Yalda is a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. Her inspiration comes, in part, from her parents, who fled shortly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, leaving their home to search for better opportunities for their children.

Yalda has spent a decade researching, analyzing and interpreting social inequities, with a particular focus on issues facing American women of color. She has put theory into practice, with 6 years of experience volunteering for social service organizations in Sacramento and San Francisco, CA. In her volunteer experience, Yalda has been especially driven to promote the rights of women. She has volunteered as a bilingual crisis hotline and shelter volunteer for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and support organizations.

Though women’s rights is a major focus for Yalda, she has also mentored refugee families; and during her post-graduate studies, engaged in advocacy work on issues pertaining to LGBTQ youth. Additionally, she has eight years of sales experience, which includes over four years of experience as a Personal Banker, where she developed strong financial and sales skills, and a robust, intuitive understanding of business ethics.

Yalda is a magna cum laude graduate, earning her BS in Women’s Studies from California State University, Sacramento, where she was recognized and awarded for her community activism and academic achievements. She was one of seven students selected for the Dean’s Award consisting of 950+ graduates. In 2015, she obtained her MA in Women and Gender Studies from San Francisco State University.

Ultimately, Yalda utilizes her education and diverse range of applied skills and experiences to continue developing key coalitions and relationships with members of her community, and others who aspire to end domestic violence in California.