Role: National Policy & Organizing Director

Background: Throughout her career, Zahra Marin has worked with several organizations and networks committed to the empowerment and advancement of current and former foster youth and minorities. Zahra joined NFYI in 2019 as the East Coast Organizing Manager to bring her skill set and expertise forward to mobilize youth across the nation. Previously, she worked with California Youth Connection (CYC) as a member and youth advocate.

Currently, Zahra sits on the Board of Directors for the Muslim Writers Collective of Washington, DC, where she plays a pivotal role in bringing the Muslim Communities together throughout the DC, Maryland, and Virginia Area to share their art, stories, and experiences through creative art and expression. In addition, Zahra has also been a volunteer and collaborator with Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims of California as a Youth Coordinator. She provided mentorship with a focus on empowering young Muslims in developing their leadership skills, creative thinking and self-awareness in their power and voices as Muslims in America.

Why you like working at NFYI: Working at NFYI allows me to specialize in positive youth development, community engagement and leadership development.

Hobbies/Passion: Zahra is an author, trainer, advocate, poet, performer, world traveler and artist. She has an immense passion for developing leaders and has organized and mentored youth of marginalized communities for over 14 years.

Fun personal fact: Zahra is an avid kickboxer