FOX 5 San Diego Morning News Anchor Shally Zomorodi has been waking up San Diego for more than a decade. A dedicated journalist, Zomorodi launched her news career as an assistant for KTTV FOX 11 in Los Angeles. Quickly advancing into an on-air reporting position in Beaumont, Texas, Zomorodi, with her winning smile and refined reporting skills, woke the Southwest residents of the Lone Star state to breaking local and national news.

Shally’s embracing personality and dedicated reporting returned her to the Southland and family she loves dearly in Orange County. She reported for LA City View in Los Angeles and then became the anchor of DAYBREAK OC, a two-hour live morning show broadcasting from the heart of Orange County for all of Southern California. Versed in international broadcasting as the reporter for Voice of America, and fluent in Farsi, Shally now brings her global skills, diversity, and Southland knowledge to FOX 5. Shally credits her success in broadcasting to pageants. Shally won the title of Mrs. California Globe and was 3rd runner-up to Mrs. US GLOBE. She also held the titles of Miss Orange County Teen USA and Miss Orange County USA. It was during her competition at MISS CALIFORNIA USA that Shally won an award in journalism.... Read More

Mariam Khosravani is the Founder of the Iranian American Women Foundation, an educational nonprofit organization based in Irvine, CA with chapters in Northern California, New York, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Since its inception in 2012, IAWF has hosted multiple leadership conferences, workshops and seminars with over 20,000 participants from around the globe. She is also the Executive Director of the Coastline Community College Foundation in Orange County, California. She manages the college foundation and its assets and is responsible for raising funds to assist and support over 18,000 students. Mariam has been active in the field of philanthropy as a consultant, speaker, and trainer for the last twenty years. She is passionate about humanitarian aid and has assisted in the expansion of several non-profit organizations in California. She has raised millions of dollars in funding for various local, national, and international organizations. Mariam was previously the President of The Africa Project, an organization supporting children in the continent of Africa. The Mayor of Irvine also appointed her as the Community Services Commissioner, a position she held for eight years. She was the chair of the Investment Council for the United Way of Orange County and served on a number of boards, including the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS) SoCal, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the California Community College Foundation, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), Keep Children In School (KCIS), and the Network of Iranian American Professionals of Orange County (NIPOC). She has received many awards and recognitions for her contributions to the community and her passion for making a difference. She received the 2015 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Woman of Philanthropy award from Comerica Bank and the LA Lakers, and many others.

Dr. Nina Ansary is an award-winning Iranian-American author, historian and women’s rights advocate. She is a UN Women Global Champion for Innovation, director of the Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum Women’s Leadership Initiative at the University of Cambridge, and former director of  the World Affairs Councils of America Global Women’s Lecture Series.

Her best-selling books Jewels of Allah: The Untold Story of Women in Iran and Anonymous Is a Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender Inequality garnered numerous awards - including the International Book Award in “Women’s Issues” and the Benjamin Franklin Book Award in “History” and “Interior Design.”

Nina is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award, and the Barnard College, Columbia University Trailblazer Award.

She has appeared on CNN International, Fox News, Larry King, the Today Show, the BBC, Sky News and been featured in a variety of publications, including Newsweek, Maria Shriver’s The Sunday Paper, The Los Angeles Times, The UK Daily Telegraph, Teen Vogue and the Yale Journal of International Affairs. She has written for Time, HuffPost and The Daily Beast and presented her work at multilateral conferences, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, the United States Senate Human Rights Caucus, Girl Up Leadership Summit, the London School of Economics, and at Columbia, Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge Universities.

Nina was born in Tehran and moved with her family to the United States after the 1979 Revolution in Iran. She grew up in New York City and received her Master of Arts in Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies and PhD in History from Columbia University. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the Iranian American Women Foundation and the Board of Advisors of the Cambridge Middle East and North Africa Forum at the University of Cambridge.

X/Twitter (@drninaansary) | Instagram (@ninaansary) | Facebook (facebook.com/ninaansary). Learn more at ninaansary.com

​​For close to twenty five years, learning and development has been the main focus of Dr Shaheem's career in a deep and deliberate manner, through the application of psychological and adult educational principles and practices.

