Sara Eftekhar is a Nurse Practitioner, mother & Health Equity Advocate. Sara has advocated for policies like free prescription contraception and she helped establish forensic nursing services at Lions Gate Hospital.
Sara Eftkehar is a Nurse Practitioner, mother, and Health Equity Advocate with a strong commitment to social justice and community well-being. Originally from Iran, she immigrated to the unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Nation) at the age of eight. Growing up on the North Shore, she became an active volunteer, setting the foundation for her future endeavors.
Sara’s nursing career has focused on women’s health and research, including Canada’s first study on a health promotion program for survivors of intimate partner violence. Her work in a rural Indigenous community and with refugees in Egypt reflects her dedication to health equity. As a Nurse Practitioner, she has advocated for systemic change, championing policies like free prescription contraception and paid leave for survivors of Gender-Based Violence. Sara played a key role in establishing forensic nursing services at Lions Gate Hospital and has contributed to various initiatives to raise awareness about healthcare barriers and improve services for women experiencing intimate partner violence.
Her leadership has been recognized with awards such as the YWCA Young Woman of Distinction Award, RBC's Top 25 Immigrants of Canada Award, and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. Sara holds degrees in nursing and a Master of Arts in Peace, Conflict, and Development as a Rotary Peace Fellow. Her advocacy has garnered media attention, with appearances on CBC and CTV news.
In addition to her professional achievements, Sara serves as an elected Vancouver Councillor for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC (NNPBC), a Board Member of North Shore Community Resources, and a member of the North Shore Coordinating Committee to End Violence Against Women. She is also an Honorary Governors Council member at the Vancouver Foundation and an advisor on the Child Care Action Board at the City of West Vancouver. Sara’s extensive contributions exemplify her dedication to creating a more just and compassionate society.