Tech CEO Sara Wahedi graduates from Oxford University

Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sara moved to Vancouver, Canada, as a refugee before returning to her country of birth for most of her 20s.

It was then that she co-founded civic technology start-up Ehtesab before moving on to become the CEO of Civaam.

At the age of just 25 years old, she was recognised as one of TIME Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders in 2021.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Sara Wahedi reflects on life in Oxford and studying at the university

Having completed her undergraduate studies at Columbia University in New York City, Ms Wahedi became a Clarendon Scholar at Oxford University in 2024.

Having undertaken a Master of Public Policy (MPP), the 29-year-old has now graduated from the prestigious institution.

Attending the formal ceremony yesterday (Saturday, May 24), Ms Wahedi shared several photographs across social media.

Speaking to the Oxford Mail, she said: “It’s been one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my life to study at Oxford.

“I’m especially grateful to the residents of Oxford and how they make students feel like they are at home, especially when we’re far from our parents.

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Sara Wahedi studied in the city for one year. (Image: Sara Wahedi)

“My mother was there, and it was quite emotional to see her there sitting at the top of the Sheldonian, remembering all she’s done, and having sacrificed her own dreams and aspirations to flee Afghanistan so I could chase my own.”

Ms Wahedi remains focused on the future with her role at the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice.

This institute is a partnership between the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government and the Clooney Foundation for Justice and sees the 29-year-old placed in a research associate role.

Guiding the technology pillar, Sara is now working in a team with the likes of Amal Clooney and Philippa Webb, as well as other lawyers and technologists leading in the space globally.

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Sara Wahedi now works in the city and calls Oxford home. (Image: Sara Wahedi)

“During the graduation ceremony, I was constantly thinking about the privilege and opportunity I had been given, having once been a refugee from Afghanistan, to then study at one of the top universities in the world,” added Ms Wahedi.

“Millions of Afghan women and girls will experience their fifth year, half a decade, of being banned from education by the Taliban.

“My work and mission remain to bring awareness to this horrific human rights violation, and to protect the fundamental right to education for every girl across the world.

“I’m grateful that I get to continue to call Oxford home as I remain committed to our important work in responsible AI deployment at the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice.”