The intertwined nature of multiple roles throughout her career (such as a Learning & Development Director, university professor and various other leadership roles) are inseparable and constantly leveraged to engage in purposeful work to make a positive impact.

When Dr Shaheem works as a consultant or coach, her comprehensive and broad academic background colours and frames both the process and product of that engagement. Similarly, as a university professor, Dr Shaheem's consulting projects breathe life and relevance into her lectures.

As Dean and Executive Director of an international business school, Dr Shaheem merged and managed the kaleidoscope of her experiences in order to inspire, educate and transform thousands of lives by helping both staff and students progress towards their potential. Furthermore, Dr Shaheem's reach and impact extends across multiple continents through different dimensions. For close to seven years, she was a co-host on a talk radio show called 'Voices of Diversity' and had a monthly column called 'Psyched Sundays.' She has published a number of books and articles, is a senior research fellow and regular keynote presenter at conferences & Tedx speaker.  She was also the founder of the first anti bullying campaign in the UAE, 'Bolt Down on Bullying' and the founder and director of Balanced Leadership Circle, an association that aims to confront and prevent gender inequality. Through her social media platforms, she has touched the hearts and minds of many people worldwide.

On International Women’s Day in 2018, Dr Shaheem was recognized by the Mayor of London for her extraordinary contribution to the UK.

Azadeh Pourzand is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Siamak Pourzand Foundation (SPF), an organization dedicated to freedom of expression, as well as Community Director at Impact Iran, a coalition of 20 human rights organizations committed to advocating for human rights and driving positive change in Iran. Currently a PhD candidate at SOAS University of London's Global Media and Communications department, she is a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School of Government with a Master in Public Policy (MPP), a graduate of Nyenrode Universiteit with a Master in Business Administration (MBA) focused on entrepreneurship, and a graduate of Oberlin College with an honors bachelor's degree in Comparative Literature. Azadeh is also on the Secretariat of Impact Iran, a coalition of organizations working to promote human rights in Iran, and is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Middle East and Global Order(CMEG). Her research and writing focus on grassroots civil society and human rights in Iran, with an emphasis on freedom of expression, rule of law, the human rights of minority groups and women’s rights. Azadeh has published two co-authored book chapters on women's rights and rule of law in Iran, published by Routledge and Indiana University Press.

Dr. Maryam Zamani is an internationally recognised authority, a Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon, and Facial Aesthetics Doctor specialising in surgical and non-surgical facial aesthetic procedures in London. She has garnered a loyal following in both the UK and US thanks to her ultra-subtle approach and meticulous attention to detail. 

With over twenty years of experience spanning two continents, Dr. Zamani is uniquely both an American-trained and Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and specialist Consultant in the UK. This hybrid access and dual expertise places Dr. Zamani at the forefront of the latest available treatments, skincare research & technology, and best-in-class patient care. 

Dr. Zamani received her medical doctorate and completed residency training from George Washington University School of Medicine where she was awarded the distinguished Beaumonts Research Award and was Chief Resident. Upon moving to London, she completed fellowship training in Oculoplastic &

Reconstructive Surgery at Imperial College and the Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust. She is a member of various societies including the European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. 

Dr. Zamani’s unique skill set positions her as one of the foremost experts in skincare and beauty technology, facilitating the creation of her multi-award-winning product range, MZ SKIN. Available in over 50 top retailers globally, MZ SKIN is a brand born in The Clinic, where science-led formulations meet multi-sensory excellence for a holistic approach to skin health. Developed using Dr. Zamani’s three-step philosophy to Reveal, Enhance and Protect the skin through a concise, transformational, and efficacious approach; The range features performance-driven formulations that blend potent ingredients and proven science with sumptuous textures to combine joy with purpose. 

Dr. Zamani practices at her clinic in Chelsea, where she is leading the drive behind the London superclinic and developing Kings Road as the go-to ‘Tweakment’ destination in Europe. Dr. Zamani’s signature aesthetic of exceptionally subtle, artistic improvements with meticulous attention to detail has amassed an international client base. The Clinic delivers an extensive portfolio of surgical and nonsurgical treatments including injectables, skin peels, innovative energy-based technology and state-of- the-art light and laser treatments for the face and body.

