2020
Donya Nasser
- Age: 30
- | She/her/hers
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We must support young people in finding and cultivating their power, wielding it to create change in the lives of girls and women, and encouraging leadership that enables us to reach for the stars and uplift our communities.
- Donya Nasser
Bio
Donya Nasser was born and raised in the United States. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Gender Studies from St. John’s University in 2015. As a Senior Public Engagement and Policy Manager at Center for the Developing Adolescent, Donya is responsible for youth engagement in research and integrating their lived experiences in science, coalition building and partnership cultivation, and policy on adolescent development. Additionally, she is a Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund board director, International Planned Parenthood Federation Western Hemisphere Region board director, and International Planned Parenthood Federation Governing Councilmember.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
The moment when I was old enough to understand my mother’s story of being powerless in her environment, body, and life was the moment I was inspired to fight for gender equality and reproductive justice. Her story and my own struggles as a young woman continue to spark my passion.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
Attending the G7’s Youth Summit as the US Delegate on Gender Inequalities in Paris. In our communique negotiations, I fought for and secured language on SRHR and services, utilizing a feminist approach to domestic and foreign policy, and the early comprehensive sexual education of girls and boys.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
High-intensity interval training and weight lifting, dancing to Persian music, cooking new recipes, and traveling the world.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Farsi (Advanced/Native)
- Spanish (Elementary)
- Farsi (Advanced/Native)
Publications:
Speaks On:
- youth participation and leadership
- rights of women of color to fair representation and services
- Muslim women and SRHR
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Women in Leadership Training Program
- Meaningful Youth Engagement Training
- Providing Cultural Competency in Healthcare Training
- Train the Trainer certificate
- Media Training for Speaking on Abortion and Reproductive Health
- Gates 120 Under 40
- Glamour Magazine Top 10 College Woman
- L'Oreal College Woman of Worth
- U.S. Youth Observer to the United Nations
- Restless Development Youth Power Panel
