Saalar is a Senior Analyst managing the Mastercard Strive USA program. In this role, he coordinates efforts with dozens of partner organizations to support underserved small businesses by enhancing access to affordable capital, digital enablement, and technical assistance.

Before joining Mastercard, Saalar worked for nearly six years in social impact strategy consulting with Dalberg Advisors in Washington, D.C., and New York. He brings extensive global experience working with foundations, nonprofits, government agencies, and research organizations to incorporate equity-focused approaches into strategic planning across multiple sectors.

While at Dalberg, Saalar completed a year-long fellowship in the Justice, Equity, and Mobility (JEM) practice, where he contributed to expanding the firm’s domestic presence through business development and thought leadership.

Saalar earned his B.A. in Economics and Persian Language and Literature from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Saalar Aghili