Bita Milanian is renowned as a catalyst for change. Her career includes leading global marketing initiatives at various corporations, founding a creative consulting agency, and excelling as a producer. Additionally, her adept leadership of a grassroots non-profit dedicated to art and culture has further cemented her impact. Central to Bita's mission is the amplification of artists, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations, aiding them in gaining global recognition and influence.

Bita’s journey began with an unwavering passion for marketing and a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. Throughout her career, she has led global marketing initiatives, played a pivotal role in multiple mergers and acquisitions, founded a creative consulting agency, and directed a grassroots non-profit focused on art and culture. Her path has been marked by continual growth, learning, and a steadfast commitment to bridging diverse cultures and communities through her work.

Bita's path has been shaped by incredible mentors and leaders, as well as a vast and robust global network. Her journey is more than a personal story; it's a testament to the power of community and mentorship. Today, more than ever, she is committed to paying it forward, empowering the next generation, and fostering innovation. Focused on diversity and creativity, Bita aims to contribute to a world that values and uplifts every voice. Looking ahead, she is energized by the opportunity to leverage her network to support others, continuing the cycle of support and building a more inclusive and vibrant global community.

More info at bitamilanian.com

Shirin Amani Azari is an Iranian-born Swedish mother of a thirteen-year-old daughter. She lives with her family in Kent, working as a psychotherapist during the day, while pursuing her great passion for writing at the same time.

At the age of twelve she left Iran and has never returned. Her Swedish life began in the city of Uppsala, where she lived until a year before she emigrated with her husband to London in 1997.

Her first book, Once Upon a Time in Tehran, was published in New York in 2009. This proved to be a success through various book signings in New York and London, one of which, at Harrods, had a great turn-out. She was also interviewed by the three most-viewed Iranian television companies in England and USA; Tapesh, Manoto TV and her recent interview was with Sina Valiollah on MBC Persia. She won awards from the BBC Persian Service and had a further book signing in New York in 2010. Once Upon a Time in Tehran was published in both hard and soft cover.

Once Upon a Time in Uppsala was written with the hope of raising awareness of an immigrant life as seen through the eyes of a twelve-year-old child. The author's intention is te help other children in the same situation, children who are silently suffering in a world where hostility to immigrants and refugees is growing, to find their own voice, which will aid their integration into society.

Shirin is committed to her charitable work, in which she is a strong believer. She offers her services to the Medical Alliance for Health Services Abroad (MAHSA), believing in the future of young people in Iran.

Restoring stories such as tales from Persian folklore is a passion for her, and she has referred to this in both her books. She believes that a story can tell us more than any academic lecture. Tales create magic and wonder, and teach us about life, ourselves and others.

Her previous writing experiences include articles published in the International Journal of Psychotherapy and The Therapist, amongst other journals in the field of her profession.

Shabnam founded Big Bad Boo Studios to produce and distribute quality family programming. Shabnam has produced and directed Hulu Original Series “The Bravest Knight”, winner of 2020 GLAAD Award, with a second season currently in production. She has also created and directed original shows such as “16 Hudson” (Amazon Prime/TVOKids), climate change series “Galapagos X” (TVOKids, Knowledge Kids, Radio-Canada, Mediacorp), mini-series “Lili & Lola” (Oznoz/ICI TV), and musical series “ABC with Kenny G” (TVOKids, Radio-Canada). 

Shabnam started her career producing series “Mixed Nutz”, and her first creation was “1001 Nights”, currently airing in 80 countries on Disney, Teletoon, Discovery Kids, Gloob Brazil, RTBF Belgium, and MTV3 Finland. 

Based in Vancouver and New York, the company’s own streaming channel Oznoz provides cartoons in 10+ languages including Thomas and Friends, Bob the Builder, Babar and more. 

With a BS in Computer Science, a BA in German Literature from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from New York University, Shabnam spent 10 years in financial software industry in New York and London at Fortune 500's such as Deloitte & Touche and Misys. She has been featured on CBC, CNN, Forbes, BBC, FOX, the New York Times and NPR. She was born in Iran and grew up in Austria. She speaks English, German, Persian, French, and Spanish and is raising her two daughters trilingual.

