Yustilka David-West was born in urban Nigeria and moved to New York City at the age of five. She is half Nigerian and half Slovakian and has lived in NYC, North Carolina, New Mexico, and Florida. Growing up, Yustilka was very shy, something she overcame when she joined her middle school cheerleading team. After moving to New Mexico, she became interested in acting. During her high school senior year, she was cast as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Later accepted at City College of New York, she opted for the University of Miami, obtaining a BA in theater with a minor in English. One of her most memorable performances at UM was her role as Mrs. Muller in Doubt. Since graduating and returning to NYC, Yustilka has been pursing her career in film, television, and on stage.