June 2016 Newsletter
Issue I
Leadership Trip to Washington, D.C


Join us for engaging discussions with experts in various fields and workshops to develop individual strengths. Featured guests include Ferial Govashiri, Pantea Faed, Dr. Farima Mostofi, and Davar Ardalan. Embark on exclusive tours of the White House, Library of Congress and other government institutions, as well as briefings at the World Bank, NPR and the International Monetary Fund. Tuition is $599 and space is very limited. Apply today! 
*Airfare is not included & a private room is an additional $400*
Achievement Spotlight: Azadeh Shahshahani

Azadeh Shahshahani is a vocal human rights attorney, working in Georgia and North Carolina to help those without a voice. In 2011, she became the first woman of color to be elected the president of the National Lawyers Guild, through which she participated in a number of international delegations to Venezuela, Palestine, Haiti, and post-revolutionary Tunisia and Egypt. She also served as a member of the jury for human rights tribunals on Mexico and the Philippines. She is currently the director of national security and human rights at the American Civil Liberties Union Georgia chapter, where she defends the rights of immigrants and Muslim, Middle Eastern, and South Asian communities. She is also the Legal and Advocacy Director with Project South, where she provides legal support to social justice movements with a focus on immigrants' rights and protecting minorities against state repression. Visit Azadeh's IAWF profile here.

 



Atefeh Riazi
New York

Atefeh Riazi is the Chief Information Technology Officer, Assistant Secretary-General, Office of Information and Communications Technology at the United Nations. Atefeh started her professional career with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York City, where she was appointed the Chief Information Officer with responsibilities for implementing the MetroCard in New York City. She also served as the Chief Information Officer and Acting General Manager of the New York City Housing Authority, with oversight responsibilities for design and deployment of smart building technologies and cost containment practices. Visit Atefeh's IAWF profile here.
 

Nazy Kaviani
Northern California

Nazy Kaviani is a renowned human rights activist and community organizer in the Bay Area, shining a spotlight on Iranian and Iranian-American artists, activists and musicians. Her organization, Diaspora Arts Connection, is dedicated to promoting the music, arts, and culture of Iran and beyond, with an emphasis on introducing new and up-and-coming artists and sponsoring visas for talented Iranian artists to come to the U.S. to perform, network, and showcase their talents. Nazy also works for the United Nations on human rights campaigns, such as raising awareness about solitary confinement of political prisoners, censorship of artists and journalists. Visit Nazy's IAWF profile here.

Naheed Olsen
Southern California

Dr. Naheed Olsen is a cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente in Downey, where she is also the chair of both the Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee and the Drug Utilization Action Committee. She was born and raised in Iran and immigrated to the US in 1982. She attended the UCI School of Medicine and continued her residency and cardiology fellowship at UCI Medical Center. In 2013, she became involved with Project Vietnam, an organization that provides free healthcare and aid throughout Vietnam. She is medical director of their summer camp, where she identifies patients with cardiac disease and implants pacemakers and defibrillators for those in need. Visit Naheed's IAWF profile here.

 
IAWF Member, Lily Sarafan, Wins 
Woman of the Year Award 
This May, Women Health Care Executives named Lily Sarafan as the 2016 Woman of the Year at their gala held in San Francisco. Each year, the prestigious award honors exceptional women whose leadership and contributions have made a significant impact on the health care industry. Lily was recognized for her continued leadership on the successful growth of Home Care Assistance, in addition to her deep engagement with the Northern California healthcare community. Lily's mother, Fay Ehsan, as well as other notable speakers, praised Lily for her entrepreneurial spirit and drive for innovation. In her speech, Lily thanked WHCE for their role in empowering and supporting women leaders in healthcare while also sharing her vision of a thriving future for seniors. 
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