Meet Sara

Sara’s Journey

Early Life

Early Life

As the eldest of three children and twelve grandchildren, being a “baji”, or “big sister”, instilled in Sara a profound sense of duty and drive to care for others and nurture the success of those around her.
Early Life

Early Life

Born in Northern California to hard-working immigrant parents who were focused on education and financial stability, Sara and her siblings spent weeknights being tutored by their father and weekends accompanying their parents as they performed maintenance repairs at their single-family rental home. 
2014

2014

In 2014, Sara and her family settled in the South Bay-Los Angeles.  Between private practice in Torrance and teaching at UCLA’s Advanced Dentistry program, Sara remained committed to providing excellent dental care despite the insurance and financial challenges faced by her patients. 
2019

2019

In 2019, Sara was recognized in the California State Legislature as the “Woman of Year” by Assemblymember Muratsuchi of Assembly District 66 for her work to promote pluralism, build bridges and compassionate communities in the South Bay. 
2019

2019

Sara joined interfaith leaders in advocating for AB 539, “The Fair Access to Credit Act” to protect Californians from predatory lending practices, which push families further into poverty.
2020

2021

During the pandemic, while many Californians sheltered at home, essential workers continued to show up to work in order to serve our communities. Sara joined local grocery workers in their advocacy for fair pay as they continued to serve our communities while putting themselves at risk. 
2021-23

2021-23

Sara served as one of two facilitators for a high school leadership training program which equips Jewish and Muslim students with the leadership skills to resolve conflict and build lasting relationships across cultural and faith groups in Los Angeles. 
2022-current

2022-current

Since her election to the PVPUSD Governing Board in 2022, Sara continues to focus on ensuring that every student has the support and opportunities they need to learn and thrive. 
2023

2023

In 2023, Sara and her husband, with their long-time friends, became business partners and small business owners as they opened a small urgent care in Torrance. 
2024

2024

In 2024, Sara organized with the Palos Verdes community to pass a local school bond measure which will fund critical classroom repairs and student safety facilities needs. 
Current Service

2024

While remaining focused on student learning, Sara has consistently advocated for a District-wide school safety framework to prevent school-based violence, school bullying (including cyberbullying) and to ensure disaster preparedness. 
2025

2024

Sara joins the SoCAL Regional Occupational Center Board of Education to advance career technical education in the South Bay.

As an elected School Board Member, local small business owner, retired dentist, and interfaith leader, Sara Deen is known for collaborative leadership, ensuring that everyone thrives, and no one is left behind.

Sara has earned the respect of community members with differing political views due to her ability to listen to all perspectives and get things done. Demonstrating her ability to build bridges as a School Board Member and as a New Ground Muslim Jewish Partnership Alum and Advisory Board Member, Sara galvanized support across political leanings and organized local community members to support two school board candidates and a ballot measure to fund critical school repairs in the November 2024 election. Thanks to her leadership, both candidates and the ballot measure enjoyed significant victories.

Prior to her service on the School Board, in addition to practicing dentistry in a private practice, Sara also practiced in many free clinics, increasing access to needed dental care for the most vulnerable. She also taught at three dental schools, including UCLA School of Dentistry’s AEGD Venice Program, University of California San Francisco, Case Western School of Dentistry. An active member in the region for more than a decade, Sara dedicates her time to ensuring all families have a voice and the support they need to thrive.

Her primary focus on the School Board has been increasing school safety, closing learning gaps, creating a transparent and accountable budget, and connecting with the community to ensure their priorities are at the forefront of her work.

Sara is a proud Muslim American, eldest daughter with immigrant parents from Pakistan and with roots in India. She lives with her husband Omer, who is a practicing physician, in Palos Verdes where they are raising their two teenagers.