Meet Our Board
The Seda Empowerment Board of Directors plays an essential role in advancing this mission. Our Board brings together individuals with diverse professional expertise, life experiences, perspectives, and a shared commitment to creating a better future for women. Through their leadership, strategic guidance, networks, and dedication, Board members help strengthen Seda Empowerment and expand the impact of our work.
Marzia Azimi
Executive Director and President
Marzia’s drive to uplift women is shaped by a journey that began in Herat, Afghanistan, and continues in the United States, where she is building a life rooted in purpose and service. She is the Founder of Seda Empowerment and is completing degrees in Finance and Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. When she’s not working, Marzia finds joy in kayaking, hiking, figure skating and connecting with people from all walks of life.
Suzie Swanson
Secretary
Suzie’s passion for assisting people in crisis has led her to many roles in global humanitarian assistance in 35+ countries over the past 30 years. She has served communities affected by war, natural disasters, disease, and extreme poverty through multi-sector program development and management, partnership development, global mental health, and member care. Suzie’s educational background includes degrees in international studies and multiple foreign languages, professional certificates in humanitarian program development, crisis intervention, and spiritual direction, and a master’s degree in human services counseling. Suzie lives in WI with her husband Matt and her kids Liv (6) and Kai (3). In her free time, she enjoys hosting friends, language study, and everything outdoors!
Andy Mendez
Communication Director
Andy is passionate about helping disenfranchised groups access meaningful opportunities. Their professional background includes multiple years studying Turkish and Arabic, contributing to gender empowerment projects in Egypt and Morocco, and providing online education to Turkish professionals and Syrian refugees. Andy’s interest in promoting inclusive economic policy inspired them to move to Boston, where they completed their graduate studies in business and sustainable international development. After graduation, Andy was named one of 850 Fellows in the penultimate cohort of the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. As a PMF with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Andy published online resources designed to help inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners safeguard their intellectual property. Andy’s belief in collective impact was informed by many years working in civil legal aid and advocacy organizations. Outside of work, Andy can be found practicing yoga and reading fantasy novels.