.141 Saba Dilawari

Technically speaking, Saba and I met through email years and years ago, and then in person at a TED conference. But it wasn’t until I ended up taking over her role at TED HQ (she was moving up and internally!) that I was really able to experience her talents and compassion first-hand. We only had a few days worth of transition time and direct help, but Saba was always incredibly kind, patient with all of my questions, and just all-around aware of everything I might have needed to be successful.

In that year or so of overlap together while we both still worked there, I was constantly reminded of Saba’s shine and intelligence every time I saw her. She’s so eloquent and easygoing and is exceptional at inviting you into the process when it comes to her teaching you about something she’s working on. She’s also just an expert at being kind, something I was always appreciative of. I could always count on her for a refreshing and calming dose of good energy and putting things in perspective.

Saba, thank you very much for being so helpful, supportive, and sweet. Thank you for inspiring myself and others just by being your hardworking and trustworthy self. Thank you for your incredibly fun personality and sense of humor and for never taking life too seriously. Thank you for playing a large role in my first NYC job experience and for being someone I admire deeply. Thank you, Saba, for being you!

-BD