From doctors and diplomats to attorneys and artists, unknown to many, Iranian-American women have been breaking barriers and trailblazing paths in the United States for decades, making positive impacts on their communities and beyond.
One woman was determined to bring Iranian American Women’s accomplishments to the forefront.
“Iranian American women from all walks of life all have unique gifts that can help empower others to move forward,” says Iranian American Women Foundation’s founder Mariam Khosravani. “Since IAWF was founded in 2012, we have continued to develop and tailor conferences and programs that promote inclusivity and allow women to build bridges to transform their lives and those of the next generations.
The Iranian American Women Foundation, dedicated to providing a platform for empowerment and connecting Iranian American women locally and globally, held its Women’s Leadership Conference in San Francisco on June 2, 2019 at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront.
Sharing their expertise and insight through talks and panel discussions, there will be a total of 35 influential, accomplished women, including social justice expert Niaz Kasravi; Hon. Nahal Iravani-Sani, Superior Court Judge; Anna V. Eskamani, history-making State Representative in Florida; Susan Akbarpour, CEO of Mavatar; and Malekeh Amini, Founder and CEO of Trayt Technologies.
The eight sessions are: Breaking Traditional Taboos, Women Leading Disruption, The Importance of Public Service & Civic Engagement, Meditation: Connecting to Your Higher Self, Leading Millennials, Perfecting Your Pitch: Young Entrepreneurship Showcase, Rising Through Every Descent: Choosing the Right Mindset, My Life…My Choice…My Voice. The full schedule with speakers is online.
The conference, which is held internationally from Los Angeles to London, celebrates the diverse achievements of women in the community and also serves as an invaluable networking and learning opportunity to help women advance their careers and enrich their lives in positive ways. “As the first-generation immigrant, IAWF organization has provided the support that our community needs for connections, inspirations, socializing and support,” says Tata Nader, speaker at the IAWF Women’s Leadership Conference and business owner.
These gatherings are designed to be a place where Iranian American women from all walks of life can celebrate their heritage, work on personal and professional growth, share their communities’ contribution to the American social fabric, and network. Speakers are selected based on their impact on society, success in their fields, and ability to communicate their stories in a way that motivates others. The conferences are designed to be life-changing experiences.
The results of IAWF’s work is tangible. Negeen Sadeghi-Movahed, who attended the organization’s Youth Leadership Conference in 2014, shortly after graduating from UCLA, says that the experience “really equipped me with the necessary tools to take the reins of my own success story. Not only did the conference empower me by surrounding me with such inspiring and amazing women, it really taught me how to turn my passion into my profession.” Today she is the chairwoman of the Law Student Division at the American Bar Association.
“There is a definite need in our community to be heard, to have a united voice, to feel empowered, and I feel IAWF is the perfect vehicle for that,” says author and IAWF member Angella Nazarian.
Mariam Khosravani established IAWF not only to inspire, empower and connect women globally, but to ensure that it does so with utmost inclusivity.
Event: Iranian American Women Foundation (IAWF) Women’s Leadership Conference
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2019; 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront
Cost: $175; available HERE.
