Saara is committed to transforming culture to eliminate inequality and violence. She holds an MA in International Affairs, earned in 2013, where her thesis examined global advocacy campaigns addressing gender-based violence. With over a decade of experience, Saara has been a passionate advocate for survivors, leveraging community-based approaches and prevention strategies across East Africa, the U.S., and her local communities in Seattle and the Bay Area.

As an activist and organizer, Saara brings her deep commitment to equity into the domestic violence field, amplifying community voices and fostering intersectional strategies that address the needs of the most vulnerable. In her time on the board Saara has been committed to increasing the visibility and participation of member agencies and survivors in the Bay Area region and across the state. She has also contributed to enhancing the Race, Power, and Privilege Committee on the Partnership Board, driving initiatives that deepen community engagement and advance systemic change.

In her role as Communications and Community Engagement Specialist at the Asian Women’s Shelter (AWS), Saara focuses on expanding outreach and enhancing awareness of culturally specific services for marginalized survivors, including immigrant, LGBTQ, Arab, and Muslim communities. Her work includes spearheading impactful initiatives such as the LetsTalkAboutUs.org campaign, launched in 2023, which promotes prevention and awareness efforts. Since joining AWS, she has played a key role in growing housing and community-based programs, building partnerships, and sustaining vital advocacy and services for survivors.