Meet Shari Diaz | Comedian, Writer, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shari Diaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shari, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was born and raised in the Bronx to Guatemalan parents who had a clear vision for my future. They worked hard to send my sisters and me to private school, hoping we’d become doctors, lawyers, or professionals in fields that offered stability and respect. Creativity, on the other hand, was seen as a hobby – something that didn’t lead to a “real” career, especially for people like us.

But even with all that pressure, I couldn’t ignore my passion for the arts. From painting to writing to acting, I was always drawn to creative expression, but stand-up comedy became my true calling. For the past 10 years, I’ve been honing my craft in comedy, and during the pandemic, of all times, I taped an HBO comedy special. There’s something symbolic about that. In a year that was defined by uncertainty and isolation, I leaned into my passion for comedy, sharing my voice at a time when the world was desperate for connection and laughter. It felt ironic, but in the end, it was a reminder that creativity, especially comedy, has a unique ability to bring people together and offer healing in the most unexpected times.

But I didn’t want to stop there. As an advocate for diversity, I’m committed to amplifying voices that are often underrepresented. That’s why I’m now producing a comedy platform called See Comedy Live, where Black and Brown comedians get the chance to shine and share their stories. It’s a space dedicated to elevating voices that may have been overlooked in mainstream spaces. Comedy, for me, isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about creating opportunities for others and challenging the industry’s status quo.

Pursuing a creative career wasn’t easy. It meant going against the grain of what my family envisioned for me and taking risks in an uncertain environment. But today, I’m proud to be using my platform to not only share my own voice but to give others the opportunity to do the same. It’s not just about doing what I love. It’s about making space for more diverse perspectives and pushing for change in the industry, one laugh at a time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been doing stand-up comedy for over 10 years, and although I was born and raised in the Bronx, my comedy journey actually began in North Carolina… of all places! I did everything backwards, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Being in NC, I was the only Latina doing comedy, and that set me apart from the start. I was able to learn the craft of stand-up, how to write jokes, perform, and connect with audiences in a mainstream setting. I also got the chance to develop a solid 30-minute feature set before making the move back to NYC. I even co-produced the very first Oak City Comedy Festival in Raleigh, which gave me incredible insight into producing comedy events as well.

When I moved back to New York, it was like stepping into a whole new monster. In NC, I was performing two shows a week, but in NYC, I went from two shows a week to four shows a night. The hustle was real, and it was a whole new level of pressure. It wasn’t easy… I cried, bombed, and had a lot of tough moments, but I quickly learned that it was all part of the process. I had to come home, rewrite my jokes, and try again the next day. That drive and determination eventually led to me getting my first comedy special with HBO, which felt like a huge milestone in my journey.

Getting to where I am today definitely wasn’t easy. The comedy world is tough, and there were moments when I doubted myself and questioned my path. But the struggles, the bombing, the long nights of reworking material, and the countless lessons from rejection made me stronger and more resilient. Each challenge pushed me to grow, whether it was performing in a small chicken spot or in a packed comedy club in NYC. I learned how to adapt to different audiences, how to refine my material, and how to trust the process even when it felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere.

What I’ve learned is that the tough times are where the most growth happens. The setbacks taught me to never get too comfortable and to always push myself further. It wasn’t about instant success. It was about staying committed, even when things felt uncertain or discouraging. That persistence is what ultimately got me to where I am now.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of resilience. In comedy, like in life, you’re going to face rejection, tough crowds, and moments where you question your abilities. But it’s how you handle those moments that shapes your future. I’ve also learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. Every small step, every bad show, every rewrite, and every failure is just a part of the journey. There’s no “perfect” way to make it. What matters is staying true to your voice and pushing through the hard times.

Another important lesson is that community and support are everything. I’ve been lucky to have mentors and friends who’ve believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. They taught me the value of collaboration, that comedy isn’t just about being funny. It’s about creating spaces for others, uplifting them, and learning from each other. Comedy is my way of connecting, sharing stories, and expressing truths that we all experience.

I want the world to know that I’m more than just a comedian. I’m an advocate for diversity, and I’m committed to using my platform to elevate voices that are often underrepresented. Comedy has been a tool for me to not only express myself but to make a meaningful impact. Through producing shows like See Comedy Live, I’m working to create spaces for Black and Brown comedians to shine and share their voices. I’m also passionate about sharing my story… one that’s shaped by my roots, my culture, and the challenges I’ve overcome. I want people to know that the journey might not always be easy, but if you stay true to your passion and embrace the process, the rewards are worth it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them straight to a SEE COMEDY LIVE SHOW every last Saturday of the month at Rodney’s Comedy Club at 10pm!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people, moments, and pieces of wisdom that have contributed to where I am today, and I owe so much of my success to the unwavering support and love from my family and friends. First and foremost, I want to thank my mom. Her unconditional love, prayers, and support have been the foundation of my existence and success. She believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her.

I also want to thank my dad for his unique way of loving me, and of course, his humor… something he passed down to me that still resonates in my comedy today. To my sisters, Nena and Priscy, I’m forever grateful for being my emotional support system and go-tos. They’ve backed me through every crazy idea I’ve had, even when they didn’t fully agree with it. Their loyalty means the world to me.

I can’t leave out my best friends, Vicky and Morgan, who were the ones who encouraged me to perform stand-up in our high school cafeteria, even though I got in trouble for causing a ruckus! They never gave up on me, especially when I almost gave up on myself. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength.

Matt White was another huge influence early in my career. I came into comedy with no idea what I was doing, but Matt mentored me through the process, teaching me that while being funny is essential, it’s even more important to be a great writer. That advice has stayed with me and shaped how I approach every performance.

Damon Wayans deserves a special shoutout for his compassion, for giving me joke tags, advice, and encouragement when I worked with him at the Raleigh Improv. Working with him will always be one of my favorite highlights of my comedy career!

And then there’s Jared Waters! My third best friend and the future godfather of all my children. I can’t thank him enough for his belief in me. If it weren’t for our emotional chat at the Bojangles drive-thru in NC, I wouldn’t have made the decision to move back to NYC and push myself to become the comedian I am today. Jared was the one who pushed me to be the wolf I needed to be, and I’ll never forget that.

So, to all of them and everyone else who’s been a part of this journey: I dedicate this shoutout. Thank you for being the pillars that hold me up, for encouraging me, and for believing in me even when I doubted myself. I wouldn’t be here without each of you.

Instagram: @sharidiazcomedy

Other: @seecomedylive

Image Credits
Mike Bryk, Matt “PDBYM” Ramirez, Sito Rocks, Karina Munoz