Zinash is a political affairs and policy expert with over a decade of experience in conflict prevention, political transitions, peacebuilding, and governance. Before joining Starling, she served with the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs in New York, where she advised on political and security developments in the Sahel and Southern Africa and produced strategic analysis for senior UN leadership and Member States. She previously served with the UN Mission in South Sudan, advising mission leadership on the country's peace process and the Mission's mandate. She also supported engagement with national, regional, and international stakeholders. 

Earlier in her career, Zinash served with the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire, where she worked across political analysis, electoral affairs, and civil affairs. In these roles, she contributed to election-related risk assessments and designed community-level initiatives to strengthen local governance and social cohesion. Prior to joining the UN, she worked with the International Rescue Committee and Chemonics International, managing humanitarian and development programs across Africa and Haiti. 

Zinash holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Policy from Saint Mary's College of Maryland.