Born in Pakistan, raised in an adopted home, and having lived across five countries — I was quietly studying belonging, not academically, just out of necessity. What is home? What makes someone feel safe and accepted?
That question followed me everywhere and became my thesis topic at RISD (Rhode Island School of Design): "Home is where my clothes are | Can trust be designed?" It continued through founding a social enterprise for refugee children, scaling a fintech to 38 states, becoming an EQ evangelist at AWS, and leading large-scale community building as President of Asians at Amazon. I hosted everything from community programs to Driveway Dinners for my neighbours.
That's how my startup Mayz was born.
"the Airbnb for human connection."
Along the way, I've cultivated a remarkable network spanning Fulbright, Acumen Fund, LGT Venture Philanthropy, Silicon Valley Business Journal 40 Under 40, and most recently the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program. If I had to distil everything I've lived and learned into a single idea, I'd borrow Shannon L. Alder's words:
"One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone."
My commitment to you is to share the very best of what I'm living and learning — with honesty, not perfection. Expect thought-provoking ideas, my love for flea markets and the future, stories about my dog Professor Dumbledore, and an unwavering belief that you have the capacity to live a more expansive, expressive, and meaningful life.
"We are all just trying to find our way home."
If you've read this far — thank you. I hope this is just the beginning of a relationship that lasts. I'd love to learn more about you.
With love
— Sarah
Presidential Leadership
