Sadia Ashraf graduated from Loyola University Chicago with her master’s in English, specializing in postcolonial studies, in 2000. Currently, she is the outreach coordinator and fundraising specialist for Central Asia Institute. Founded by Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, Central Asia Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Prior to joining Central Asia Institute, Sadia worked as an art history research director, a public mural artist, and a freelance writer. Sadia and her husband live in Illinois with their two children.  

What’s the most enduring lesson you learned at Loyola?

My professors challenged us to exceed our own expectations and pushed us harder by never being thoroughly satisfied. My sometimes quick or lethargic output halted and I began to question the validity of my own research. Ultimately, for my professional work it was an enduring lesson and taught me to be more meticulous.  

What’s your favorite memory of Loyola?

Once, Dr. Janangelo asked me write something during a pedagogical presentation in my native language, Urdu, it got my fellow grad students really interested and they had me fill the board with various sentences–some were downright silly.

Why did you decide to become an Outreach Coordinator?

I read Three Cups of Tea in 2006 and had an epiphany. I had hitherto always been critical of the educational system in Pakistan and the solutions Greg Mortenson provided to building bridges of peace across cultures inspired made me to get on board.

What’s the most interesting part of your job?

I get to travel internationally and nationally and meet the most intriguing people in the world: whether they are authors, politicians, celebrities, readers of Three Cups of Tea, or primary students that study in the schools in Central Asia.

What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My husband said to me when we were newly married (11 years ago): “Look inside yourself for life’s direction: not outside.”

What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it to others?

The Alchemist and Mirror to the Blind by Tehmina Durrani. I would highly recommend the latter to anyone interested in humanitarianism and peace. 

What (or who) inspires you?

Pakistani philanthropist/rock star Shehzad Roy and, of course, my boss Greg Mortenson. I feel blessed to have them as real-life inspirations and mentors. 

If you could travel to any time and place in history, where would you opt to go?

Be a part of the secret society of Pre-Raphaelites. 

If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science fiction?

It would be a drama-romantic comedy, action- documentary. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?

Mauritania [a country in northwest Africa] – I grew up there and have lots of childhood memories. 

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The thought that every action we implement at our organization helps a child in the developing world. 

What’s your favorite Chicago pizza place?

Lou Malnati’s. I love sushi though ….they should make sushi pizza. 

Who would you want to be for a day?

The curator at Louvre.

Which one best describes you in college: athlete, intellectual, artist, young professional, activist, or social butterfly?

Activist

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