Zahra Ali is a NYC-based fundraiser and communications specialist with a background in advocating for underserved communities and building equity in the non-profit field.

Prior to joining the Proteus Fund, Zahra served as the Assistant Director of Institutional Philanthropy at the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) where she grew a portfolio of institutional donors to open pathways for displaced people globally. Previously, she led development and communications initiatives at the Arab-American Family Support Center in Brooklyn, a community-based organization that empowers immigrants and refugees across New York City. She also served as a Global Health Corps Fellow at Housing Works, where she secured grassroots funding and crafted marketing campaigns to further the mission to end of HIV/AIDS and homelessness.

Zahra received an Honours B.A. in Diaspora and Transnational Studies from the University of Toronto with minors in Middle Eastern Studies and African Studies. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Fundraising and Resource Development from Georgian College.