JULY 2023 | Issue I

Congratulations Homa Sarshar!

Homa is the Stanford recipient of the

13th Bita Prize for Persian Arts

Homa Sarshar is a published author, award-winning journalist, writer, and media personality. She is the author of five books and the editor of nine other volumes, including five volumes of the Iranian Women’s Studies Foundation Journal and four volumes of The History of Contemporary Iranian Jews. Her book Sha’baan Jafari was the number one bestseller Persian book in Iran and abroad in 2003. Homa has worked for Zan-e Ruz weekly magazine and Kayhan daily newspaper, and as a television producer, director, and talk-show host for National Iranian Radio & Television. She moved to Los Angeles in 1978. She was the co-producer of Omid Radio. Since 2006, Sarshar has been producing, writing, and hosting a weekly radio show at 670AM KIRN. Sarshar is the founder of the Center for Iranian Jewish Oral History (CIJOH) and the Honar Foundation (HF). Sarshar has received numerous awards for her work, including the Medal for Special Achievement in Women’s Rights; Journalism Award: Distinguished Iranian Women by the Encyclopaedia Iranica; Commendation for Community Affairs Services by the County of Los Angeles; 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor; and 2016 American Heritage Award by American Immigration Council.

Sofreh Book Signing Success

The book signing event, on July 10th, with Chef Nasim Alikhani proved to be a resounding success! The venue was filled with enthusiastic attendees that eagerly purchased every copy of her book. Nasim spoke passionately about her inspiration to write the book and the experiences that led her to create this remarkable culinary masterpiece. We appreciate everyone that attended the book signing.

Thank you Dr. Nikki Iravani for hosting at your beautiful state of the art optometry facility, eyeXam.

Wishing Nasim continued success with her book tour.

LA Rising Leaders Retreat

Last month, the Rising Leaders of the LA Chapter held an intimate Summer Wellness Weekend in Joshua Tree.

The event was successful due to the participation of all attendees, Camp Vortex Retreats owned by IAWF Rising Leader Sunny Nassim, and the support of the amazing practitioners. It was truly a memorable experience! We hosted different activities like sound healing, meditation, yoga and a leadership workshop. The weekend brought women together to celebrate the importance of mindfulness, health, and relaxation - we left feeling re-energized and refreshed!

Thank you to everyone who was part of this inspiring weekend! We couldn't think of a better way to come together and empower our organization. IAWF greatly appreciates and recognizes the members of the LA Chapter Rising Leaders who took the initiative and organized this inspirational weekend.

OC Rising Leaders Meeting!

On July 12th, the OC Rising Leaders Chapter held its inaugural meeting, marking the beginning of an exciting new program.

During the initial meeting, members were able to connect with one another and engage in collaborative discussions focused on establishing guidelines and defining the goals for upcoming meetings and events

Thank you to those who attended and with special thanks to our volunteers who filled leadership roles for the Social Media/PR and Social Responsibilities committees. We look forward to more events to come.

To join this inspirational group or learn more about the

OC Rising Leaders please contact Setareh at: setareh@iawfoundation.org

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Sherry Javad - Circle of 1000 Member

Sherry is a dynamic chief executive with over 27 years of experience leading top organizations in the financial services industry. Currently, the President & Executive Officer of SMW 104 Federal Credit Union in Northern California.

She is the first female Iranian American President & CEO of a Credit Union in the United States. Sherry is an experienced executive, a visionary leader, and a strategist.

Sherry serves as a California Credit Union League (CCUL) East Bay board member.

MENTEE SPOTLIGHT

Samin Sirous - Testimonial

Attending the women's leadership event has had a profound impact on my life. When I first attended the event, it was only two months after I had moved to the USA, and the experience was beyond what I could have imagined. Being surrounded by such incredible individuals was both a help and an inspiration for me. It gave me the courage and motivation to keep pushing forward.

Moreover, I am incredibly fortunate to have found two amazing mentors and wonderful friends through IAW. These relationships have taught me a great deal, and I am immensely grateful for their guidance and support along my journey. They have made a significant difference in my life, and I am inspired to pay it forward and assist the next generation in the future.

IAW Foundation