Safar Global Foundation (SGF) Company Profile

Background

Safar Global Foundation (SGF) is a non-profit organization established in 2024 by twin sisters Shabnam and Shaghayegh (Shay) Safarzadeh. The foundation is dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged girls in developing countries by providing access to quality education. SGF's mission is to collaborate with partners and stakeholders to equip girls with the knowledge, resources, and skills necessary for meaningful education, thereby empowering them to achieve economic independence and effect positive change in their communities.

Key Strategic Focus

SGF concentrates on three primary areas to support girls' education:

Scholarships: Offering full tuition scholarships to deserving girls, aiming to break the cycle of oppression through education.

Mentorship: Providing one-on-one mentoring and coaching to help girls build confidence, set personal goals, and develop self-worth.

Vocational Training: Partnering with organizations like Advanced eClinical to offer online job readiness and vocational training in various medical assistant courses, enabling girls to earn accredited certifications and achieve financial independence.

These initiatives are initially focused on regions in Africa and the Middle East, where girls face significant educational barriers due to cultural, economic, and political factors.

Financials and Funding

As a non-profit organization, SGF relies on donations, grants, and fundraising events to finance its programs. In April 2025, SGF hosted an exclusive event in collaboration with a major New York City fashion house, where a portion of the proceeds directly supported the foundation's mission. Additionally, SGF collaborates with partners like the Flaviana Matata Foundation to fund specific projects, such as constructing WASH facilities at girls' schools in Tanzania.

Pipeline Development

SGF's ongoing and upcoming initiatives include:

Scholarship Programs: Continuing to identify and support deserving girls in developing countries with full tuition scholarships.

Mentorship Workshops: Expanding interactive, motivational workshops to foster strategic thinking, employable skills, financial literacy, and personal development.

Vocational Training Expansion: Broadening the scope of vocational training programs to include additional courses and certifications, enhancing employability in various sectors.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SGF leverages technology to enhance educational access and vocational training:

E-Learning Platforms: Utilizing platforms like Advanced eClinical to provide online vocational training, enabling girls to acquire marketable skills remotely.

AI-Driven Recruitment: Through ventures like Externi, SGF incorporates AI to transform medical recruitment and talent development, offering innovative pathways for employment.

Leadership Team

Shabnam Safarzadeh: Co-Founder and President. Shabnam has a background in healthcare technology and e-learning platforms, co-founding Advanced eClinical and Externi. Her experience in enhancing educational access in the healthcare industry informs her leadership at SGF.

Shaghayegh (Shay) Safarzadeh: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Shay shares a similar background with her sister, contributing to the development of e-learning and technology platforms. Her entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit drives SGF's mission.

Ayaan Ahmed: Executive Director and Chief of Policy and Advocacy. Ayaan focuses on strengthening resources of partners to reform unjust policies against girls and promote equitable access to education.

Becca Morris: Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations. Becca manages relationships with corporate and foundation partners to support SGF's initiatives.

Shirin Lotfi: Director of Community Engagement & Advocacy. Shirin leads efforts to engage communities and advocate for girls' education.

Andrea DiNunzio: Global Strategic & Policy Advisor. Andrea provides strategic guidance on global policies affecting girls' education.

Lidiya Maltseva: Events & Fundraising Coordinator. Lidiya organizes events and fundraising activities to support SGF's programs.

Lauren Summa: Director of Partnerships. Lauren oversees partnerships with organizations that align with SGF's mission.

Grace Yuan: Fundraising & Donor Advisor. Grace advises on fundraising strategies and donor relations.

Livia Pillman: Global Ambassador. Livia represents SGF in global forums and promotes the foundation's mission.

Leadership Changes

As SGF was founded in 2024, there have been no significant leadership changes since its inception.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global non-profit sector focused on girls' education is characterized by a growing recognition of the importance of educational access for economic development and gender equality. Organizations in this space aim to address barriers such as poverty, cultural norms, and political instability that hinder girls' education.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the sector include:

Malala Fund: Founded by Malala Yousafzai, this organization advocates for girls' education and invests in local education activists.

Plan International: A development and humanitarian organization that advances children's rights and equality for girls.

Camfed (Campaign for Female Education): Focuses on eradicating poverty in Africa through the education of girls and the empowerment of young women.

These organizations share a common goal with SGF but may differ in their approaches, geographic focus, and programmatic strategies.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SGF collaborates with several organizations to enhance its impact:

GEANCO Foundation: Partners with SGF to provide educational resources, including laptops and scholarships, to young female survivors of terrorism and gender inequality in Africa.

Flaviana Matata Foundation (FMF): Works with SGF to build safe, private washrooms in schools in Tanzania, addressing barriers to girls' education related to menstrual hygiene.

Advanced eClinical: Provides online vocational training courses in the medical field, enabling girls to gain accredited certifications and achieve financial independence.

Operational Insights

SGF differentiates itself through a holistic approach that combines scholarships, mentorship, and vocational training. By addressing multiple facets of educational barriers, SGF aims to create sustainable change in the communities it serves. The foundation's strategic partnerships with organizations like GEANCO and FMF enhance its capacity to implement programs effectively.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

SGF plans to expand its programs to additional regions facing educational disparities. The foundation is exploring partnerships with technology companies to develop innovative e-learning solutions tailored to the needs of girls in remote areas. Additionally, SGF aims to advocate for policy changes that promote gender equality in education at both local and international levels.