December 2025 Newsletter

In Conversation with Googoosh

SOLD OUT

The legendary Googoosh, along with her co-author Tara Dehlavi, will discuss their newly published novel, Googoosh: A Sinful Voice, in a live conversation with Shahrzad Ardalan.

Guests will join us for what promises to be a memorable and intimate discussion, and take home a hardcover edition of the book, with a signed bookplate, as part of their experience.

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025

Time: 3:00–5:00 PM

Location: Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

4500 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Advance ticket purchase is required. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Shiraz Arts Festival (1967-1977) - جشن هنر شیراز

Presentation by Dr. Mahasti Afshar (in Persian)

Presented by the Luminary Series:

Join us on a one-of-a-kind journey to the Shiraz Arts Festival (1967-1977), a presentation by Dr. Mahasti Afshar (in Persian).

Mahasti Afshar will walk us through the Shiraz Arts Festival, an international event that was held every summer from 1967-1977, and highlight the festival’s extraordinary programs in music, dance, drama, and film from Iran and around the world.

Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Time: 3:30–5:30 PM

Location: Beverly Hills Public Library Auditorium

444 N Rexford Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

This Giving Tuesday

Your Support Matters More Than Ever

With limited access to financial aid and increasing educational costs, students face tremendous challenges. Your contribution to our scholarship fund provides essential relief and renewed hope!

Wellness Retreat

On November 8, 2025, the OC Rising Leaders hosted a revitalizing Wellness Retreat, beginning with an energizing fitness session led by world champion and national team coach Nila Forooghi, whose enthusiasm set a powerful tone for the day. Participants enjoyed a wholesome snack break curated by Armita Mehr of Dorita Cake, followed by a calming yoga flow guided by certified instructor Elahe Javadi and accompanied by the soothing hang drum melodies of Amir Rezaeipour.

The restorative energy continued with a meditation and sound healing experience led by Zara Rezai of Lightforce Alchemy, joined once again by Amir Rezaeipour, helping attendees unwind and reconnect with their inner balance. A nourishing lunch by Osso Kitchen offered space for mindful conversations and community connection. The retreat concluded with two inspiring sessions, “Beyond Vision” and “One Team, One Goal,” led by IAW Foundation Founder and CEO Mariam Khosravani, encouraging purpose-driven growth and unity within our community.

A heartfelt thank you to the OC Rising Leaders, our incredible volunteers, dedicated instructors, generous in-kind donors, and all of our wonderful guests for making this Wellness Retreat truly memorable!

Photos courtesy of Merdad Media.

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!