WashU Law alumna Fajer Saeed Ebrahim, JD-MSW ’17, has assumed the role of chair of the Board of Directors of the Guttmacher Institute, a leading research and policy organization focused on advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. In the position, Ebrahim will help guide the organization’s strategic direction and advance its work at a critical time for reproductive health policy and advocacy.
Ebrahim is vice president of policy and research at the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), where she leads federal policy and research initiatives advancing reproductive justice for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. Her work focuses on abortion access, immigrant health and coalition-building across the reproductive justice movement. She previously held roles with the Center for Reproductive Rights and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Her path to Guttmacher began in 2021 when Professor Susan Appleton, Lemma Barkeloo & Phoebe Couzins Professor of Law, and former WashU Law Professor Laura Rosenbury (now President of Barnard College) jointly nominated her for a seat on the board. Since joining, Ebrahim has distinguished herself through her contributions and leadership, progressing from board member to vice chair and now chair.
“I am incredibly proud of Fajer and all that she has accomplished,” said Professor Appleton. “It has been rewarding to see her grow professionally and make such meaningful contributions to reproductive health and justice. Her appointment as Guttmacher’s board chair recognizes her leadership, expertise and commitment to advancing this important work.”
Ebrahim earned both her JD from WashU Law and her Master of Social Work from the Brown School in 2017 through the university’s joint-degree program. Her interdisciplinary education provided a foundation for a career working at the intersection of law, public policy and social justice. She returned to WashU Law last year as a speaker in the Public Interest Law & Policy Speakers Series, sharing her professional experience and perspectives with the law school community.
WashU Law congratulates Ebrahim on this achievement and looks forward to seeing her continued impact in this important leadership role.
