About Bookda:
Bookda moved to the U.S. from Iran in 1980. She has been living in Seattle for 27 years. A Social Worker by personal direction and formal training, Bookda is most passionate about social change and organizing communities around the root causes of social and economic inequities.
Experience:
Senior Director, Office of Equity, Port of Seattle (June 2019- Present)
Policy Advisor, Office of Equity and Social Justice, King County Executive Office (January 2017-June 2019): In King County we have serious disparities by race across our Determinants of Equity. In the Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan, we lay out a roadmap for advancing racial equity in eight policy areas. Similarly, we have goals for building our capacity to address racial equity in six areas. King County is intentionally leading with racial justice to confront the historical and racial inequities that continue to exist in our community and the organization. These racial inequities affect all of us and our ability to live well and thrive.
Executive Director, Mona Foundation (2014- January 2017): The Mona Foundation supports grassroots educational initiatives around the world. The underlying basis for all the activities of the Mona Foundation is the belief that the key to eliminating poverty and achieving positive community transformation lies in access to universal education and gender equality.
Founding Executive Director, Global Washington (2008-2014): Global Washington is a one-of-a-kind membership organization in Washington State that convenes organizations and leaders in the global development community. As Executive Director, Bookda was responsible for convening hundreds of organizations and leaders to spark new ideas and partnerships, and build a network of leaders improving lives around the world.
Executive Director, Social Justice Fund (2000-2008): Social Justice Fund works at the frontlines of social change to leverage the resources of members to foster significant, long-term social justice solutions throughout the Northwest. As Executive Director Bookda was responsible for a re-brand of a 25-year old foundation to build a model with a racial justice lens for fundraising and grantmaking for the foundation.
Executive Director of Cross Cultural Health Care Program (1993-2000): CCHCP’s mission is to help ensure immigrant and refugee communities full access to quality health care that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
Clinical Director of Youth and Family Services for Center for Human Services (1990–1993): CHS's mission is to strengthen the community through counseling, education, and support to children, youth, adults, and families.
Bookda has also taught at University of Washington School of Social Work, Antioch University, and Bastyr University as adjunct faculty.