October 2024 Newsletter

Women of Influence Soirée

Mark your calendars for an evening full of inspiration, empowerment, and celebration. This special event will honor extraordinary women who have made significant contributions in their fields and communities.



Join us for an unforgettable evening, inspiring speakers, and the opportunity to connect with influential leaders. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a memorable celebration of women's achievements and to draw inspiration from their stories.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Fall Wellness Retreat

On October 20, 2024, participants gathered at the TENTEN Downtown rooftop for the LA Fall Wellness Retreat, a full-day experience dedicated to holistic well-being and seasonal renewal. Attendees engaged in rejuvenating yoga, meditation with special guest speakers Anousha and Toranj Kayvon, a healing sound bath led by Roxie, and a liberating ecstatic dance with Shantel. The retreat provided nourishing meals, a DIY essential oil station, and a vibrant mixer with live music by Mada Davis to conclude the event. The day offered a unique opportunity for attendees to connect, recharge, and explore new perspectives on personal growth and self-care.

Photos courtesy of Sadaf Ghoreshi & Feather Photography Group

Beyond Wellness:

Embracing Your Wholeness

On October 27, 2024, the Northern California Chapter in collaboration with the Temple of Unity, hosted the transformative "NorCal Beyond Wellness: Embracing Your Wholeness" retreat at the serene Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga. Participants enjoyed a full day of rejuvenating sessions, including mindfulness practices, sound healing, movement meditation, and inspiring discussions led by Iranian American Women. The event provided a space for attendees to connect with their highest selves, cultivating balance in body, mind, and spirit within a supportive community.

Love by Design Book Signing

On October 22, 2024, attendees gathered for an engaging evening with Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, celebrated social psychologist and psychosexual therapist, to discuss her new book, Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love.

Dr. Nasserzadeh shared insights from her 20+ years of research and practice, offering practical strategies for building meaningful relationships in both personal and professional spheres. The event included lively networking, thought-provoking discussions, and a chance for attendees to explore their own relational blueprints, all while enjoying a signed copy of the book.

Celebrating Our Scholars & Mentees

On October 5, 2024, the Association of Professors and Scholars of Iranian Heritage held its annual graduation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of Iranian heritage students from the 2023/2024 academic year. Graduates connected with distinguished Iranian heritage professors and researchers who served as mentors, and outstanding students received special awards for their accomplishments.

Congratulations to our mentees and scholarship recipients Mahsa Ghaderpour, Mahtab Farzaneh, and Roksana Shirazi on being recognized for their academic achievements at this year's ceremony!

Member Spotlight: Mina Asadirad

"Mina Asadirad is a CFA (California Floral Association) certified floral instructor, and also holds certification from the Ohara School of Ikebana Design in Tokyo, Japan. She has been teaching and practicing floral design for over 30 years, at colleges and institutions such as Cal Poly Pomona and Los Angeles Trade Technical College.

Before Mina Design School, she founded Mina Flower Design, a wholesale floral distributor and boutique floral event designer that supplies arrangements to large retail clients and events nationwide.

Today, at Mina Design School, she brings her expertise and talent to help discover and develop the next generation of floral designers and entrepreneurs."

Stay tuned for more exciting events & updates!