October Newsletter

A Night to Remember

Women of Influence Soiree - September 30th

At Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, our Women of Influence Soiree was a resounding success, thanks to your support and generosity. We had the honor of having the talented Shally Zomorodi as our emcee, guiding us through an evening filled with inspiration and the shared mission of uplifting women in our community. Adding to the enchantment of the evening was a special performance by Kamyar and LA Daf.


  • Gratitude to Our Honorees and Donors

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the incredible honorees and donors who joined us for this special evening. Your contributions are more than just financial; they are investments in the future of aspiring young women who dream of making a difference.


  • Mentee Testimonials: Inspiring Stories of Impact

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from four of our mentees, who graciously shared their personal experiences with their mentors and the profound impact of IAWF on their journeys. These testimonials served as a reminder of the transformative power of mentorship and education. Through your support, these young women have received scholarships that have paved the way for brighter futures.


  • IAW Foundation, Making a Difference

At IAWF, our mission is to inspire, empower, and connect women in the Iranian-American community. The Women of Influence Soiree was a reflection of our dedication to this mission and a celebration of the incredible strides we have made together.

As we reflect on this memorable evening, we invite you to stay connected and continue supporting our cause. Your involvement, whether through mentorship, donations, or spreading awareness, is the driving force behind our success.


Book Launch Party at Diesel Bookstore!



We're thrilled to partner with Diesel Bookstore to bring you an evening of literary magic. Join us at an exclusive event to celebrate the launch of Disney's "Realm of Wonders" by Alexandra Monir.


  • When: Tuesday, October 10, 6:30 PM
  • Where: Diesel Bookstore, Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Santa Monica, CA 90402


This captivating evening will feature Alexandra in conversation with fellow author Livia Blackburne, promising an illuminating insight into the fantastical world of "Realm of Wonders".

Grab your tickets now from diesel bookstore link and remember to secure your copy of the book.

We look forward to seeing you there! 🌟

The City of West Hollywood Proclaims September 18th as Mahsa Amini Day!

In a momentous ceremony, the City of West Hollywood has officially declared September 18th as Mahsa Amini Day, recognizing the Iranian American Women Foundation's unwavering commitment to the 'Women, Life, Freedom Movement' and the pursuit of equality and human rights. This proclamation stands as a powerful testament to our mission, honoring the legacy of Mahsa Amini and inspiring continued dedication to empowering women and championing human rights. Join us in celebrating this historic milestone.

🎓 Hear From Our Scholarship Recipients! 

  • Diba Mohtasham

"I'm a proud recipient of the IAWF Scholarship, and I'd like to share my journey with you. I'm pursuing a Master of Arts in Arts & Culture Journalism at Columbia University, This scholarship has been a lifeline, enabling me to focus on my studies and storytelling passion without the constant worry of tuition costs.

My background includes diverse roles in journalism, but I aimed to become a more well-rounded journalist, proficient in both audio and digital formats, and capable of tackling challenging reporting, including investigations and data analysis. My dream is to return to a major media organization as a full-time beat reporter specializing in culture, Expressing my gratitude to IAWF for being a pillar of support throughout this journey."


  • Shaadi Ghorbani


"As an IAWF Scholarship recipient, I'm pursuing a Dual BA in Middle Eastern/European Cultures and Political Science at Columbia University and Trinity College. My passion for human rights advocacy has led me to a path in civil rights and law. The scholarship has been a tremendous help, easing the financial challenges of my journey from Dublin to New York City. I want to express my deep gratitude to IAWF for their unwavering support on this incredible journey. With your generosity, I am better equipped to represent and advocate for people worldwide, using my language skills to bridge gaps and make a positive impact. Thank you for being an essential part of my educational and career aspirations."


  • Paniz Shafaei


"As an IAWF Scholarship recipient, I'm pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. My focus is commissioning works by Persian-speaking composers and promoting Persian culture through music.

Despite being an international student facing financial challenges, the scholarship has greatly assisted with tuition, living costs, and various projects. I've achieved significant milestones in my musical career, including performances with prestigious orchestras and commissioned works.

I'm truly thankful to IAWF for their support, which not only aids my education but also empowers me to advance cultural advocacy through music."





Reflecting on Suicide Prevention Awareness Month


In September, as we marked Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we came together for an important event - our Suicide Prevention Panel. We are delighted to share the video with you:

📺 Visit our YouTube here!

Take a moment to explore this enlightening discussion, and join us in spreading awareness about suicide prevention. Together, we can foster a more supportive and understanding community around mental health.

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