Sara O. Shahsavari

Sara O. Shahsavari is our Volunteer Administrator at the New Canadians Centre, making connections between newcomers and the community. She provides people the opportunity to put their good intentions and talents where it will have the biggest impact.

Graduating with a Philosophy and Politics degree from Trent University, Sara focused her studies on ethics, intersectionality, gender, justice & rights, world issues, and Canadian policy. In the community, she has been editor-in-chief at Arthur Newspaper, a radio programmer at Trent Radio, and mentor for youth at Peterborough Rock Camp For Girls*. Sara is also the Director of the Borderless Music & Arts Festival, which focuses on breaking down barriers in the community while uplifting women and marginalized voices.

Although born and raised in Canada, she has always felt especially connected to other migrants and newcomers. Sara’s family came as refugees from Iran and Poland 30 years ago. Growing up surrounded by different cultures, language barriers, and difficulties her families faced while integrating in Canada, the perspective and empathy that Sara brings to NCC will help foster strong connections. It is incredibly fulfilling for her to work at the New Canadians Centre because she wants to help families feel they are home and help volunteers recognize the work they are doing is changing lives.

When she is not working at the NCC, Sara O. Shahsavari is a writer, musician, visual artist, and community organizer. Also an avid gardener, Sara loves nature and watching things grow.