Marta Pirzadeh has over twenty years of experience in the public health field with a primary focus on AYSRH; maternal and infant health; HIV prevention; and community- based programming.

Prior to joining Pathfinder, she was a Senior Technical Officer within the Research Utilization unit of the department of Global Health, Population and Nutrition at FHI 360. She brings extensive experience developing and promoting evidence-based programs; guiding technical strategy and providing technical assistance to field activities in more than a dozen countries. This entailed long-term contributions to projects in East and Southern Africa with a focus on AYSRH and life skills, HIV prevention, and community-based family planning as well as global programming related to social norms interventions and expanding the contraceptive method choice for youth.  Her ability to work alongside diverse stakeholders from faith leaders, youth-led organizations and country governments has been key to establishing sustainable programs. Marta has demonstrated AYSRH global thought leadership through extensive participation in technical working groups as well as through publications and conference presentations.

Marta earned her MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.