For more, please visit http://www.bigbadboo.com/ or www.oznoz.com

Mana Shamshiri studied Philosophy, Ethics and French at The University of Bristol, then a Masters in International Law with a focus on Environmental Law at SOAS, University of London.

She went vegan at the age of 18 due to ethical considerations for animals and later compounded her belief in leading a vegan lifestyle by understanding the impact that plant-based eating has on health and the environment.

She started her blog and social media platform @theiranianvegan during the COVID-19 pandemic, after noticing a lack of cultural representation in the vegan world. Through creating engaging content and plant-based Persian recipes, she draws on Iranian history and anthropology to show that plant-based eating does not come at the cost of losing our culture and heritage. She is anchored by the mission to introduce a growing health and climate-conscious population to Iranian cuisine and culture, and to use food as a vehicle to foster cross-cultural understanding. It was met with a hugely positive reaction and a rapidly growing organic audience.

In 2022, she left a career in law to pursue her passion: to lead, educate and influence people to be more conscious about their food choices. The demand led her to run London's first ever and only plant-based Persian restaurant, Mana's Plant-Based Persian Cuisine. The 4-month pop-up in King’s Cross received the Diner's Choice Award by OpenTable in 2022. She went on to teach sold-out cooking classes and run supper clubs, including fundraisers for Iran.

She has been interviewed for the LSE Middle East Centre's podcast. She has been featured on Manoto TV on multiple occasions to speak about Persian vegan food and facilitate cooking demonstrations. She has been featured in several magazines and has recently been named as one of 150 women leaders of the future by the vegan women's summit.

Dr. Nazee Akbari brings more than twenty years of extensive experience as a licensed psychotherapist within the realm of mental health. Throughout her career, she has offered invaluable support to numerous individuals and families dealing with a wide range of challenges. Additionally, Dr. Akbari holds the position of Clinical Supervisor as well as Visiting Supervisor at Anglia Ruskin University, providing guidance to Ph.D. students.

Arriving in the UK at the age of 20, Dr. Akbari established her life and profession in England. She earned her Undergraduate and Masters psychotherapy degrees from the University of East London and her Doctorate from Middlesex University. She committed herself to the charity sector, creating various initiatives to assist immigrants with mental health issues, particularly focusing on those most in need. Notably, she led the development of Farsophone Counselling Service, a bilingual counselling service tailored for Farsi speakers at a hospital in North London in 2006. Currently, she serves as the CEO of a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers with mental health challenges. Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous awards, including recognition as a Peace Ambassador by the UK Peace Federation and the Glaxo Smith Kline Impact Award. She has been nominated to receive the UK National Honour Award from the UK Cabinet Office in 2023.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Akbari is a recognized professional in training, facilitation, and presentations. She collaborates with BBC Persian and Manoto TV as a mental health expert for the Iranian community. Over the past two decades, she has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences and seminars across the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Holland, Iran and more. Moreover, she has conducted over 250 training courses and workshops aimed at raising awareness about mental health, catering to both professionals and the general public.

Dr. Akbari's contributions extend to her written work, with a particular focus on women's issues. She has authored and translated numerous articles addressing women's concerns, collaborating closely with Zanan Magazine in Iran. Furthermore, she has translated five psychological books into Farsi, which have been published in Iran.

Shortly after the revolution Behi DJANATI ATAÏ and her family decided to leave Iran. They first settled for a short period in the US, where Behi went to school before moving to France. Fluently trilingual (French, Persian, English), Behi returned to her passion for cinema and theater after completing a master’s degree in science.

She embarked on her film career with the multi-award-winning movie The Old Man Who Read Love Stories directed by Rolf de Heer. This was followed by her notable collaborations with Philippe Lioret in the multi-award-winning movie Welcome and Born in 68 with Ducastel & Martineau, and the multi-awarded movie Altiplano directed by Jessica Woodworth & Peter Brosens, which was selected for the Critics' Week at Cannes in 2009. Subsequently, she starred in Babak Anvari's Under the Shadow, which received more than twenty awards, including a BAFTA. The film was also shortlisted for the 2016 Oscars. Behi also appeared in Sou Abadi's double award-winning Some Like It Veiled and Eva Husson's Girls of the Sun which was in official competition at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, she played a role in the Emmy-award-winning series Tehran directed by Daniel Syrkin. Her voice work in Nora Twomey’s multi-awarded and 2018 Oscar Nominated Best Animated Feature Film, The Breadwinner, earned her the jury's "coup de coeur" award at the Festival Voix d’étoiles.

