Zahraa Manasir was born and raised in Michigan and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Leadership at ASU. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Michigan and a certificate in Modern Journalism from New York University. Her academic interests center on international relations, diplomacy, history, and Middle East policy, with a focus on US-Iraq relations. 

Alongside her academic work, she works as a law clerk at a private law firm and volunteers with the United Nations on health and climate awareness initiatives in Iraq, in hopes of contributing to international development and advocacy efforts. She also takes pride in previously serving as a cadet with the Michigan State Police. 

Bilingual in English and Arabic, she is an aspiring polyglot who enjoys studying Persian, German, and Italian in her free time. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys traveling, reading, and watching soccer. She hopes to pursue a career in diplomacy and international law, supporting informed decision-making and ethical engagement in complex international contexts.