Lecturers at the Jefferson Educational Society

Anahita Panahi, M.A., is the Refugee Campaign Manager at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). In her role, she builds grassroots support, convenes various stakeholders, sustains grass-tops leadership, and fosters welcoming policies and practices for refugees and immigrant’s rights in California. At the national level, Anahita works with the We Are All America (WAAA) Coalition to strengthen the nation’s commitment to welcome and protect those seeking freedom, safety, and refuge in the United States.

Prior to joining CHIRLA and WAAA four years ago, Anahita spent time volunteering with refugees in the San Diego and Mexico border, Iran and Turkey. She completed her education with a Bachelor's in International Security and Conflict Resolution at San Diego State University and a Master's in Political Science at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Anahita is also an executive committee member of the Opportunity for All (OFA) National Table and the 2022 vice-chair of the Refugee Forum of Los Angeles (RFLA).