Sabrina Pourmand Named "Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year"

October 23, 2008 - Sabrina Pourmand has been named the "Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year" by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN). Sabrina, 26, who currently holds the position of Corporate Development Officer at Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, was nominated for her work during the organization's recent merger, her leadership and support of its fundraising efforts, and her ongoing passion for the nonprofit community. The award ceremony was held on Thursday, October 23rd, at 6:00 pm at Etiquette Lounge in San Francisco.

Growing up in Los Altos Hills, Sabrina learned important life lessons from her Iranian-born father and Filipina mother. In his thickly accented voice, her father cautioned that "life will always be riddled with problems; therefore, seek fulfillment by defining yourself as a problem-solver." He sprinkled Persian proverbs into every lesson, reminding Sabrina that "even a small key can open big doors." Carrying this maxim throughout her life is what has encouraged Sabrina to seek creative solutions to social issues.

Sabrina's observation of her mother's incomparable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, speaking Farsi with Sabrina's Persian family, and acquiring a firm grasp of the Spanish language inspired Sabrina to seek work abroad in the early years of her career. As a fellow with the Foundation for Sustainable Development, Sabrina spent eight months working in Puno, Peru for Pro Mujer, a microfinance institution that offers credit and training programs to poor, mainly indigenous women throughout Latin America. Upon returning to the Bay Area, Sabrina has continued her focus in social entrepreneurship, establishing Soccer for Success, an international nonprofit organization that uses soccer to empower young girls in developing countries.

Sabrina joined Habitat for Humanity in 2006 and spent her first year working as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, including a week of construction in the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast. In 2007, Sabrina assumed the role of Corporate Development Officer, overseeing corporate and foundation partnerships in the organization's fund development program. Sabrina also held a leadership role during the integration process in the recent merger of Habitat for Humanity San Francisco and Peninsula Habitat for Humanity, creating a new local affiliate called Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco. The organization partners with working families and the community to build affordable ownership housing in Marin, San Francisco, and the Peninsula.

Sabrina holds a B.A. degree in political science from the University of California, San Diego, with concentrations in American policy and international relations. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in nonprofit administration at the University of San Francisco while continuing her work at Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco. Sabrina is a resident of San Francisco.