When Saira Sufi founded North Star Events, she was channeling more than 20 years of experience and a deeply personal mission to create moments that connect people in meaningful ways. "I wanted to work on events that align with a purpose," she says. "It's all about logistics and connection."
Sufi's path to entrepreneurship was anything but linear. She began her career in Washington before finding her passion for organizing large-scale conferences, galas, and nonprofit gatherings. Over the years, she built a reputation for handling every detail, from high-profile board meetings to grassroots fundraisers with precision and empathy. "People often think one person can do everything, content, logistics, and vision," she explains. "But truly successful events come from collaboration and trust."
According to her, the decision to launch North Star Events in 2024 was a leap of faith after decades of managing events for others. "So many people told me, 'Why don't you start your own company?'" she says. "Eventually, I realized it was time to take that step and focus on events I truly connect with."
For Sufi, the name North Star carries symbolism, guidance, consistency, and light. Her work encompasses everything from weddings and retreats to corporate conferences and nonprofit fundraisers. Yet, what gives her an edge is her ability to bridge cultures and understand the nuances that make each event unique. "I'm South Asian, and I have worked on multicultural weddings," she says. "Each community has its own rhythm, traditions, and flow. My job is to make sure it all comes together seamlessly while honoring those differences."
Her expertise extends beyond execution; it's rooted in understanding human emotion. Seven years ago, Sufi lost her young son to a bone marrow failure disease, a moment that reshaped how she viewed life and her work. "After losing my son, I realized how vital it is to bring people together," she says. "Events are about joy, but they are also about healing, about community, about shared experiences that help us move forward."
Through North Star Events, that philosophy takes form in gatherings that inspire reflection and empowerment. Sufi has helped organize women's leadership retreats, including a recent event in Boulder, Colorado, where participants explored themes of confidence, vulnerability, and authentic leadership. "Watching women process their own limiting beliefs and realize what they are capable of, it's powerful," she says. "That's what I love about this work. It's a transformation in real time."
Her women's empowerment events are particularly close to her heart. As a founder and mother, Sufi sees these retreats as opportunities to create safe spaces where women can reconnect with their purpose. "We are at a point where women are redefining leadership for themselves," she says. "If my events can facilitate even a small part of that journey, I feel fulfilled."
While Sufi is based in Virginia, her ambitions reach far beyond the state's borders. With a national network of colleagues and collaborators built over years in the nonprofit and corporate sectors, she's open to taking on projects across the U.S. "I love local events, but I don't want to limit myself," she says. "Whether it's a retreat in Colorado, a fundraising gala in New York, or a wedding in California, I'm ready to make it happen."
For Sufi, North Star Events is an evolving reflection of resilience, purpose, and heart. "Every event tells a story," she says. "My goal is to make sure that story is told with care, meaning, and authenticity."