Among more than twenty-five films she has appeared in to date, her standout role in Arash T.Riahi's For a Moment, Freedom was pivotal. The film was shortlisted for the 2010 Oscars and garnered over twenty international first prizes, earning her a Best Actress nomination at the Montreal World Film Festival.

She has graced the stage in over twenty theatrical productions in France and abroad, including Istoire(s) directed by Carole Thibaut, Qeskes directed by Thierry Bedard, Blood Wedding directed by Antonio Diaz Florian, The Hidden Face of the Afghan Woman directed by Atiq Rahimi (Goncourt Prize 2008) and Kyoto Forever2 directed by Frédéric Ferrer.

Beyond her acting career, Behi is the founder of the "La Lampe" theater company within the "Co'Art" artistic collective. As an author and director, she has crafted and staged several plays, including Hedâyat (published by Filigranes), and Women’s Voices and Heritage. Her works provide an ever-evolving exploration of themes such as exile, roots, dual culture and the role of women. She is deeply engaged in advocating for human rights, particularly for Iranian and Afghan women.

Most recently, her translation of Mohammad Bamm's poetry collection You Can't Trust… has been published, marking her second book released by Editions Filigranes.

She has a lead role in the multi-award-winning director Agnieszka Holland’s Green Border, granted by Dublin Film Critics Circle’s Best Ensemble award. Green Border won several awards of which The Special Jury Prize at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival , The Best Polish Future Film and The Best Czech Future Film 2024. Green Border premiered at the 2023 Toronto and New York Film Festivals and will premiere in June 2024 in the UK.

She has been honored with the Knight of the Arts and Letters title by the French Ministry of Culture.

Noush Navazani is a trained psychologist whose diverse career journey spans across disciplines. Born in Iran, Noush’s rich cultural heritage and understanding of human behaviour have deeply influenced her approach to therapy. Upon moving to London, she brought with her a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that enabled her to connect with a diverse clientele.

Before founding her brand, Noush honed her skills as a coach and therapist, empowering individuals to navigate their mental landscapes with grace and resilience. Her experience is not just limited to private practice; she also immersed herself in the world of high-end fashion, gaining exposure to London’s luxury department stores. This unique blend of experiences enriched her understanding of human desires and the importance of self-expression.

The insights gained from the luxury retail environment, combined with her psychological expertise, sparked a creative epiphany, leading to the birth of NOUSHELLA. The brand represents a synthesis of high fashion and psychological well-being, embodying the elegance of self-care and personal growth. NOUSHELLA stands as a testament to Noush’s vision of infusing the therapeutic power of beauty and luxury into everyday life. It’s a brand that doesn’t just dress the individual but also nurtures the soul, promoting a lifestyle that values both external allure and internal wellness.

With mental health at the forefront, Noush chose to incorporate the seven female archetypes prevalent in contemporary society into NOUSHELLA. These archetypes, derived from Greek mythology and elucidated by renowned psychologist Carl Jung, are the foundational elements shaping the brand’s ethos.

Nesa OstadSaffar is a highly skilled barrister specialising in family law, with a particular emphasis on children law. She has built up a career in law for 13 years and been a practicing barrister for over 7 years, currently practicing at 2 King’s Bench Walk chambers. She has extensive experience covering other areas of law in Immigration and civil law.

Nesa has continued to build her practice in family law, and is passionate in ensuring vulnerable clients who have mental health difficulties, learning difficulties or have experienced domestic abuse have the right representation and assistance whilst ensuring their case and circumstances are dealt with as sensitively as possible through the court procedure.

Nesa has learnt to navigate the extremely competitive career path of becoming a barrister in England and Wales, which is not only male-dominated but is underrepresented by women from minority ethnic backgrounds. This has only led to Nesa having the willpower and drive to ensure she succeeds in her career as a barrister, as an Iranian woman in law. 

Javaneh Pirzad is an experienced child and adolescent psychotherapist dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people and their families.

