I’m Zahriyannah (Zaria or Z is fine too!), and Brookline is home. I was born and raised here in Precinct 4 and am a proud alum of Pierce School and BHS! I bring a strong background in public service, community engagement, and policy focused leadership to this campaign. I currently work as the program associate in the Safety Net department at the Boston Foundation, where my work is rooted in strengthening communities and supporting systems that people rely on every day.

My educational background has prepared me to approach local government with both analytical depth and a strong sense of responsibility. I studied economics at North Shore Community College, where I also served as student government president and held leadership roles in Phi Theta Kappa, the Black Student Union, and the Arab Student Union. I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree from Tufts University with a double major in history and political science and a concentration in the Middle East, and I hold a master’s degree in global public policy from Suffolk University, where I once again concentrated my studies in Middle Eastern studies, including policy and global development. That academic path has shaped how I think about governance, equity, policy, and the real-world impact of public decisions on people and communities.

My community and civic engagement experience has always been grounded in bringing people together, building trust, and helping institutions better serve the public. In Brookline based leadership roles, I have worked on grantmaking, racial equity initiatives, partnership-building, and large scale community engagement efforts involving residents, organizations, and local stakeholders. I’ve helped lead projects that strengthened civic participation, improved systems, and created meaningful opportunities for community voice. I believe those experiences have prepared me to be a thoughtful, informed, and deeply committed member of Town Meeting.

         FUN FACTS!

1. My favorite animal is the blue whale (hence my logo!). Whales represent wisdom, protection, and community, all things I hope to bring to Town Meeting! Whales are one of the few animals that travel in and rely on their pods or community for support.

2.  I am a second-generation Brookliner (is that the name for us generational residents? lol)

3. I speak English, Spanish, and conversational Russian and am in the process of learning Levantine Arabic and Farsi!

4. My eyes change color.

5. Swimming is my favorite activity.

6. The Sims is my favorite video game.

7.  I love Turkish Soap Operas!

8.  Blue is my favorite color.

9. I don't have a favorite song but I have played Mi Amor by Plastic Mode at least twice a day for the last 6 years.

10.  I am the daughter of a nurse!