Saman Tabasinejad is the Executive Director at Progress Toronto. She has degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. She is particularly interested in how large policy decisions affect everyday lives. Saman knows that meaningful change cannot be achieved unless actions that address and remove systemic barriers are taken.

In 2018, Saman ran for office in North York. She worked at the DUKE Heights BIA, at the Downsview Advocate, and served as a Board Member of the Iranian Canadian Congress for two terms. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Platform, a civic leadership platform for Black, Indigenous, and racialized young women and gender-diverse youth. Saman has also served on the executive of Roofs for Refugees, pairing newly arrived refugees with homes, and has spent time organizing with immigrant communities.

Saman is dedicated to building a progressive city and making room for women, especially young racialized women, to take space, influence policy-making and run for office.

About Progress Toronto

Progress Toronto is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for and organizes a more democratic, just, and progressive city. Our work focuses on campaigning for progressive agendas at both City Hall and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). We run campaigns to win on issues, hold politicians accountable by sharing their voting records, build capacity through free workshops and outreach, and support progressive candidates in winning office—while working to unseat harmful ones.

We build power by mobilizing tens of thousands across the city to take action on important issues, helping people get involved, and building capacity. Since our inception in 2018, we have achieved wins on significant issues, elected progressive city councillors and trustees, and contributed to the election of Mayor Olivia Chow. Progress Toronto’s organizing work continues as we focus on delivering a progressive agenda and build toward 2026.