June 2026 Newsletter

Meditation Session

with Shahrzad Ardalan & Sina Bayat

On May 3, 2026, the Los Angeles Chapter hosted a peaceful and restorative Meditation Session led by Shahrzad Ardalan and Sina Bayat. Guests were guided through a thoughtful experience focused on quieting the mind, opening the heart, and reconnecting with a deeper sense of calm and balance. The session created a serene space for reflection, mindfulness, and intentional presence.

Following the guided meditation, attendees had the opportunity to connect with one another, fostering a sense of community in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

We are grateful to our Los Angeles Chapter Leaders for organizing this meaningful gathering, and to Shahrzad Ardalan and Sina Bayat for sharing their time and guidance with our community.

Salon And Supper Social #06

On May 27th, S.A.S.S. #06: Salon and Supper Social brought together art industry professionals, patrons, artists, and community members for an intimate evening of meaningful conversation and connection.

Hosted by High Noon Gallery with support from IAW Foundation NY Chapter, the gathering featured a special exhibition viewing of Fatemeh Burnes: The Eighth Veil and centered around the theme “to love and be loved.”

Guests enjoyed savory bites from Nasrin’s Kitchen, along with homemade ice cream by culinary artist Alessandra Vertrees and complimentary drinks by Back Home Beer.

The evening was a beautiful celebration of art, conversation, and the power of community. Thank you to Lauren Hirshfield and everyone who contributed to making the event so memorable.

Photos courtesy of Brooke Banister.

Scholarship Recipients Spotlight

APSIH 2026 Graduation Award Ceremony

We are incredibly proud to celebrate several outstanding students from the IAW Foundation community for their recent achievements at the Association of Professors and Scholars of Iranian Heritage (APSIH) 2026 Graduation Award Ceremony, which took place on May 9th.

Please join us in congratulating Fozhan Babaeiyan Ghamsari and Armin Naghshineh, who were awarded scholarships by the Iranian American Women Foundation.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Parsa Esfandiari, Mohammadnima Jafari, Dorsa Ozlatyfard, Aria Rabet, and Roksana Shirazi. These students have been valued members of our community through our mentorship and scholarship programs, and we are honored to celebrate their continued success.

APSIH honors exceptional graduates of Iranian heritage through this annual ceremony, and it is truly inspiring to see these students represent the next generation of Iranian American leaders. We look forward to seeing all they will achieve in the future!

Mentorship Program

We invite you to make a difference by becoming a mentor in our Mentorship 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!