Born and raised in Iran, Javaneh Pirzad has spent most of her adult life moving around the globe and living in different countries such as UAE, Algeria, India, The Netherlands and The UK. She is fluent in Farsi, English and French.

Starting her career as a French teacher in Iran, she later pursued her passion for psychotherapy and trained as an integrative child and adolescent psychotherapist in London while raising her daughter. This unique experience of raising a child in different cultures has enriched her professional journey.

Javaneh is committed to empowering young people and supporting them with their mental health. She firmly believes that well-being starts with understanding our emotions and processing our past traumas. Javaneh has worked and volunteered for many children charities in London.

A significant part of Javaneh's work involves supporting Third Culture Kids, the young people who face uncertainties, losses and identity crises due to frequent relocations. She is dedicated to helping adolescents and young people build resilience through their journey of frequent transitions by addressing the loss, grief, and identity issues they encounter.

Javaneh is also a trained Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, an effective model of psychotherapy for treatment of trauma and PTSD. She utilizes different modalities of psychotherapy to facilitate lasting positive changes in her clients' lives.

In her spare time, Javaneh is a dedicated yogi and meditator, and she finds joy in playing the piano

Leila Varasteh was born in Iran. After studying marketing and communication in France, she worked as Artistic Advisor for various galleries and public and private foundations in Iran and in France, during which she gained solid knowledge and expertise in Iranian art, particularly in modern and contemporary periods.

This expertise led her to advise numerous collectors and assist them in building and developing their collections of Iranian art.

Leila Varasteh is also the founder of the digital gallery and online platform Simine Paris, which aims to highlight and promote Iranian artists of all generations, giving them visibility and a prominent place in the European art market and scene.

Based in Paris, this virtual gallery regularly organizes exhibitions throughout Europe, especially in Paris, and also participates in major art fairs to facilitate the broadest possible promotion of the artists it represents.

The main ambition and uniqueness of Simine Paris is to serve as a European anchor for young Iranian artists living in Iran, providing them with the financial support and logistical assistance needed to export their works to Europe.

For over a decade, Mahshad Khosraviani has been passionately advocating for the equality of men and women as a priestess in the Zoroastrian religion.

Unhappy with the gulf between men and women – a socially unjust battle – Mahshad took action to be the change she wanted to see. She became the first Female Zoroastrian priestess (Mobed) in North America/Europe and the youngest in Iran. She strives to overcome the gulf between men & women in accordance to the Zoroastrian core principles of ‘Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds’.

Mahshad was born into a Zoroastrian family in Tehran and moved to Toronto at a young age. At the age of 17 she began her training between Iran and Canada, and in 2012, through perseverance and dedication, Mahshad was endowed with the honour of becoming a female Zoroastrian priestess. She is the only ordained individual who is recognized by both the North America and the Iranian Zoroastrian priest councils.

Mahshad has been published on leading news outlets and has been featured on various documentaries, most recently with the BBC. Her accomplishments have garnered widespread recognition from various Zoroastrian organizations; she has spoken at numerous events around the world.

In addition to her priest duties, Mahshad has worked as an HR Partner for several international companies. She obtained an Honours degree in Human Resources and holds an MBA. 

Mahshad moved to London in 2021 after marrying her husband and  recently became a first-time Mother to a beautiful baby boy. 

Shahnaz Bagherzadeh is a giant of the UAE’s pastry scene. A true pioneer of women in the Emirati workplace, this hard-working Iranian pâtissière was once busy pushing boundaries by building a following for the baked goods that flew out of her own kitchen, before finally opening her dream patisserie in 1992. “I started with about 20 home-made recipes learned from my grandmother, and later from other famous women in Iran and the region who were hand-crafting these sweets”. “I brought these recipes to Dubai and fine-tuned them with more refined ingredients. Those sweets are still some of our best-selling products today. As for the rest of the sweets, confectionary, chocolates and tea, we work with artisan producers based in Iran, Turkey, France, Italy and Switzerland. They are the best in their fields and use only the highest quality ingredients.” She makes it sound easy — but battling for a place in a male-dominated market while raising a family was a huge challenge that Shahnaz overcame bravely. Her success has continued throughout the decades, earning Vivel Patisserie a reputation to rival the top French bakers, culminating with recent openings of Vivel branches in Tokyo, Bahrain, Doha and London. But Shahnaz is clear about what’s made her such a Dubai institution — and it all begins at home. “Relationships and trust are the most important,” she says. “I love my products and all my customers, and this love has translated to trust and successful relationships over the years. You can never be afraid of challenges. Never give up and believe in yourself.” And if all else fails, there are few problems that can’t be solved with a taste of grandmother’s homemade delicacies — after all, it’s certainly worked for Shahnaz.

