Daughter of author, Samina Quareshi and Richard C. Shepard of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Daughter-in-law of Ann Baker Burgess and Richard Burgess of Madison, Wisconsin.
She earned her Bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. She earned her Master's degree in documentary film-making from Stanford University in Palo, Alto, California.
Cousin of Bollywood model, actress , director Rachel Reuben.