IAWF started the visibility initiative to raise awareness regarding Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman who died in police custody, and the countless brave Iranian women risking their lives in the movement for women’s rights and freedom.
IAWF has pursued public visibility projects such as inquiring with major companies and/or buildings, putting together vigils, securing billboards, visiting schools and senior homes, and so on. The visibility initiative holds true to IAWF’s core values to Inspire, Empower, and Connect Iranian women around the world. Through public visibility, IAWF aims to uplift the voices of Iranian women in order to bring national and international attention to their efforts in fighting for freedom.
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The Vigil was held at West Hollywood Park on September 29, 2022, at 5:30 PM in honor of Mahsa Amini and the brave women of Iran. The vigil was held both in-person and virtually (watch now). The Mayor Pro Tempore of West Hollywood, Sepi Shyne, was in attendance, along with Councilwoman Sharona Nazarian, and other community leaders. This event had a major impact on our community with hundreds in attendance and coverage from multiple news outlets. This event was made possible with the assistance of the Los Angeles Chapter.
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Washington D.C.
Picture courtesy of NSGIran
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Los Angeles, CA
Picture courtesy of Shahab Ettakal
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Kansas City, Kansas
Supported by AVoice79
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Berkeley, CA
Supported by Bijan Sartipi
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San Jose, CA
Supported by Bijan Sartipi
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IAWF acquired multiple Jumbotron billboards around the United States, secured through fundraising efforts, and through partnerships with individuals or organizations. From left to right the above pictures are the New York Billboard at 1500 Broadway & West 43rd in Times Square, a mobile digital billboard in Washington D.C. which joined demonstrators and circled around the National Mall, the Los Angeles billboard at the corner of Olympic and Sepulveda, the Kansas Billboard which can be seen off of interstate 35 North at the Lamar Avenue exit, Billboard in Berkeley which can be seen westbound on interstate 80 and 580, and San Jose billboard which can be seen off of 101 southbound in Santa Clara near the San Jose International Airport, the Miami Billboard on Brickell right off I-95 traveling northbound, and six additional bus stop digital billboards during Miami’s Art Basel show.
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IAWF conferences inform, inspire, educate and invigorate Iranian American women. Born from a desire to empower and connect, IAWF’s conferences, held nationwide, offer a place where Iranian American women from all walks of life can celebrate their heritage, network, promote personal and professional growth, and showcase their community’s contribution to the American fabric. Speakers are hand-selected based on their impact on society, success in business, and/or ability to share their stories and motivate others. Most participants walk away from IAWF conferences feeling rejuvenated and energized, but specifically this year many felt united and stronger together.
IAWF events are more than just conferences, they are an experience. At these conferences, women make new lifelong friendships, expand their career opportunities, commit to personal and professional achievements, and celebrate their culture.
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Orange County - March 6, 2022 |
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IAW Foundation returned to Orange County for our first in-person event after over two years. We hosted our signature Women's Leadership Conference in Newport Beach, CA. We had over 400 people join us from around the country to celebrate International Women's Day and the 10th anniversary of our founding. The day was full of fascinating panel discussions, exhilarating musical performances, and moments of inspiration. We also had a variety of vendors and exhibitors who shared their products and services with our members, as well as a unique fashion show. These events would not be possible without the participation of our incredible speakers, gracious volunteers, and dedicated committee members. There couldn't have been a better way to mark a decade of inspiring, empowering, and connecting our community. |
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San Francisco - October 16, 2022 |
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IAWF came together at the Women’s Leadership Conference held at the Westin San Francisco Airport for an informative event during a historic moment for women’s rights. Nearly 350 attendees joined us from around the country to not only participate, but unite in solidarity with the women in Iran fighting for their basic human rights. The day was full of motivational speakers and insightful discussions surrounding women's rights in Iran. It was truly inspiring to see so many incredible Iranian women in one room as we celebrated each other’s achievements and recognized the impact that we have made in our society. The togetherness throughout the event was beyond expectations thanks to the teamwork of so many incredible women that make up the IAWF Northern California Chapter Leadership. |
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IAW Foundation closed the following 2022 scholarship funds: Amin Arasteh Foundation Scholarship, Googoosh Excellence in Arts Fund, Pari Abasalti Fund, Youth Law Center Fund, Shiva Kord Fund, and Empowering Iranian Academics Fund. With these 6 funds, IAW was able to help 35 students and provide a total of over $125,000 in scholarship aid this year. The "Thank You" video above was provided by 2022 scholarship recipient, Ms. Maryam Soufisiavash. Maryam is a Doctorate student at the University of Alberta studying Musical Arts in Piano Performance. We wish all our scholarship recipients the best of luck in their pursuit of education. |
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Northern California Chapter |
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IAWF Celebrates IAW Day at the Salesforce Tower
April 27, 2022
April 27th has been recognized as Iranian American Women's Day by 17 California state officials and 14 cities in the state. To commemorate this year's IAW Day, the iconic Salesforce Tower in San Francisco featured a unique light show celebrating Iranian American women. IAWF worked with a team of Iranian women artists led by Shaghayegh Cyrous to create a poetic visual narrative to showcase and celebrate the strength and power of the Iranian American women community. This was a night we will never forget, and you can watch a preview of the show here.
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IAWF Women of Influence Soiree
POSTPONED
In October, IAWF Leadership and the LA Chapter decided to postpone the Women of Influence Soiree due to the unfolding crisis in Iran. As their fight continues, it is of utmost importance to take this time to recognize the inspiration from the countless Iranian Women risking their lives in fighting for their freedom. We are in awe of the people of Iran who are changing history as we know it. Our deepest gratitude to the LA chapter leaders who worked hard to plan the Women of Influence Soiree and, again, thank you to all of the LA Chapter Leaders for their continued flexibility as they work on future plans for this event in 2023.
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Los Angeles Rising Leaders |
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LA Rising Leaders Q&A Reception with Leila Nazarian
May 6, 2022
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LA Rising Leaders Hike and Unwind
July 17, 2022
IAWF's LA Rising Leaders Chapter participated in an adventurous summer event! Participants went on a group hike at Los Liones on Sunday, July 17th. The hike was followed by a wind down at a local spot, Edo Bites at the Pacific Palisades Village. The event was filled with great conversations, meaningful connections, and a great deal of fun.
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LA Rising Leaders Guided Imagery Journey
September 18, 2022
LA Rising Leaders Board hosted a Guided Imagery Journey followed by a Sound Bath at WRK Fitness Studio in Sherman Oaks. Event led by Holistic Healer & Transformational Coach, Mina Khanaman. During this session, the group meditated and prayed for Mahsa Amini's soul, as the news was coming out about her tragic death on September 16th.
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LA Rising Leaders Honoring International Day of the Girl by Amplifying Iranian Voices
October 11, 2022
IAWF's LA Rising Leaders Board Members Ariana Romero and Roxanna Ameri (alumna class of '13) collaborated with Marlborough School by hosting Iranian American speakers to shed light on the ongoing fight for women's rights happening in Iran.
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NY Rising Leaders Summer Picnic
August 7, 2022
IAWF's New York Rising Leaders Chapter participated in a blissful summer event! Participants went to a private location along the beach. The event was filled with great conversations, meaningful connections, and a great deal of fun.
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