Maryam Zahid

Maryam (she/her) is a South Asian first-generation immigrant. She is a firm believer in the wonder, creativity, joy, and power that reside in the early years of life. Her passion lies in equipping young children to understand themselves, their loved ones, peers, and the systems surrounding them. She sees this as integral to providing affirming and loving childhoods. Moreover, she is passionate about instilling in children an understanding of race and the systems of injustice and oppression, empowering them to become co-creators of a more equitable future.

In her role at EmbraceRace, and grounded in relationship-building and empathy, Maryam aspires to connect caregivers with the resources and communities they need to raise a brave generation in her role.

Maryam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Political Theory from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Her career journey has included roles as a former ESL educator in Chengdu, China, and a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Raub, Malaysia. Her professional focus has consistently revolved around youth development, both through teaching and in leadership positions within the education non-profit sector.

Having spent her formative years in Pakistan and part of her early childhood in Des Moines, Iowa, Maryam's motivation is deeply informed by her personal experiences as a young brown girl in Iowa. She is also acutely aware of the challenges posed by colonized and colorist thinking within her own community. Reflecting on her own journey, Maryam often wishes she had access to a resource like EmbraceRace during her childhood.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Maryam finds joy in learning about liberation in education, discovering new music and making playlists for every mood, and painting– with a particular fondness for painting animals. Maryam hopes to illustrate a children’s book someday. She currently resides in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her partner and their beloved cat and dog.