12 | WASHINGTON DC CONFERENCE WASHINGTON D.C. CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 2016 - BETHESDA NORTH MARRIOTT HOTEL On November 13, 2016 over 500 participants from Washington D.C., New York, and Tehran joined IAWF for the 12th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference. The Master of Ceremonies, Asieh Namdar, began the conference by introducing the keynote speaker, Parisa Khosravi. Khosravi’s eloquent and inspiring speech reflected on the importance of being true to who you are and carrying your strength forward in the face of adversity. Mariam Khosravani’s speech was followed by the brilliant ladies on the “Rising Stars” panel. This crowd-favorite panel opened eyes to the wisdom and achievements of the next generation of Iranian American women. The passion of each panelist was contagious, as they inspired the crowd to reach for their dreams.