San Diego Conference: Early-Bird Discounted Tickets Available for a Limited Time!

January 2016 Newsletter

Issue I

Women's Leadership Conference in San Diego

It is with immense excitement that the Iranian American Women Foundation announces its 10th Women's Leadership Conference! The conference will be hosted on February 28th, 2016 at the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Moreover, it will feature a diverse array of engaging speakers, empowering stories, and opportunities to connect with fellow members of the IAWF community. You can find all the details regarding the conference, including the speaker line-up and more here.

Ticket Prices:

Early-Bird Discount: $100.00

After January 30th: $150.00

Click here to purchase your tickets today!

Achievement Spotlight: Shahla Ettefagh

IAWF would like to congratulate Shahla Ettefagh for receiving the "Jewel of India" award and "Certificate of Excellence" on December 18, 2015 in New Delhi, India. The awards were presented to those who have made a difference in people's lives on a global scale. Shahla shocked the audience, as they were surprised to see a foreigner received this award. Shahla Ettefagh has committed her life to assisting underprivileged children in India. After a visit to India in 1995 she was so moved by the children in the slums of Rishikesh who were living in such poverty that she vowed to come back permanently to help these kids. What started as a program with 9 children in a rented apartment, flourished into a full-blown free educational institute. Today, 580 underprivileged gifted children and adults are educated in a large compound where they learn music, art, karate and yoga. As Ms. Ettefagh says, Mother Miracle is not only an educational institute, but also a big loving and nurturing family. Find out more about Shahla via her IAWF profile here.

Chapter Member Spotlights

Nazgol Saati

New York

Nazgol Saati is a Director of Finance at real estate investment and development company KS Partners, LLC. She oversees the implementation of the company's investment and operating strategies and manages the financial planning and reporting for the company's investments. She is also the recipient of the first ever Institute of International Education's Women's Global Leadership Award at their 90th Anniversary Gala. Check out her IAWF profile here.

Banafsheh Behnam

Northern California

Banafsheh resides in Sacramento, California. She has over 20 years of engineering experience in public and private sector on Water Resources, Dams and Canals, Irrigation and Drainage, and Flood Control projects. She received her California Professional Engineering License in 2000. She is a Supervising Engineer and works for California Department of Water Resources. Dedicated to the success of her community, she holds many volunteer positions. See her full IAWF profile here.

Tamila Ipema

Southern California

The Honorable Tamila Ebrahimi Ipema has served as a judicial officer in State of California for over 10 years. She has extensive experience in family, criminal, and civil matters. Judge Ipema has worked as an immigration defense attorney, Assistant District Counsel with the U.S. Department of Justice in immigration matters. She has served as a Superior Court Commissioner in LA and San Diego prior to her appointment to San Diego Superior Court in 2009. Visit her IAWF profile here.

Member Spotlight: Nikkisa Abdollahi

IAWF would like to highlight the successes of member Nikkisa Abdollahi. Her tireless effort has allowed an impactful TEDxYouth event to be organized and soon, come into fruition. Please find the event details below:

What's It Like to Walk a Mile In His Shoes? Her Shoes? Your Shoes?

Find out as TEDxYBC presents:

Unveiled O.C.:

History. Herstory. Yourstory.

Don't miss our greatest TEDxYBC mash-up event ever! As the largest TEDxYouth org in the world, each TEDxYBC event is a unique experience geared to connecting the community. On February 6th from 6:00 to 10:00 pm at Oakley's Global Headquarters, a diverse crowd from all corners of O.C. & beyond will join as one tribe to embark on an immersive adventure. You can purchase your tickets here.