January 2025 Newsletter

Networking Event

Join us for a dynamic networking event hosted by the IAW Foundation's Orange County Rising Leaders in partnership with the Society of Iranian Graduate Students (SIGS). Connect with professionals from diverse industries, engage in meaningful discussions, and expand your network in our specialized Professional Circles like Law, Tech, Business, Engineering, Media, and more!

Each circle will feature a meet-and-greet session, icebreaker activities to help everyone introduce themselves, and dedicated time for networking and collaboration. Discussions and interactions may naturally include both Persian and English. The IAW Foundation honoree guest for each circle will be announced on the IAW Foundation LinkedIn page.

Following the group discussions, a fun and interactive Networking Bingo game will encourage cross-circle mingling, allowing you to expand your network even further.



This is an excellent opportunity to engage with professionals from diverse fields, share knowledge, and explore potential collaborations. We look forward to welcoming you to a productive and enjoyable afternoon!

Date: February 8, 2025

Time: 3:00–6:00 PM

Location: UCI - Verano Community Center

70000 Verano Rd S, Irvine, CA 92617

Women's Leadership Conference

Our Women's Leadership Conference is returning to Newport Beach! Please mark your calendars and join us for an inspiring and empowering event. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Date: April 20, 2025

Location: Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

4500 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660

New Date

Women of Influence Soirée

We are excited to share that the Women of Influence Soirée has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the W Hollywood.

We look forward to a festive and memorable evening together!

Date: May 3, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM - Midnight

Location: W Hollywood

6250 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Game Night

On January 10, the OC Rising Leaders hosted their first game night at UCI, bringing together students and young professionals for an evening of laughter, connection, and friendly competition. With a variety of group games, the event was a resounding success, leaving everyone eager for more.

We’re excited to announce that the next game night is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for February 28, and join us for another unforgettable evening.

Date: February 28, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: UCI - The Verano Lounge

6529 Adobe Cir S, Irvine, CA 92617

Congratulations Lily Sarafan

Congratulations to Lily Sarafan on being elected chair of the Stanford University Board of Trustees! A Stanford graduate and co-founder of TheKey, Lily’s remarkable leadership inspires us all. She’ll begin her two-year term on July 1, succeeding Jerry Yang, Yahoo! co-founder, who will remain on the board.

"Sarafan was born in Tehran and grew up in San Jose after immigrating to the United States at the age of 2. In 2003, Sarafan earned both a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, and society – an interdisciplinary program in the School of Humanities and Sciences – and a master’s degree in management science and engineering in the School of Engineering at Stanford."

"Sarafan co-founded TheKey nearly 20 years ago and served as its CEO through 2020, taking it from a startup to a company with more than 10,000 employees. She serves as a board member with Instacart, Serve Robotics, and Thumbtack.

Her accolades include being named to Fortune’s “40 Under 40” list of influential leaders and as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute, and Woman of the Year by Women Health Care Executives."

Meet Sunny Sanaz Nassim

Sunny Sanaz Nassim, a Southern California native, is a dynamic force across multiple fields. As a partner at the law firm of Jacobson, Russell, Saltz, Nassim & De la Torre LLP, she specializes in worldwide intellectual property rights, entertainment law, and business transactions. Her clients range from wellness companies to entertainers and athletes, reflecting her expertise in managing diverse and creative industries.

Beyond her legal career, Sunny is a proud mother and entrepreneur. She developed and owns a luxury property rental and event space in the Joshua Tree area named Mystic Sky Desert Ranch, where she and her husband host transformative wellness retreats aimed at fostering spiritual growth. Her passion for nature and wellness has inspired countless individuals to connect with themselves and the environment.

A former collegiate-level competitive snowboarder and instructor at Mammoth Mountain, Sunny has been deeply connected to the outdoors since childhood. Whether it’s the beaches, mountains, or deserts of California, she finds inspiration and grounding in the natural world.

Sunny’s dedication to empowering others extends to her leadership roles, including her involvement with the IAW Foundation Los Angeles Chapter. She helped launch the organization’s first Wellness Retreat and continues to champion initiatives supporting personal and professional growth. Recognized for her achievements, Sunny received the Century City Chamber of Commerce Women of Achievement Award in 2016.

Sunny’s vibrant journey embodies a balance of professional success, family, and wellness, making her a true inspiration.

Wish You Were Here

Women in Business Reception

The Iranian American Women Foundation was proud to sponsor the reception for the play Wish You Were Here at the South Coast Repertory on January 22. This exclusive networking event brought together dynamic women in business, providing an opportunity to foster meaningful connections while celebrating a remarkable production. We were honored to support such an inspiring evening, where collaboration and community took center stage.

"Sanaz Toossi is an Iranian-American playwright and the winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Her plays include English (co-production Atlantic Theater Company/Roundabout Theatre Company) and Wish You Were Here (Playwrights Horizons; Williamstown/Audible). She is currently under commission at Atlantic Theater Company, Roundabout Theatre Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Manhattan Theatre Club and South Coast Repertory. Toossi was the 2019 P73 Playwriting Fellow and a recipient of the Steinberg Playwright Award, the Horton Foote Award, Hull-Warriner Prize, Outer Critics Circle Award, and in 2023, the recipient of the Best New American Play Obie Award. MFA: NYU Tisch."

Mentorship to Internship Program

We invite you to make a difference by becoming a mentor in our Mentorship to Internship Program. This initiative connects experienced professionals with young Iranian Americans, fostering growth, guidance, and mutual learning. As a mentor, you’ll have the unique opportunity to share your expertise, help the next generation navigate their educational and career paths, and build meaningful connections within the community. Join us in empowering the future!

Stay tuned for more exciting events & updates!