Photo Credit: Les Talusan

Isra Pananon Weeks is a collaborative, consensus-driven leader with a penchant for problem-solving and decisive action. Her career spans diverse experiences in movement organizations, the federal government, academia, the service industry, political campaigns, and the military. As a second-generation Thai American, she passionately advocates for the right of all AAPI women to thrive in every aspect of life.

Isra has successfully led executive teams, spearheaded Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, managed strategic planning processes, and facilitated organizational change projects. As a macro social worker, Isra adeptly grasps the big picture, translating vision and mission into practical and effective plans and strategies. She is also highly skilled as a mediator and facilitator.

During 2012-2015, Isra served as a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of the Interior and currently contributes to government service as a Civil Affairs Officer in the United States Army Reserve. She holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore (2013), a Masters of Social Work from the NYU Silver School of Social Work (2021), and has successfully completed various military leadership courses.

Isra resides in Brooklyn, New York with her wife, daughter, and two dogs.

Featured Work

Abortion Stigma Is a Reality AAPI Women Know All Too Well, Ms. Magazine, June 22, 2023