May 2021 | Issue I
Upcoming Events

Thursday, June 3
Allied in Pride Panel
Did You Know?
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, became the first female gymnast to execute a new move called the Yurchenko double pike. The vault is a stunning feat of power, physics and fearlessness traditionally only attempted by men, and despite not being properly rewarded, Biles, said she would continue doing them.
When asked why, she quickly answered, “Because I can.”
Celebrate Pride Month with IAWF
June is Pride Month and IAWF is excited to share our next panel, “Allied In Pride.” Dr. Foojan Zeine will moderate a discussion featuring Sepi Shyne, Sara Farizan, and Shahrzad Bakhtiari as they discuss embracing one’s identity and being better allies for LGBTQ+ individuals. We invite you to join us Thursday, June 3 at 5:30 PM PST on Zoom, and you can read more about our speakers here. We look forward to seeing you there!
Zoom ID: 840 1626 6870
Setareh Derakhshesh Joins
Voice of America in New Senior Role
Congratulations to our member and past speaker, Setareh Derakhshesh, for her new senior role at Voice of America.
Upon reinstatement to her previous position of Director of PNN (Persian News Network) Setareh will be joining the VOA Programming Directorate as Special Assistant and Director of VOA Program Review. In her new position, she will run the internal strategic and consulting arm of the agency, represent VOA’s interests internally and externally, and participate in various other projects to help the agency grow.
Throughout many years, Setareh has played critical roles across VOA, most recently as Director of the Persian News Network where she oversaw the successful launch of VOA365, a new TV channel and a joint project with Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Radio Farda that expanded the U.S. Agency for Global Media’s (USAGM) Persian-language programming to Iran. 
Setareh is now working closely with the VOA leadership on regional media markets trends as well, including on target audiences for language services to ensure that VOA programs that are intended for dissemination to foreign audiences abroad, achieve substantial gains in digital and television audiences in highly competitive media markets that are of strategic importance to the United States. We are always inspired to see women climb to positions of leadership, and we wish Setareh the best on this journey!
IAWF Welcomes Shahrzad Panahi to our
Los Angeles Chapter Committee
IAWF is excited to welcome Shahrzad Panahi to our Los Angeles Chapter Committee! Shahrzad was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. She has been with U.S. Bank for more than 10 years, holding various roles within retail banking, and she is currently District Manager of the LA Metro district of US Bank. Throughout her career, she has achieved various recognitions and accolades acknowledging her as a well-rounded top performer and leader, including earning the designation of a District Hub Lead for the Coastal Division. Shahrzad earned her B.A. in Industrial Management, with a Minor in Political Science from Ershad University in Tehran, Iran. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and building strong relationships. We look forward to working with Shahrzad and the rest of our LA Committee as we plan future events!
Paris Etemadi Scott Chosen to Lead
City of San Jose Equity Task Force
Legal Director of Pars Equality Center, Paris Etemadi Scott, is one of the 9 community leaders chosen to lead the City of San Jose Equity Task Force. This new task force is collaborating with the City in an effort to create a more equitable and people-focused transportation system as well as other initiatives such as addressing climate change. Paris Etemadi Scott also has over 13 years of experience as an attorney with a focus on immigration law and international human rights. Pars Equality Center’s involvement with local government builds an influential voice for the Iranian American community and educates policymakers about our opinions. IAWF congratulates Paris for this achievement, and you can read more HERE.