Zahirah Mann is the President and CEO of the South Los Angeles Transit Empowerment Zone (SLATE-Z), a collective impact organization that addresses economic revitalization and environmental sustainability in South Los Angeles. Collaborating with over 100 governmental, nonprofit, academic, and other partners, SLATE-Z works to revitalize South Los Angeles by moving residents to economic opportunity, focusing on transit, jobs, small business and entrepreneurship, education, and public safety.  The backbone entity for the federally designated South LA Promise Zone – 1 of 22 such zones throughout the nation – SLATE-Z serves as a convener, facilitator, and strategic advisor, supporting a range of projects that bring investment into South Los Angeles.

Prior to leading SLATE-Z, Zahirah managed initiatives and a diverse portfolio of nonprofit investments at the Annenberg Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, and United Way of Greater Los Angeles.  Before entering philanthropy, Zahirah was a public interest attorney, working at the Natural Resources Defense Council, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angles, and other organizations where she represented and advised non-profit and for-profit entities, coalitions, and governmental agencies on issues addressing systems change, the built environment, and community revitalization.

In addition to serving on the California Transportation Commission, Zahirah serves on the board of Center for Nonprofit Management.  She previously served as an alternate commissioner on the California Coastal Commission, a commissioner on the Legal Services Trust Fund Commission, and a board member for numerous nonprofit entities.  Zahirah is a graduate of Vassar College and Tulane University Law School.