Home: Harlem, NY. Birthplace: New York. Profession: International human rights lawyer and nonprofit executive. Organization: Sanctuary for Families. Title: Chief Program Officer. Significant other: My partner in crime, Serle. Alma mater: New York University (B.A.); Syracuse University (J.D.). Languages spoken: Farsi, French and Spanish, to varying degrees.
Current project: Leading Sanctuary for Families’ next strategic plan with purpose and passion. Recent recognition: Invited to the White House to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. Recent professional development: Taught “How to avoid revictimization of survivors, stigma and shame” class with Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving my law firm to move to East Africa and become a war crimes prosecutor. Hobbies: Kayaking, snowshoeing, bocce, road trips. Last book read: The Friday Afternoon Club, by Griffin Dunne. Recent unique acquisition: A Wedgwood basalt bust of actor and playwright David Garrick.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Forthright. Moral compass: Be the change you wish to see. What is your greatest joy? Seeing the world through the eyes of my 3-year-old son, Justice. What is your greatest fear? Not reaching my potential. What is your guilty pleasure? The Real Housewives reality TV franchise. What word or phrase do you use far too often? My friend. What Is your favourite sound? A mixtape with a lot of Stevie Wonder and Leonard Cohen.
What was your first paying job? Journalist. What book have you repeatedly read? Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions, by Gloria Steinem. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A huge painting of Wonder Woman, made for me by artist Natan Elkanovich. What is your go-to source of news and information? The New York Times. What company or organization do you most admire? St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? At sixteen I told my parents I was dropping out of high school to “find” myself.
What is your big idea?
The lived experience of survivors, their contribution and expertise is sought out and valued.
What change would you like to see in the world? More people thinking globally and acting locally. What message do you want to send out into the world? Be truthful, not neutral. What widely held belief do you reject? Don’t rock the boat.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Mettlesome Mama. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Quincy Jones. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Someone fighting for the underdog. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A portrait of Frederick Douglass made from buttons by artist Anne Carrington. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Doing my best to impart love, humour and strength to loved ones.
Personal mission: Continually striving to advance change for human rights, peace and social justice. Personal motto: Action absorbs anxiety. Favorite quote: “Justice is what love looks like in public” (Dr. Cornel West). Desired epitaph: And between these rocks and hard places she made diamonds.
