Today we’d like to introduce you to Maaria Mozaffar.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I became an attorney to be able to give a voice to those who did not have an ally. The most vulnerable individuals in our society are the ones who have their rights trampled on the most. They are also the ones who have the least awareness of their own personal power. Thus, I came to believe that to actually help a group of people or any community we must focus on the individual as well.
For us to effectively have the legal process be an aid to us, all aspects of the law need to be understood. In essence, how it is written, how it is implemented and then how it is argued to prove your point. In turn, I started my law practice in policy work, writing law for community organizations; mediating lawsuits for organizations; bringing people together to resolve legal disputes as an alternative to litigating them in family law and discrimination, and aiding in litigation as a civil rights attorney. Most recently, I also just finished my first book “More Than Pretty, How to Live a Life of Substance In An Artificial World” to uplift people one person at a time.
Has it been a smooth road?
My road has been the opposite of smooth, And I am so blessed for it. When I was in law school, I loved every class I took. I was passionate about the law. I was also active in law student activities. I was Student Body President and had a great friendship with my law school professors with whom I would discuss the law with at lengths, You could say, I felt I was made for law school. But I was horrible at multiple choice tests.
When I graduated from law school. I actually failed the bar exam. Simply, because I could not see the law, its analysis in the confinement of multiple-choice exams. I also knew that real attorneys did not succeed by not being able to research resources and case law, as was the set up of the bar exam. My mind resisted the construct. So much so, that I failed the bar exam more than once. 5 times to be specific. Keep in mind a bar exam is a 2-day long exam and prep for it is easily a 2-month process.
I tell people that it is not important how many times I failed it. Rather, how many times I took it – 6.
I would say to young women who are starting their journey: Don’t ever give up. Nobody knows your capabilities better than yourself. Always believe in you.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about your projects.
I am mostly known for my pro bono legislative work. People see my work as a disrupter in the legislative process. I help solve problems by writing laws for issues and communities I am passionate about. I also have a global connection with my followers on The Skinless Project, an online global platform I created to uplift women. It allows me to provide inspiration and role models to women from every corner of the world. Most recently, I have loved the feedback I am receiving on “More Than Pretty, How to Live a Life of Substance in An Artificial World”, women regardless of age, ethnicity or socioeconomic background, are all facing similar challenges. I am blessed that through the book, I get a chance to make my readers realize this.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My mother. She never called me beautiful and instead focused on character and intelligence. She has been the ultimate woman of substance. In turn, I appreciated other women of substance I continue to meet.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maariamozaffar.com www.skinlessproject.com
- Email: maariamozaffar@gmail.com
- Instagram: mozaffarmaaria
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaariaLaw/ https://www.facebook.com/SkinlessProject/
- Twitter: @maariamozaffar
Image Credit:
maaria mozaffar
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