Falls Church, VA — The Tahirih Justice Center is proud to announce a new leadership team that will head the organization’s Board of Directors. Tara Hogan Charles and Shabnam Mogharabi were elected new Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively. Their appointments mark a historic moment for Tahirih since it is the first time two women will lead the 20-person Board.
Tara brings more than 20 years of experience in legal, public policy and communications. She currently leads Race Equity Programs and Partnerships at P&G and is responsible for developing impactful initiatives, actions and partnerships that drive and providing strategic guidance to its portfolio of iconic brands. She was elected to serve as Chair by her fellow Board members and since joining the Board in 2019 has served as the Vice-Chair of Tahirih’s Board, on the DEI Committee and as the Board/Staff Liaison.
“It is an honor to be the first woman ever and the first woman of color to hold this seat. It is an exciting time for Tahirih,” said Hogan Charles. “Gender-based violence doesn’t discriminate, which is why I plan to bring my experience in the law, public policy and advancing equity to ensure Tahirih continues to serve women and girls and other survivors in the best way possible. I look forward to working with my fellow Board Members and Tahirih’s incredible leadership and staff to further elevate our role in supporting survivors of gender-based violence.”
Shabnam brings over 20 years of leadership experience in media and storytelling. She currently works as a business and strategy consultant in the media and entertainment industry. She is the co-founder and past CEO of inspiring content studio SoulPancake, a New York Times bestselling author and has won numerous writing, media, and entrepreneurship awards. She has been a member of Tahirih’s Board since 2019.
“Having served on the board alongside Tara the past four years, I can attest to her passion, leadership, and commitment to Tahirih, and I am proud to be working with her at this historic moment,” said Mogharabi. “Tahirih’s services are vital to women and girls, and I am eager to provide my expertise in media and communications to further elevate the organization’s vitally important work in this country.”
Tara and Shabnam are joined by Maria Cestone and Rishi Varma who are serving another term as secretary and treasurer, respectively, as Tahirih’s Board Executive Committee. Their roles will come into effect in March 2023. The board also welcomes four new members in the new term:
- Andrew Connor – Chief Operating Officer, Japan Society
- Dr. Neha Batool – Staff Psychologist, Compass Health Network
- Jian Khodadad – Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy, Sirius XM Radio Inc.
- Saphira Rameshfar – United Nations Representative
For media inquiries, please email Karla Flores at [email protected].
The Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit organization that serves immigrant survivors of gender-based violence. By amplifying the experiences of survivors, our mission is to create a world in which all people share equal rights and live in safety and with dignity.
