Azita Ghanizada is a remarkable individual who has overcome numerous cultural barriers to achieve success in the entertainment industry. A political refugee and asylum seeker, she has consistently worked on film and television projects, often holding her own alongside esteemed Academy Award-winning and nominated actors such as Rachel Weisz, Mahershala Ali, David Strathairn, Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon, and Casey Affleck.
In 2016, her outstanding performance in the film "Complete Unknown" earned her recognition as one of the "Seven Sundance Breakout Actresses You Must Know". Her impressive television credits include notable roles on CBS's "United States of Al", HBO's "Ballers", Freeform's "Good Trouble", and Syfy's "Alphas".
Azita made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman from Afghanistan to appear on Broadway, starring in the production of "The Kite Runner" at The Helen Hayes Theater.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Azita is also a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is the Founder and President of the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition (MAAC),which she established after successfully lobbying for the addition of a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hiring category to a labor contract in 37 years.
This milestone achievement, which introduced Middle Eastern North African, known as MENA or SWANA, into the SAG-AFTRA theatrical agreements in 2017, demonstrates Azita's tireless efforts to promote representation and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Throughout her career, Azita has served as the SAG-AFTRA National MENA Committee Chair and a Global Ambassador to Women for Women International, further solidifying her commitment to empowering underrepresented communities.
