Sahar Zamir, The Unbreakable Advocate
Sahar Zamir knows that life isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Growing up in war-torn Afghanistan taught her what it meant to live without a voice, a lesson that shaped her lifelong mission. Today, as a US citizen, mother, consultant and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), she stands for children who might otherwise go unheard, transforming hardship into hope. As the first Afghan woman to win a marathon, she’s also helped raise over $5 million for children’s causes, proving that strength isn’t built in comfort but forged through perseverance, purpose and faith that carries you across every finish line.
How has your journey shaped the woman you are today?
Growing up in Afghanistan, my childhood was shaped by war and fear. I left my country as a child, carrying with me the weight of silence that women were forced to live under. In a place where women had no voice, I learned early what it meant to be invisible. That silence shaped me into the woman I am today: strong, unafraid to speak and determined to stand where others tried to erase me.
What drives your passion for serving the youth of your community?
My passion for serving children is rooted in my own childhood. Growing up with trauma taught me what it feels like to be small, unheard and unprotected. Those experiences could have broken me, but instead, they gave me purpose. I knew I could either carry the pain in silence or transform it into action, and I chose to act. That’s why I serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. I know firsthand that children need someone to stand for them, to ensure their voices are not lost in the chaos of adult battles. I believe it is our responsibility to protect them, because children are not just our future, they are our present. Every child deserves safety, dignity and the chance to grow into their fullest self.
As a marathon runner, what lessons from the track have translated into life?
I’ve learned that no matter how long the race or how far the finish line seems, the key is to keep going and always finish strong. The same endurance, patience and discipline I’ve practiced on the track guide me in motherhood and business. It’s not just about crossing the finish line, it’s about embracing the journey, mile by mile, because that’s where the true beauty lies.
How do you maintain the balance?
Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about being intentional. I carve out time for prayer, running and reflection, which keep me grounded. I prioritize family by being present, even in small moments. And I give back by aligning my service work, like CASA, with my values. When your actions are rooted in faith and purpose, balance becomes less about juggling and more about living in alignment.
