We speak with Iranian American actress Zhaleh on her role as tech CEO Sheila Zarate in Marvel’s Ironheart. She also shares some of her other NOC bona fides — from DC to Tolkien and more!

Tech is deeply embedded in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) from its very start. From Tony Stark/Iron Man, to its technologized rendition of Spider-Man, to the Ant-Man films and more, the MCU tends to explain most of its human based heroes through the lens of tech, and makes it an integral part of its overall storytelling. In this year’s Ironheart, we see that continue with our titular hero Riri Williams and everything she must go through.

But what about some non-heroes/villains in the MCU? We’ve seen some tech CEOs in the franchise, but not one featured in such as a way as TNNL CEO Sheila Zarate in Ironheart, played by Iranian American actress Zhaleh.

What if a tech CEO is genuinely trying to help their community? We were so glad to have on Zhaleh to discuss her role, how she got involved in Ironheart and Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media, the state of West Asian representation in Hollywood, where she may like to take her career next, and much more. You can check out our conversation below.

All episodes of Ironheart are now streaming on Disney+