Azita, a political refugee, came to Hollywood with an incredible story of cultural backlash. As a baby, she and her family fled to the United States and gained asylum in an effort to escape war-time conflicts . Being raised in a conservative multicultural home, she was forbidden to pursue her dreams of becoming an actress until she finished her studies. Once she received her B.A. in English and Journalism, she packed her belongings and headed to Los Angeles, where she began to further her studies to include various acting techniques including; Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner, Michael Chekov, Voice, Movement, Clowning, and Improvisation. Her rich multi-ethnic history and various training has helped her remain a chameleon on television and film. Azita is fluent in both English and Dari, the Afghan dialect of Farsi, and has the ability to quickly take on different languages, having been raised in a home with Hindi, Urdu, Pashto, Farsi and English. She has spoken Farsi, Dari, Arabic, Hindi, French and Spanish in various roles. She recently founded the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition, MAAC, to advocate on behalf of Middle Eastern North African as its own diverse category in the producers theatrical contracts. The first time in 37 years a new diversity category has been introduced in the SAG-AFTRA - AMPTP contracts. She has actively spoken out on representation and inclusion issues in the media, on social media, in business environments and on industry panels. Her childhood experiences and passion for women's rights has always led her to charity involvement; whether co-hosting a UNHCR fundraiser for World Refugee Day; or serving as a Global Ambassador for Womenforwomen.org. An avid runner, yoga and pilates devotee, she enjoys fight training and marksman practice in her free time.
Is fluent in both English and Dari/Farsi. Also speaks some Arabic, Hindi, Spanish and French.
Her Family was granted asylum to remain in the United States due to the turbulent political climate of her native land.
Worked on Capitol Hill in high school and considered careers in both politics and international journalism, before moving to Los Angeles.
Her mother spent much of her young life in Amritsar, India and was heavily influenced by Indian Cinema & Indian film stars.
Founded the MENA ARTS ADVOCACY COALITION, MAAC, to advocate on behalf of Middle Eastern North African (MENA) performers. In 2017, her and fellow actor, Assaf Cohens advocacy work proved successful, and for the first time in 37 years, a new diversity category (MENA) was introduced to the SAG-AFTRA - AMPTP contracts.
In 1979, when I was toddler, the Russians invaded Afghanistan, and my whole family fled to Vienna, Virginia. Far from home, my parents were determined to raise my two sisters and me according to Afghan traditions. .
