflix show gave fans a closer look at her personal life. Her relationship with J.R. Warren faced plenty of ups and downs as they worked through the challenges of the experiment. Zaina decided to issue an ultimatum because she was ready to settle down, reflecting her values and life goals. Even though things didn’t wrap up perfectly on the show, Zaina stayed true to who she is. The experience showed how good she is at communicating openly and standing by her priorities, which clearly ties back to her upbringing.
Zaina From ‘The Ultimatum’ Is Mixed Ethnicity Thanks To Her Parents—Her Father Is Sierra Leonean While Her Mother Is Lebanese
Zaina Sesay’s parents are from Sierra Leone, but her mother’s background adds an interesting twist: she’s Lebanese, born and raised in the West African country. This mix of Sierra Leonean and Lebanese ancestry gave Zaina a multicultural upbringing. Speaking to Authority Magazine, Zaina said:
I’m originally from Maryland, but a lot of people don’t know that my parents are actually from Sierra Leone. My mom is Lebanese — her whole side of the family is Lebanese — but they were born and raised in Sierra Leone. My dad is Sierra Leonean, so I’m first generation.
As the second oldest of four siblings in a strict Christian household, Zaina’s upbringing was all about discipline, faith, and family bonds. Despite this, she was known as the “goofy one,” always bringing laughter and fun to the family. These contrasts—strict upbringing versus a lively personality, two cultural identities blending together—are key parts of her story.
Her parents taught her a strong sense of purpose. Her father emphasized perseverance, while her mother demonstrated the strength needed to balance cultural traditions while raising children in a foreign land. The Lebanese influence exposed her to rich culinary and family traditions, while the Sierra Leonean side gave her a deep sense of community pride and heritage.
Zaina Has Carried a Passion for Creativity Since Her Childhood
Zaina Sesay’s childhood had its share of challenges. Growing up in Maryland, she often struggled to find where she fit in, feeling like the world was too structured for her creative spirit. While her friends thrived in sports and cheerleading, Zaina felt like she was on the outside looking in. That all changed when she took a television production class in high school. “I didn’t think I had any talent,” she confessed. “I didn’t realize I could be creative in that way. That class ended up setting me on the path toward my career.”
This discovery was a turning point, igniting her passion for media and storytelling. Her decision to study film and media arts at Temple University stemmed directly from this newfound love. It was during these important years that Zaina’s identity as a creative visionary truly began to take shape.
Zaina’s heritage and upbringing have greatly influenced her work ethic and worldview. Her family’s journey from Sierra Leone and Lebanon to the United States taught her that with a genuine work ethic, nothing is beyond reach. This background also shaped her storytelling style, making it authentic and relatable.
Her parents not only pushed her toward academic success but also stressed the importance of cultural preservation. Zaina often shares how traditional dishes, family gatherings, and stories about her parents’ lives in Sierra Leone brought depth and meaning to her own life. Growing up as both an American and a child of immigrants gave her a unique perspective, which she now uses in her career in the entertainment industry and as a content creator.
Zaina Sesay’s Career in Entertainment, Transition to Holistic Living, and a Vision for the Future
Zaina’s path to success wasn’t straightforward. After graduating from Temple University, she stepped into the competitive entertainment world, working behind the scenes at companies like FremantleMedia and Paramount. Her knack for connecting with people and telling genuine stories led to impressive projects, like landing Big Sean for MTV’s Cribs revival.
Her move from a corporate role to becoming a content creator and wellness advocate shows how her priorities have evolved. Inspired by her own health journey, Zaina started sharing her experiences with fitness, mental health, and self-care. Her content strikes a chord with audiences because it’s both deeply personal and universally empowering.
Zaina’s motto, “Let’s transform together,” highlights her belief in community and shared growth. As she takes on fitness challenges, shares wellness tips, and builds a platform focused on holistic living, she draws strength from her cultural roots to inspire others.
Today, Zaina continues to build a brand centered on fitness, wellness, and empowerment. Her plans to launch wellness products and services underscore her commitment to helping others find balance and self-improvement. Whether through her digital content or future business ventures, Zaina’s journey is a testament to the power of heritage, perseverance, and authenticity.
As she often says, “Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.” For Zaina Sesay, this progress is not just personal—it’s a collective journey of transformation, deeply influenced by her Sierra Leonean and Lebanese roots.
