We are excited to shine the spotlight on the many talented interns we have in our office. Enjoy learning more about them, and what drives their work at OPCD. Read our previous spotlights on Megan Rose, Harriet Wright, and Sarah Mills.
From Community Member to Community Builder
For many graduates, a first job marks the beginning of a new chapter. For Zahra Hassan, it is also a homecoming.
When she first learned about OPCD through an internship opportunity, it wasn’t through a planning document or a city program. It was through recognition. As she explored the department’s work, she discovered connections to organizations and spaces that had already shaped her life and community.
“I started looking at OPCD’s webpage and saw organizations I’ve interacted with on a day-to-day basis,” she shared. “I realized they were doing really incredible work in my community. The Somali Health Board…my aunt used to go to Byrd Barr Place all the time…I attended so many events at the Seattle’s Ethiopian community center”.
Growing up in Seattle, Zahra experienced firsthand the importance of community spaces, cultural organizations, and places where people feel they belong. That lived experience has become one of her greatest strengths.
Throughout her internship with us these past quarters, Zahra brought a unique perspective that blends personal experience with academic training. A University of Washington Human Centered Design and Engineering student, she studied how people interact with systems, technologies, and processes. At OPCD, she quickly recognized familiar principles at work: listening deeply, designing with, not for, communities, and creating opportunities for people to shape decisions that affect their lives.
I just like making things easier for people.
Her contributions ranged from user research and interviews for the forthcoming re-designed Seattle Comprehensive Plan website, learning new digital accessibility and document remediation tools on the fly to support ADA Accessible digital engagement practices, and creating promotional tools to kick off this year’s cycle of EDI funding opportunities. We quickly noticed Zahra’s curiosity, thoughtfulness, and willingness to learn.
During her internship, Zahra discovered how closely her personal values aligned with EDI’s work. She was inspired by the organizations, cultural spaces, and community leaders who are creating opportunities for residents across Seattle.
What stands out most, however, is her belief in people. She consistently returns to a simple idea that meaningful change happens when people are connected to one another and to the resources they need.
I love Seattle so much, and I love community so much.
As she continues her work with EDI through this summer, Zahra brings both professional skills and personal understanding to the work. We are thrilled to celebrate her recent graduation. Congratulations, Zahra!
Zahra’s summer goal is to visit every branch of the The Seattle Public Library by public transportation, and collect a stamp from each location. Learn more about one Zahra’s favorite books below.
When asked about books that have influenced her thinking, Zahra immediately pointed to There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib. Learn more about There’s Always This Year on Goodreads.com
“It’s not technically an urban planning book,” she said with a laugh. “It’s more of a memoir… about art, community, and how people persevere and live their lives in authentic ways. And, it’s about cities, community, and what makes a place feel like home.”
The book explores themes of belonging, memory, identity, and the deep connections people form with the places they love. Those ideas resonate strongly with Zahra, both personally and professionally.
“As the child of immigrants, and coming from a culture with a history of movement and migration, I’ve thought a lot about community and home,” she shared. “I love Seattle so much, and I love community so much. Reading his words felt like seeing things I’d always thought about put into language.”
Zahra often finds herself reflecting on its themes when thinking about community spaces, cultural identity, and the work of helping people feel connected to place.
This interview was first audio transcribed by Rev.ai, with the transcription lightly edited for readability by Open AI GPT 5.5. All content was reviewed by the author for accuracy.