We had the good fortune of connecting with Sana Syed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sana, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
We created our non-profit, Kimiya, to produce documentaries about human rights issues around the world through the lens of trauma healing. We recently launched Fight Club as a program to help heal women who are survivors of trauma in the Dallas area by combining boxing, yoga and therapy in a rigorous 12-week program.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career was definitely not a straight arrow. I started off as a news anchor/reporter and worked my way up the TV news ladder for 10 years. After getting my dream job on air in my hometown of Dallas/Fort Worth, I decided to leave TV and pursue a career as a spokesperson. I eventually made my way to the City of Arlington and then led my own team of 17 at the City of Dallas, managing the Ebola crisis and July 7 shooting where 5 Dallas police officers were killed. After that incident, I left government, finished my PhD in Urban Planning and Public Policy and did a short stint as an executive in higher ed before landing in the private sector as Executive Vice President of Community Outreach and Development. It’s been quite a ride – but I’ve learned I work best when molding strategy and growing organizations. During this time, I also managed Kimiya, a 501c3 we founded to produce documentaries on human rights issues through the lens of trauma healing. In 2020, we launched Fight Club, a 12-week program that combines boxing, yoga and therapy for women who are survivors of trauma. We are on our third cohort right now!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a foodie – so this would involve a lot of food.

We’d start the week at my home – Farmers Market. The weekend market is a must-see with fresh fruits, vegetables, treats and vendors. I grab a pound of beef bacon, fruit and pastries every weekend.
I have two fur babies – Nala and Oliver – so we’d also have a long play date at Bark Park or the dog park at White Rock Lake.
Go for a morning run on the incomparable Katy Trail.
Spa Day at the most beautiful building in Dallas – the Joule.
Twilite in Deep Ellum.
Food and Music at Henry’s Majestic.
Brunch at Up on Knox.
Sleep.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our board and our Fight Club students! We’re so blessed to be surrounded by love and positive energy.

Website: www.KimiyaInternational.com

Instagram: @KimiyaInternational

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sssyed/

Twitter: @SanaSyedKI

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanaSyedKI

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