Sarah Andrea Ruiz

Sarah A. Ruiz joined Travis Audubon in 2014 to discover more about birds and promote their conservation. In 2017, she and her husband Rafael became docents at the Chaetura Canyon Wildlife Preserve, where they currently lead tours sharing the beauty and history of the sanctuary while encouraging visitors to nurture nature in their own yards.

Born and raised in McAllen, TX, Sarah received a bachelor’s degree in English from Harvard University and a master’s degree in information studies (formerly library science) from UT-Austin. She has worked as a writer, editor, and communications specialist at private companies, nonprofits, and state agencies. Today, she serves as an editor in a state government role. Sarah is passionate about promoting inclusivity in birding to ensure that everyone feels welcome in the outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys reading, knitting, and discussing
movies.

Hilary Brown

Hilary currently serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at EPIC Insurance, where she focuses on improving systems, supporting strategic growth, and helping teams operate more effectively.

Prior to this, she spent 15 years at Trilogy and two years (prior to Trilogy) at McGinnis Lochridge in operation, finance, and business development roles.

Her experience includes data and financial analysis, business development, and database management, along with earlier work supporting a USDA Forest Service research station. She tends to approach challenges as a problem solver with an analytical mindset, looking for practical and sustainable solutions.

She also served for nine years on the Apache Shores Property Owners Association board, including roles as Vice President, Director of Green Spaces, and Secretary, which gave her a strong appreciation for both the responsibility and the reward of board service.

Hilary’s connection to Travis Audubon began about twelve years ago when she moved to Apache Shores and discovered the Chaetura Canyon Sanctuary nearby. After visiting, she was deeply moved by the work being done to protect avian and wildlife habitat and began volunteering to learn more about land stewardship from Georgean and Paul Kyle. Over time, she became a docent, joined the Management Committee, and completed certifications as a Texas Master Naturalist and Master Birder.

Sumaya Saati

Sumaya Saati was born and raised in Austin, Texas where she enjoyed a nature-immersed childhood. An ethos of idealism led her to pursue her Masters in Public Affairs and ultimately work in the nonprofit sector. Before starting her career in fundraising she gained legislative and policy experience working for a Texas State Senator as well as in an education-focused nonprofit in Albany, NY.

Sumaya has secured resources for organizations including Texas Tribune, UT Austin’s College of Natural Sciences, and Thinkery where she was part of a transformative capital campaign to build a new children’s museum. She earned her CFRE credential (Certified Fund Raising Executive) in 2019 and is thrilled to currently serve on the development team at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

She is a mom of two young children and serves her community in leadership roles including with the Westbank Community Library’s Board of Trustees, and other organizations as a volunteer. A bird-watching enthusiast, she was thrilled to find her flock with Travis Audubon Society’s Master Birder program. Sumaya is grateful for the vital role that TAS and other conservation organizations play for birds and people in our community.

Mohammad Tohidifar

Professionally, Mohammad is an environmental engineer with an academic background in environmental science and business management, currently serving as a Research Engineering Associate at the University of Texas at Arlington. His career has centered on bridging technical analysis with stewardship, notably as a consultant for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In that role, he developed sustainability frameworks for 120,000 hectares of Hyrcanian forest and designed protocols to mainstream biodiversity conservation across sectors to balance human pressure with ecological needs. His approach is rooted in data-driven decision-making, supported by over 25 peer-reviewed publications on avian habitat modeling and population dynamics. This blend of professional experience and scientific rigor allows him to offer unique strategic oversight to Travis Audubon’s conservation and governance goals.

His journey as a birder began in Tehran, Iran, in 2003, where he explored the country’s diverse habitats, observed over 400 species, and co-authored the Atlas of Birds of Iran. His experience with North American avifauna began in 2018 in Winnipeg, Canada, and has expanded significantly since arriving in Austin in early 2025. His work has evolved from individual birdwatching to active community leadership, allowing him to leverage an international research background to protect local habitats while mentoring a new generation of nature enthusiasts.

As an Austin resident, Mohammad is committed to the growth of our local conservation community. While he leads Travis Audubon’s BIPOC walks, his interest in the board is rooted in a desire to move from program execution to strategic development. To thrive, we must proactively address barriers for younger people of color and prioritize representation within governance. His goal is to help the board formalize these inclusive efforts, integrating them into long-term planning. By applying his experience in project coordination, he hopes to help Travis Audubon mentor a diverse generation of stewards who feel a genuine sense of ownership in protecting Central Texas habitats.