Isabella trained at LAMDA before landing the title role in Yael Farber’s SALOME for the National Theatre. Recent work includes HOME SWEET ROME for HBO Max, Neil Forsyth’s BBC series THE GOLD directed by Aneil Karia and Alessio Cremonini’s feature film PROFETI. She plays the lead in action/thriller SMALL CITY which has just premiered on Showtime, stars alongside Mark Rylance, Johnny Depp and Robert Pattinson in WAITING FOR THE BARBARIANS which premiered at Venice Film Festival and can also be seen as Parissa in Apple TV’s TEHRAN.

She will soon be seen in the film READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN with Golshifte Farahani and Zar Ebrahimi.

In July, Isabella is starting rehearsal for ''My Persian English Kitchen'' , a one woman show for Soho Theatre which will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and then transfer to London in the fall.

Sahar Ahmadi, an Iranian-born artist, began her creative journey in 1994 when she left Iran for London and later settled in Bahrain. Her artistic pursuits have taken her across borders, attending courses and showcasing her work in exhibitions in Bahrain, Miami, and Venice.

Ahmadi's paintings are characterized by strong and cheerful colors, dynamic movement, and a mastery of light, reflecting her sensitivity and instinctive approach to expression. She finds inspiration in the power of pure color and is committed to continuous exploration and innovation in her creativity.

Believing art to be a universal language of artists, Ahmadi sees it as a tool for bridging divides and fostering understanding in today's fractured world. She remains optimistic about the transformative potential of art to unite people across boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and politics.

German born, London based with Iranian heritage, Regensburger's diverse upbringing has provided a unique passage of creativity with no boundaries, allowing Sarah to showcase her artistic freedom and celebrate like minded individuals through her fashion label.

Regensburger philosophy is quite simple, ‘be a badass that does good’, this approach has garnered a mighty following of fiercely loyal customers who, like her, support the vegan and sustainable movement by making positive steps to help future generations. 

She has been named PETA Designer of the Year and has dressed celebrities like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Björk, Anne-Marie,...

Sarah is not only an animal rights activist but also is inspired by her mothers journey fighting against the islamic revolution in Iran in 79.

Her Iranian heritage has always had a big impact on her personal life as well as a designer, she proudly shares her heritage with her clients around the world.

Raised by a feminist one of her core values is to empower women through fashion and stand truly for diversity.

She holds a bachelor's degree in French translation and a diploma from the Samandarian Academy of Theater. Rashidi began her acting career with the film "Del Shodegan" directed by Ali Hatami. She has appeared in several films, including "Pig" (directed by Mani Haghighi), "The Permission" (directed by Soheil Beiraghi), and "Summer with Hope" (directed by Sadaf Foroughi, which won the grand prize at the Karlovy Vary Festival), among others. She has also acted in numerous theater productions, including "Waiting for Godot," "Cherry Orchard," "Hamlet," "King Lear," and "Restless" (all directed by Amir Reza Koohestani and included international performances). Additionally, Rashidi has directed theater and teaches theater classes for children and teenagers, both in Iran and abroad (with the goal of teaching Persian through theater to bilingual children). For her role in the short film "It Becomes Blue" (directed by Shadi Karamroudi), she won the Best Actress award at the Snake Alley Festival of Film.

Shahroo Izadi is an award-winning Psychologist and bestselling author. Her approach to sustained behavioural change (informed by a career in clinical addiction treatment) has been well received globally. She has recently trained and coached employees at Meta, Amazon and Google in her trademarked method; and her work is featured across media outlets including Forbes, Times and BBC. Of the many hats she wears, Shahroo is Relapse Prevention Group Facilitator for Amy Winehouse Foundation as well as board member and ambassador for a number of leading charities. 

