Soraya Darabi

As a recognized digital entrepreneur and pioneer in the social media landscape, Soraya Darabi is a leading authority on digital commerce and ways to apply new technologies to help foster efficiency, visibility, and growth.

Darabi began her career as Manager of Digital Partnerships and Social Media at "The New York Times," where she established herself as a leading thought leader on today's ever-changing digital landscape. During her tenure, she positioned the global news leader on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, partnered with startups large and small, and developed award-winning campaigns. Darabi is credited with teaching journalists and chief executives alike how to best use and leverage social media. Following her time at the Times, Darabi served as Product Lead for drop.io, a real-time online sharing, collaboration, and presentation service. She then co-founded "Foodspotting," a mobile application named “App of the Year” by Apple and Wired before its acquisition by OpenTable. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Darabi is the Founder of TMV, an early-stage holding company that oversees two venture funds and three investment vehicles focused on transformative ideas in work, healthcare, and education technology.

Darabi is the co-founder of Zady, one of the first online retailers to seamlessly integrate commerce, rich media content, and social media, providing customers with a dynamic shopping experience. Zady empowers customers to learn about the conscious consumer movement and purchase beautifully-constructed goods that emphasize craftsmanship and artisanship. In 2014, Zady was named by Fast Company as one of the top ten most innovative retail companies in the world. Further solidifying her role as a thought leader, Darabi has been featured on the covers of Fast Company’s "Most Creative People in Business" and Brandweek’s "Digital Best" issues. She has also been named one of Inc. Magazine's "30 Under 30," and included in AdAge’s “25 People in Media to Follow on Twitter.”

In addition to her business accomplishments, Darabi is a World Economic Forum "Young Global Leader" and a frequent mentor at TechStars New York, where she has been titled "Mentor of the Year" three times. She hosts the "Business Schooled - a Podcast by Synchrony,” a Top 20 Business Podcast where she interviews successful founders. Darabi serves on the board of directors for the non-profit Yamba Malawi and is involved in various conferences focused on innovation in technology and education.

Darabi received her Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude in Art History from Georgetown University and completed a program at Harvard Kennedy School on Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century. She resides and works in New York City, where she continues to drive significant impact across multiple sectors.