Soolmaz Abooali

Soolmaz Abooali is an Iranian-American refugee, athlete, and scholar who leverages her unique background and knowledge to promote equality and empowerment through sport and fitness initiatives at various levels of society.

Soolmaz is an 11-time US National Champion, international medalist, and USA team member in Traditional Karate. She is currently working on her PhD in conflict resolution at George Mason University, with a focus on how non-governmental organizations use sport to reduce violence. Using her expertise in sport and scholarship, Soolmaz conducts sport diplomacy/conflict resolution workshops for cross-sectional audiences within and outside the United States. Her initiatives include partners such as United States Institute of Peace (USIP), United States Department of State (USDOS), the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN), philanthropic figures, and non-governmental organizations.

To pay it forward, Soolmaz serves as an Athlete Ambassador for the American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF) and Shirzanan (SHEER’zah-non). Alongside the AAKF, Soolmaz increases public awareness of Traditional Karate in school systems and at-risk communities through her speaking engagements and class instruction. As an Athlete Ambassador and Board of Advisory member at Shirzanan, she promotes equality for women in sport through sharing her voice at lectures/events, contributing op-eds as well as her expertise of the Middle East, sport, and conflict resolution.

In fall 2016, Soolmaz will represent the United States at the World Championship in Krakow, Poland, and her debut book chapter on sport diplomacy between Iran and the United States will be released.

To learn more and be part of amplifying Soolmaz’s voice for equality, connect with her on: Facebook (@RefugeeAthleteScholar), Instagram (soolmazabooali), and Twitter (@SoolmazAbooali)."