I have worked with Sahar Parirokh over many capacities over the past two years. First, she was a mentor to six of our students through Freedomstar, a 2 day/week internship program she created for students at Frances Perkins Academy. Second, I worked with her in creating a fundraising event for the same school. Most recently I have worked with Sahar in developing several grant opportunities for FPA.
Frances Perkins Academy is an internship-based high school, and we usually reach out to mentors asking them to donate time to host an intern for the semester. Alternatively, Sahar came to us with a proposal to us with an internship curriculum that she created. Over the course of a semester, they learned different aspects of the production process to create a fashion show raising money for the school. The students earned credits, learned skills and had tremendous pride in the event that they created.
The fundraising event, a reading and signing with the author Pulitzer-Prize-winning author, Junot Diaz, was also a huge success. Not only did the school raise a significant amount of money, but also generated excitement by bringing the community into the school building to show off the space and the student work.
Sahar is equally as creative and motivated when it comes to grant writing for the school. She has good ideas, and is quick and organized when it comes to execution. She is a great communicator, and easily makes connections with outside organizations.
I highly recommend Sahar in the areas of working with both teenagers and adults. Her energy and voice has been deeply appreciated at Frances Perkins Academy over the past two years, and I am confident that she would make a similar impact at any other organization that she helps.
-Leah Wiseman Fink, Internship Coordinator
I’m writing this letter on behalf of Sahar Parirokh and Freedom Star. I’ve known Ms. Parirokh since fall 2009 when she became a mentor to one of our students. As the principal, I sought to partner with individuals who are committed to challenging the status quo and who embrace the responsibility of guiding our youth. During the fall semester, Ms. Parirokh mentored one of our students. During the spring term, she created a curriculum and project that allowed her to mentor seven of my students. The work I saw with these students was transformative. I saw students who lacked confidence, struggled academically, and distrusted adults excel and embrace their responsibilities while working under her guidance. She gave students responsibilities and offered them opportunities to be brilliant, and they did not disappoint. Her motivation to work with youth and engage them in real-world projects while being a role model to them make her exceptionally qualified to continue to this kind of work on a broader scale. I strongly encourage Ms. Parirokh to continue her work with urban youth.
-J. Guzman, Principal
Dear Sahar: just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for making the launching of the Senior Fund a success. Your commitment and dedication to the kids, the school as well as your understanding and loyalty of my vision is evident and proven in your actions, hard work and attitude. Thank you for being an ally and such a great partner in this work.
Sin miedo,
-Jocelyn Santana, PhD
I can't say we are the craftiest group of ladies but Sahar made my jelwery making bridal shower simple, easy and most of all, fun. Not only did she come fully armed with all the supplies needed, she also came with a wide range of beads, chains, hooks and other necessities to finish off our perfect looks. She gave me and my bridal party individual attention and hands-on training on how to create the perfect earrings and necklaces. The next day, me and the ladies hit the town proudly sporting our new jewels. I look back now at my earrings and they are a sweet souvenir of that special weekend.
-D. L. Lopez
I had a drop back necklace custom made by Freedom Star for my wedding, it was just enchanting and took my look to the apex of feminism and sexiness, I had tons of compliments on it of course! I still wear it with evening outfits now. A great way to relive a piece of a very special day - I love it!
-D. LeBrun