Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Sunda Croonquist is a seasoned director and comedian with a vibrant blend of African-American and Swedish heritage. Inspired by her musician father and a pageant-enthusiast mother, Sunda was immersed in the arts from a young age. Her early dreams of entertaining were fueled by her father’s charismatic stage presence. “He had a knack for engaging the audience with his stories between songs, and I just knew I wanted that—to connect with people through performance,” she recalls.

Sunda’s dynamic personality shone through in beauty pageants as well, notably as a runner-up in the Miss America Preliminary representing New Jersey, and later, as “New Jersey’s Funniest Female.” Despite earning a BA in Criminal Justice and working as a probation and parole review officer, her heart remained in entertainment. This passion led her to a stint in private investigation, which allowed her the flexibility to explore acting and eventually standup comedy.

Her comedy career took a serious turn after a chance encounter with comedian Jackie Mason at a party in New York City. With Mason’s encouragement and her husband’s support, Sunda took a comedy class and quickly landed her first paid gig. Her debut at the club “Don’t Tell Mama” marked the beginning of a thrilling journey in standup. “Talking about my life, with its unique cultural blend, was terrifying but exhilarating,” she says. Sunda’s life—a tapestry of Swedish, African-American, and Jewish influences, seasoned with the experiences of being married into a Jewish family with an assertive mother-in-law and raising two lively daughters—makes her a relatable and compelling figure on stage.

Sunda has not only performed but also produced notable comedy shows, such as “Femmes Fatales,” part of NY’s Toyota Comedy Festival for eight years. She serves as the Chairperson for the Annual “Laugh Off” at Gilda’s Club in Northern New Jersey, honoring the legacy of comedian Gilda Radner by supporting those affected by cancer.

Off stage, Sunda embraces her role as a culinary connoisseur, blending her cultural heritage into what she calls “Kosher Soul Food.” Her cookbook, Kosher Soul Food, is filled with recipes that fuse traditional Jewish and soul food cuisines, proving her prowess extends beyond comedy. A self-professed shoe fanatic, Sunda’s life is as eclectic and entertaining as her performances, making her a true embodiment of America’s diverse tapestry.