Academia__

Bronx H.S. of Science // Bronx, NY (1994 – 1998) – High School Diploma; Spelman College // Atlanta, Ga (1998 – 2002) – Bachelor’s Degree (English); Nanzan University // Nagoya, Japan (2001 – 2002) – Study Abroad (Japanese)

A Bronx native, Saafir was the first of nine siblings to earn a diploma from a specialized high school. Her advisor firmly stated she was committing “academic suicide” when she applied to just one college; she delivered her Spelman College acceptance letter in person. Flippantly social her freshman year (she was crowned Ms. Tri-State for homecoming), she hunkered down as a sophomore and spent her junior year abroad studying Japanese syntax while serving as captain of Nanzan University’s dance squad. Saafir chose English as a major–aware that communicating effectively was the foundation for any successful career. She minored in Japanese, set on a path to international business. A post-grad course in Strategic Communications at Columbia University–during her role as event planner for the Ivy league’s president–changed her mind and direction. She instead leaned into her love for publications.

Work Study__

Penguin Books, Men’s Journal, Maxim, Marie Claire, W, Essence, Vibe, XXL, InStyle, Lucky, US Weekly, Complex, Seventeen | 2006-2016  Research, Copy Editing, Proofreading + Writing

For a decade, Saafir worked as an independent contractor for multiple editorial entities. First, head down, happy to be in the rooms. Soon, head up, observing the inner workings of each. Eventually, head tilted, witnessing the voids. The gaps in representation. The omission of certain stories. The overall lack of diversity, in staff and content.

Thesis__

In response to industry voids, and years before #BlackGirlMagic began trending, Saafir ended her work at other publications and created her own–self-publishing a high-touch, thoughtfully designed journal called HANNAH, centering and celebrating Black women. Two subsequent editions, an accompanying digital space, and in-person events garnered a dedicated consumer base and an organic social community of 25K. The concept was simple: Black women deserve to be seen, heard, celebrated and to exist in their full range of human experience. In 2025, HANNAH will expand to include IRL activations and additional print offerings. Her past work promoting inclusivity in literature, includes co-founding Ps&Qs, a publishing company created to encourage diversity in children’s books, and penning the company’s first offering, a hardcover called Charlie & His Imaginary Friend.

Assessment__

A burst of press brought the success of HANNAH to the attention of several corporations and organizations–major and start-up alike. Saafir was met with an influx of requests from companies and brands seeking guidance on engaging the AA women demographic authentically. Subsequently, Saafir began consulting, her services expanding to asset auditing and content revision.

Her consultation led to a full-time role of Creative Director at Quantasy + Associates, LLC. With her continued intention of championing inclusivity and equity, Saafir worked as the lead creative on the agency’s in-house product, a mindfulness app primarily for underserved people.

At Quantasy, Saafir carried out brand assessment + development, marketing strategy, copy writing, shoot direction + production, brand integration for partnerships + event activations, and narrative + language strategy.

Services__

Saafir is currently focusing on narrative strategy, script + screen writing, public speaking and her podcast. If interested, please inquire below.