Previously Samira served as president and chief executive officer of Hope Healthcare since 1991. She is a recognized pioneer in the hospice and healthcare field. Her expertise and lifetime commitment to quality care is acknowledged throughout the state, nationally and internationally. Samira was appointed to The White House Conference on Aging, served on a panel for the Senate Special Committee on Aging and testified before the House Judiciary subcommittee on the need for legislation to enable better care and comfort for those at the end of life. Within the state of Florida, she was given special recognition by Governors Ron DeSantis, Rick Scott and Jeb Bush, having been appointed to their respective committees including the Transition Advisory Committee on Health and Wellness, the Board of Directors for the Florida Center for Nursing and the Long-Term Care Advisory Committee.

As a dedicated champion for palliative care and end-of-life issues, Samira has served as Chair for both the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the National Hospice Foundation. In addition, she is the founding president of the Florida PACE Providers Association and a founding director of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation.

Samira received a sociology degree and master’s in social work from The Ohio State University where she later served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. She received The Ohio State Medalist Award, presented to alumni who have gained national or international distinction in a chosen field and was granted Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from Southwest Florida College and Piedmont College.