The Center for Public Policy Priorities is proud to welcome three new members to its board of directors: Karen Farabee, Tobi Jackson, and Sima Ladjevardian.
“We are delighted to welcome Karen, Tobi and Sima to the CPPP board of directors,” said Veletta Forsythe Lill, the Board Chair of the Center for Public Policy Priorities. “Each of these esteemed members of the community bring a variety of skills and experiences – plus tremendous energy – to our shared vision of a Texas where everyone is healthy, well-educated and financially secure.”
The 16-member, all volunteer board of directors supports CPPP’s values, vision, and mission and provides strategic guidance and fundraising support to the Center for Public Policy Priorities staff.
“Texans are fired up and ready for policy solutions after the November elections,” said Ann Beeson, CEO of the Center for Public Policy Priorities. “Adding these three visionary, powerful women to our talented board of directors will help CPPP advance real change at the state Capitol and beyond.”
Get to Know Our New Board Members
Karen Farabee recently retired from a 30-year career as a human resources and corporate communications executive at a variety of Austin companies, including her own HR consulting firm. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Communication, receiving her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Organizational Communication and then continuing as an adjunct instructor in the College. Born in Big Spring, Karen has lived in Austin for more than 40 years. She has been a volunteer leader with a variety of local charitable organizations. She is the daughter-in-law of the late Helen and Ray Farabee, who helped found the Center for Public Policy Priorities in 1985.
Tobi Jackson is Board President of the Fort Worth Independent School District. A parent, educator, and administrator, she is a lifelong resident of Fort Worth. She has been an administrator and faculty member in public, private, and corporate settings. A community leader for over three decades in Tarrant County, Tobi has focused on sustainable, outcomes-driven efforts on behalf of Fort Worth youth. She is particularly interested in the social and emotional growth of students and in equity for all students. Tobi earned a B.A. from The University of Texas at Arlington and an M.S. from the University of North Texas. This year, Tobi received a number of awards, including the Amiga Award from The Tarrant County United Hispanic Council and the “Healthcare Hero” Award from the Tarrant County Business Press. She was named one of Fort Worth’s Most Influential People by FW INC. Magazine.
Sima Ladjevardian is a Houston-based attorney and mediator with over 20 years of experience in business law, family law, and consulting. For the past 10 years, she has been active in fostering intercultural relations in the political and nonprofit arenas. Sima has developed extensive experience in fundraising for causes in which she believes. She is Co-Founder of Big Hearted Texas; Co-Founder of the Texas Executive Progressive Council; Co-Founder and Board Member of the Society of Iranian American Women for Education; Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Arts of the Islamic World Initiative at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston; Trustee of MFAH, and Advisory Committee Member of the Asia Society Muslims of America. Sima was a National Finance Committee Member for Hillary for America and Asian-American and Pacific Islanders Finance Council Member for Hillary for America. She served as Senior Advisor and Finance Chair for Beto O’Rourke’s U.S. Senate race, a campaign that broke fundraising records. She handled all fundraisers and community outreach in the Greater Houston Area for the O’Rourke campaign. Sima is fluent in English, Farsi, French, and Spanish.
Learn about the rest of the CPPP board of directors here.