January 2023 | Issue I
Did You Know...
...That you can sign a petition to nominate the women of Iran for a Nobel Peace Prize?

Now is the time to nominate them for the Nobel Peace Prize for their bravery and selflessness. Their struggle is a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice around the world.

We urge our members to visit https://www.change.org/p/nominate-iranian-women-for-nobel-peace-prize-for-courageously-arising-for-women-s-right?redirect=false and sign the petition to nominate these remarkable women who are making a difference in the world.

We are proud to stand in solidarity with the courageous women of Iran who are tirelessly fighting for their basic rights and freedom. Let's give them the recognition they deserve and continue to support their efforts.
Scholarship Applications Open Next Month
We are excited to announce the launch of the Iranian American Women Foundation (IAWF) 2023 scholarship program in February! This is a great opportunity for young professionals and students who are passionate about pursuing careers in fields related to their interests. The scholarship program will provide financial assistance to support their education and professional development.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit our website at https://www.iawfoundation.org/programs/ to find out more information and apply.

We believe that investing in the education and leadership development of our young professionals and students is essential to building a strong and resilient community. Don't miss this chance to be a part of something great!
Member Achievement Spotlight: 
Mayor of West Hollywood, Sepi Shyne 
Congratulations to our dear IAWF member, Sepi Shyne, for becoming the new mayor of West Hollywood! We are so proud of your accomplishments and cannot wait to see the positive impact you will make in our community.

You can learn more about Sepi Shyne at https://www.sepishyne.com/
IAWF Member Spotlights:
LA Rising Leaders Member:
Nellie Keyhani is a Vice President & Relationship Manager within the Family Office Group at ICONIQ Capital. She is primarily responsible for serving as a COO for families of tech founders, c-suite executives of public companies, entertainment clients, and single-family offices.
Previously, Nellie spent over a decade at Whittier Trust, working in wealth management for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families.
Nellie received a Bachelor of Science from San Francisco State University and an MBA from The University of San Francisco.
NorCal Chapter Mentorship Chair:
Azita Alavi is the founder of the Center for Leadership Excellence and The Center for Youth Leadership. She is a faculty member and executive director training adult coaches at the Maxwell leadership certified team. She has built and directs the Youth section of the organization in the Francophone Branch, training Francophone leadership coaches globally.

She is a two-time International Best Seller author of two anthologies: Stories of Multicultural Women Authentically Overcoming Challenges, and The Recipes for Your Mind, Body and Soul. Read More...
Mentee:
Maryam Sabet is an experienced Sales and Marketing Specialist with a demonstrated history in Agribusiness. A professional Product Development Specialist in Vegetable Seed Breeding industry with a Ph.D. in Crop Ecology from University of Tehran. MENA “Middle East and North Africa” is the main area of focus in my career. I am an avid hiker and nature lover and enjoy spending my spare time in nature.
 It’s Not a Moment. It’s a REVOLUTION.
On January 29th, 2023, The Middle Eastern & South Asian Association (MESAA) will convene a symposium to discuss women’s rights in Afghanistan, Iran, and other parts of the world. We will examine the legacies left behind by renowned human rights activists, Professor Hamida Barmaki and Mahboba Hoqoqmal. We will also discuss the current women’s rights movements in Afghanistan, Iran, and the United States. The event will highlight the Revolution and movement of women's voices worldwide.

IAWF is proud to participate in this event. Speakers will include:

  • Sepi Shyne, Mayor of West Hollywood
  • Gissou Nia, Director of the Strategic Litigation Project at the Atlantic Council
  • Shally Zomorodi, News Anchor & Journalist
  • Dr. Sima Samar, Former Minister of Women's Affairs and Chairperson of (AIHRC) in Afghanistan
  • Dr. Tilmann Röder, Director, Institute for Law and Society in Afghanistan (ILSAF)
  • Ghizal Haress, Assistant Professor of Law at American University of Afghanistan
  • Dr. Omar Sadr, Senior Research Scholar, University of Pittsburgh, Former Assistant Professor at American University of Afghanistan
  • Spojmie Stanekzai, Adjunct Professor at Chapman University, Fowler School of Law
  • Tarana Parshahri, First Secretary of Afghanistan Embassy in Ashgabat-Turkmenistan
  • Fahim Barmaki, Doctoral Student at University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law
  • Faculty from McGeorge School of Law
  • and more! 

Time: 11am – 3pm PT
Location: Virtual and/or Lecture Hall at McGeorge School of Law
3200 5th Ave. Sacramento, CA 95817
Women of Influence Soiree POSTPONED