Soheila Sokhanvari is a British/Iranian artist, born in Shiraz, whose multimedia work cultivates a non-uniform practice, and her works deal with contemporary political landscapes with a focus on pre-revolutionary Iran 1979. She is drawn to events and traumas that linger in the collective consciousness or cause mass amnesia. 

Soheila Sokhanvari first graduated in Biochemistry in 1986 and worked as a cytogeneticist from 1987 and worked as a research scientist for Cambridge University from 1998-2005 when she took a leap of faith to follow her dreams and become an artist.  She studied from 2001-2005 part time and graduated with a degree in Fine Art and Art History from Anglia Ruskin University, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2006 and an MFA Fine Art from Goldsmiths College in 2011. She has just opened her first solo exhibition in Denmark at ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, with the show Rebel Rebel that was first exhibited at the Curve Gallery Barbican in Oct 2022-Feb 2023. She is also currently in a group show “Contemporary Collecting: David Hockney to Cornelia Parker” until 29th Sept 2024.  to She was also selected as one of 22 artists for a public arts commission for Victoria Station, London by the Tate Collective and the London Mayor in 2018. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and is in National and international museums as well as Private collections, including LACMA in LA, The New Art Gallery Walsall, The Government Collection, British Museum , Fitzwilliam Museum and The Women’s Art Collection, Cambridge University.

I completed my education in the fields of Marketing, Advertising, and Management. With over 28 years of diverse experience in different industries, I played an innovative role in the advertising field as the youngest company owner in the region to do so. Leveraging my success in advertising, I utilized my experience to promote Dubai real estate across various channels, becoming the first to do so. I transitioned into real estate in 2002 and have since become a successful and respected figure in the industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of Casabella PB LLC, I have led the company to become one of the leading professional real estate agencies in the region. 

I was recognized as one of the top professionals in the region, awarded multiple prizes by prominent developers, and ranked among the top 5 agencies for the number of transactions, demonstrating my continued success and influence in the market. 

In addition to my role at Casabella, I have been in collaboration with Injaz Capital Investment (investing 300M USD) since 2007, and I have become more involved and served as the Business Development Manager at Injaz Capital Investment since 2020. In this position, I identify investment opportunities and develop strategies to expand the company's investors' portfolio. I negotiate and master the real estate domain, covering all its aspects, from feasibility and development to property management. My market research and analysis skills allow me to identify trends and opportunities in the real estate market, enabling investors to capitalize on market trends and maximize business opportunities.

From 2017 to 2020, I opened a subsidiary company in the UK, London, “Rex Rabbit Co LLC,” where I expanded the business and opened the UK market to GCC investors. I developed and implemented strategies to increase market share and drive revenue growth. I built and maintained relationships with clients, developers, and industry partners. During my time at Rex Rabbit Co LLC, I successfully executed real estate transactions.

Our market experience granted us the resilience to sustain our business during the pandemic when most market players lost faith and left the game.

You may find more information on my LinkedIn.

Purple plaque recipient, Dr Anna Vartapetiance has been “a rare beast - a female entrepreneur in the male-dominated world of cyber security”.

Dr Anna Vartapetiance is the CEO and Co-Founder of Securium – an AI-for-Good company with tech solutions to detect and prevent tech-facilitated harm, such as child grooming and exploitation.  She is also a Visiting Researcher at the University of Surrey's Centre for Cyber Security (SCCS) and Director of the Online Safety Tech Industrial Association (OSTIA).

She has a PhD from the Department of Computer Sciences of the University of Surrey and is specialised in AI, Natural language processing, and Data Sciences.

She is a winner of many awards including the InnovateUK’s prestigious Women in Innovation 2022 Awardee and 40-Under-40 by Surrey Business Awards. As a dyslexic, female tech enterprise of mixed backgrounds, she is a keen advocate of Equality, diversity and Inclusion.

More Speakers to be Added Soon!

Diyaar is the only Iranian women's daf group in the UK. Led by music director Azin Marzabadi, the group empowers women through daf, an ancient Persian frame drum played by men in contemporary history. Today, the daf has become increasingly popular for women who continue to break restrictions imposed on women musicians and singers in Iran.