When Dwyane Wade entered the gates of Marquette University with big basketball dreams, it didn’t take too long for things to come crashing down. He went there as a Prop 48 and was academically ineligible in his first year. Looking at his talents, Coach Crean promised him a scholarship, and while the school never took a Prop 48, he hoped to be their first. From there, the road was long to becoming an NBA legend, but he made it and gave his children the opportunities he never had. His daughter Zaya knows she needs to take advantage of the privilege she has today.

She is just 17, but is a professional jet-setter, a model, and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. But education comes first for her. You see, this fall, she intends to begin her new journey at college and pursue a career in astrobiology (study of life in the universe). And during her new interview with Ana Escalante from WhoWhatWear, Zaya Wade geeked out talking about her favorite subject. The goal remains to find microbacteria and fungi on distant galaxies and planets as proof that life can exist beyond planet Earth. However, that doesn’t mean she is ready to take on the space journey.

“This isn’t about space colonization.” Zaya joked and continued, “I think we have our own planet to worry about. Maybe if we get this done, we can start talking about a different planet. Now’s not the time.” Her interest in the scientific field also has a deeper meaning: “If I can’t see it, I need to be it. Who else is going to fill the blank in my mind about a Black trans scientist?” But this wasn’t the first time she talked about her ambitions.

In September 2024, she acknowledged how her passion was challenging, and that’s the reason she was up for it. But would she go to space if given the chance? “No. I mean, I don’t know… For now, I like Earth just fine.” While she has big dreams ahead, she came out as trans at the age of 12, and her father, Dwyane Wade, was her biggest supporter.

The Miami Heat legend didn’t just talk the talk—he packed up and moved his family from Florida to California, all to give Zaya the space to thrive. He once had those classic dad dreams: Imagining pickup games with LeBron’s son Bryce and Melo’s son Kiyan. “I have Zaya. LeBron has Bryce. Melo has Kiyan. All within a 2-3 week span. All our kids gonna grow up hooping together,” D-Wade reminisced about his dreams in 2023 while also stating that after Zaya came out as trans, he realized he shouldn’t have made plans for someone else’s life.

And now? He’s all in on Zaya writing her own script. She’s 17 and setting her sights on changing the world, one dream at a time. Her passion for STEM, with her determination to represent women, especially trans women of color, is a unique combination. Plus, she also hinted about adding multiple PhDs to her resume. That’s why, with all her goals and accomplishments so far, stepmom has mixed feelings about the eldest daughter.

Dwyane Wade’s wife is proud yet scared for Zaya

Their vocal support for the LGBTQIA+ community led the Wade family to launch the Translatable project. Zaya and Wade head this, and it aims to help young people by creating a safer community. With all the success and hatred that follows, Gabrielle Union shared some crucial advice earlier this year. “Block out all of that hatred because none of it matters at all.”

Even with this advice, the 52-year-old actress shared her anxious moment regarding her daughter.

“It’s scary, and I am in awe constantly of her bravery.” On The Daily Show with Desi Lydic, Union spoke highly about her daughter’s impact last month. “The way she stands up for herself and the way she fights just as hard as anyone else whose liberty, whose very existence, whose very humanity is at risk.”

The Bring it On star continued, “She puts it all on the line; she is ten toes down, and she doesn’t back off for anybody. It doesn’t matter if you hold the highest seat in you know in our country or you’re Elon Musk.” Seeing Zaya Wade not only take control of her life but also be a voice for others is what Union is proud of. What do you think?