After joining the Junior League of Washington in 2015, Surayyah immediately jumped into service, volunteering her time to the Historic Alexandria Docents Committee (2016-2020), to which she later returned as committee chair (2022-2023). Her Governance experience includes serving on the nominating committees of both the Junior League of Washington and the AJLI Women of Color Affinity Group, where she played a key role in selecting future leaders. Surayyah considers working with a diverse population of women to be one of the highlights of her Junior League experience, and she sees the AJLI Governance Committee as an opportunity to expand her reach and empower more talented women.
Professionally, Surayyah has built a multifaceted career in law, education, and advocacy. She currently serves as an AVID Tutor with Fairfax County Public Schools, where she mentors high school students and supports their academic success. She has previously worked as a Legal Fellow for International Justice Mission, a Consultant for Predicate HPG, and a Staff Attorney for Convergent Healthcare Receivables Management. Her legal experience includes internships with Congressman David Scott’s Office and the Transportation Safety Administration’s Office of Civil Rights. In addition to her legal and educational work, she is a long-time dance instructor with the Fairfax County Park Authority, where she shares her passion for the arts with students of all ages.
With an extensive list of civic, community, and nonprofit experience, Surayyah’s impact expands well beyond The Junior League. She currently serves on the Fairfax County Human Services Commission and the Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and Randolph College Alumnae and Alumni Association Board. As an advocate for girls’ empowerment, she also holds a leadership position with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, helping to imbue confidence in the next generation of women leaders. She is also the Vice President of BalletNova Center for Dance’s Board of Directors, where she supports arts education and accessibility in the community.
Surayyah holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Law and Economics from George Mason University School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Dance from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and has furthered her education with certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida and Biblical Counseling from the Christian Counseling Educational Foundation.
With her extensive experience in governance, law, nonprofit leadership, and mentorship, Surayyah is poised to make a lasting impact on the Association. Her ability to create safe spaces for all perspectives ensures that diverse voices are not only heard but valued. She is committed to fostering inclusive environments, strengthening governance structures, and developing future leaders who will carry The Junior League Mission forward. Through her service on the AJLI Governance Committee, she looks forward to encouraging women to step into leadership positions and promoting an inclusive future for the Association.
