The Birth of
Safar Global Foundation (SGF)
SGF was founded in 2024 by twin sisters Shaghayegh and Shabnam Safarzadeh to create a world where all girls learn, rise, and thrive.
At age five, the Safar twins immigrated from Tehran, Iran to the US. Their mother’s sacrifices and determination for better opportunities abroad have inspired their entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit.
The Safar sisters have dedicated their careers to enhancing educational access in the healthcare industry. With the success of their e-learning and technology platforms, Advanced eClinical and Externi, Shab, and Shay now believe it is a personal duty to give back.
Meet the Team
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Shabnam Safarzadeh
Co-Founder, President
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Shaghayegh Safarzadeh
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
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Ayaan Ahmed
Executive Director, Chief of Policy and Advocacy
Education provides pathways out of poverty – increase by 10% for each school year completed.
At the heart of the founder’s philanthropic efforts is a deeply held belief that education is not just a basic human right – it has the power to end poverty, levels inequities, and builds a more sustainable world.
Shabnam Safarzadeh, Founder
“We believe the education of young women - especially those who are systemically marginalized or excluded - builds a gateway to global change, leading to a brighter and more equitable future for all.”
Shay Safarzadeh, Founder
“We are focusing our initial efforts on Africa and the Middle East, where girls must confront significant educational barriers due to cultural, economic, and political factors.”
Aayan Ahmed, Director
“We strengthen the resources of our partners in these communities to reform unjust policies against girls, promote and advocate for their equitable access to education, and ultimately increase their opportunity for economic and societal advancement.”
