By Annette Pinder

Nadia Shahram was born in Tehran, one of six daughters. A human rights advocate and journalist, Nadia’s father was jailed by secret police for his outspoken views. She remembers him being taken from their home in the middle of the night several times. She learned about defiance and civic duty at an early age.

As did many Iranians at the time, Nadia’s parents sent her to Toronto to complete high school and pursue her goal of becoming a broadcast journalist. “I was particularly fond of Barbara Walters, who visited Iran several times. I was fascinated by her ability to capture people’s stories and her beautiful designer suits. I, too, wanted to become a journalist and tell stories of kings and queens!” She moved to Buffalo after spending a weekend visiting Niagara Falls with her classmates. “I fell in love with the people immediately.” So, after the 1979 Iranian revolution, her parents decided to leave Iran for America, and, to their surprise, Nadia chose Buffalo.

Once in Buffalo, Nadia promptly visited the UB English Department, advising them of her plans to become a broadcast journalist. When her heavy foreign accent was met with laughter by the staff and she was told she didn’t stand a chance at broadcast journalism, she pursued law.

Law provided Nadia with the opportunity to recount many stories and author two books. Many are about women who have endured pain due to practices that marginalize them and support abuse in the name of religion. Outspoken, like her father, she characterizes any religion that promotes terrorism or that validates inequality as a cult.

“After becoming a lawyer, I realized that not all clients behave as good people, especially in matters involving custody and child support. Choosing mediation allowed me to represent both parents, rather than favoring the one with the most money. Mediation provided better outcomes for everyone.”

Following the events of 9/11, Nadia reexamined her Islamic faith and the perceptions of Muslims. It prompted her to develop a UB School of Law class titled, “The Effects of Religion and Culture on Family Laws.” In 2014, she unveiled a Declaration of Equalities for Muslim Women, which was inducted into the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, where it is on display. The declaration calls for female equality and an end to unjust cultural and discriminatory practices affecting Muslim women.

Nadia and her team of caring friends help refugees in every aspect of life — from adapting socially and culturally, to helping with educational scholarships, medical and mental issues, or simply being a friend. “I want to be that person who listens, helps women under stress, or even during childbirth by holding the mother’s hand. I want people to realize that refugees who come here initially need a helping hand, but they give back in so many ways that benefit our community. Refugees are people running from civil unrest, turmoil, and bombings in their countries due to complex, dangerous, and unimaginable world situations.”

Most importantly, Nadia reminds us that our collective responsibility to help one another is part of being human. “At our core, we have good hearts, and a moral obligation to help those lacking even the basics — safety, food, medicine, and happiness. Sometimes it means holding someone’s hand or giving them a hug.” She finds that even if someone is hesitant to hug, they tend to let go after a couple of minutes. “One woman told me she hadn’t been hugged since she lost her mother years ago. That feeling of letting go for a second in a stranger’s embrace, feeling loved and wanted, and knowing it’s going to be okay is so important.” Sadly, she is devastated by the number of individuals and children losing their lives in the Middle East. Her favorite song is Imagine by John Lennon, especially the version featuring musicians from around the world.

Nadia has two daughters. Melanie is Director of Jobs Move America in California, and Natasha is a local attorney and new mom. These days, Nadia is working a bit less, but giving back more, especially to her favorite organizations — the Family Justice Center, Jewish Family Services, Jericho Road, Catholic Charities, International Institute, and Rahama.

Nadia is over the moon lately, enjoying her new role as “Glam-ma.” She follows a healthy diet, loves poetry, dance, music, and exercises regularly. “Early in the morning, looking out my window, sipping a cappuccino, I think about the beauty of life. I think, what can I do to make it a better day, not necessarily for myself, but for someone else?”