The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) was established as a nonprofit charitable corporation under the laws of the State of Texas. The Society does not have any religious or political affiliation and operates by a volunteer board of directors and officers through donations received from the community. SIAWE is dedicated to strengthening relationships and deepening understanding among Iranians and Americans.
A major activity of The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) is to provide scholarships to qualified college or university students to enhance their educational opportunities. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students in various degree programs at Texas colleges and universities.
SIAWE was founded on the belief that an educated society is the cornerstone of a civilized society. As such, the Society facilitates access to post-secondary education to Texas students in good academic standing who otherwise would not have the financial means to achieve their educational and career goals.
The Society also aims to honor and preserve cultural traditions among Iranian youth, families and the community through educational and cultural events to inspire learning, foster personal growth, and build community bridges.
SIAWE’s vision is to empower students and the community to acquire, demonstrate, articulate, and value knowledge and skills that will support them, as life-long learners, to participate in and contribute responsibly to the global world.
To those who share this vision, SIAWE offers opportunities to participate in its realization through financial and in-kind support, and volunteerism.
Dr. Parvin Behroozi Bagherpour is the President of the Society of Iranian American Women for Education, a nonprofit she co-founded to establish endowment scholarships and lead impactful fundraising. As Vice President of Student Support Services at the American Canadian School of Medicine, Dr. Bagherpour brings over 35 years of experience in higher education, with a focus on multiculturalism and diversity. A graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she has earned awards for her contributions to education and community service and serves on several nonprofit boards promoting community well-being.
Angela Ebrahimi is a versatile professional with a diverse background encompassing education, event planning, project management, and her current role at her family-owned real estate development company, Ersa Grae Corporation. A Georgetown University alumna, Angela's commitment to education runs deep, as she recognizes its pivotal role in shaping society's future. She is driven by the vision of enhancing the professional landscape for newcomers. As President of the SYP, she aspires to transform it into an invaluable resource for those stepping into the workforce, equipping them with a competitive edge in their respective fields. Angela's dynamic background and passionate aspirations underline her unwavering commitment to both her business and the betterment of the professional community.
Farnoush was born and raised in Tehran, Iran, where she earned her LL.B. from Tehran Law University. Motivated by her passion for education and the Western judicial system, she moved to Texas in 2000 as an international student. She obtained her Master’s degree in Legal Studies from Texas State University and her LL.M. in International Law from the University of Houston Law Center. During her time at the University of Houston, Farnoush volunteered at the Immigration Clinic under the mentorship of Professor Joseph Vail. With extensive experience in U.S. business immigration law, Farnoush was also a recipient of the SIAWE scholarship. Since 2021, she has proudly served as a board member for SIAWE.
Sara Saderion is a retired college professor and an administrator with 26 years of experience in teaching economics and serving as department chair for multiple departments. As an educator she is passionate about helping students to succeed in their educational journey. As such she’s been utilizing her expertise by being a board member at SIAWE and serving as a treasurer for the past seven years. Sara and her husband Mike live within one mile of both of their sons and their families, and enjoy spending time hosting them for Sunday dinners. In her free time Sara enjoys her daily workout routine at the Houstonian, traveling with her husband , and spending quality time with her sons, their wives and her granddaughters.
With a rich background in law and finance, Sima Sharifian has held influential roles in the Houston construction industry. She currently serves as an Officer at Posh Construction, where she oversees project and operational initiatives. Previously, she served as Vice President at Lila Construction and Investment, driving financial strategy and establishing partnerships to drive business growth. She holds a law degree from Meli University of Iran and an Accounting Certificate from Houston Community College. A dedicated community member, Sima has volunteered as a board member of the Society of Iranian American Women for Education (SIAWE) for 30 years and actively supports the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Jocelyn Zamir became interested in the Persian culture and values after marrying her Iranian-born husband Scott in 2018. As a California-native, Jocelyn studied Broadcast Journalism and Spanish at San Diego State University. She uses these skills while serving as the board’s Co-Secretary (2019 - present) and aiding various committees. Professionally, Jocelyn is a Partner Manager for technology company SAP Concur, and also enjoys the success of her Photo Booth company, MirMir Houston. In her free time, she enjoys being active, attending concerts, trying new recipes, exploring new cities with Scott and spending time with both of their families.
Dr. Fatan Kasbidi holds a degree in Molecular Genetic Technology from UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas. With seven degrees, including Women’s Studies from the University of Houston, she combines her passion for healthcare with a commitment to human rights advocacy. Dedicated to cancer screening, inspired by her grandmother's battle with the disease, Dr. Kasbidi promotes oral health and community care. Outside of her practice, she enjoys writing, hiking, skiing, and exploring unique destinations, alongside her husband, P.J., and her pet, Fendi.
Feria holds a Master’s in Project Management from the University of Quebec and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Sharif University of Technology. With 15 years in the tech industry, she excels in managing multimillion-dollar infrastructure and IT projects and has led cross-functional teams across various time zones. Renowned for her leadership in multicultural settings, she has held roles such as Chief of Staff and PMO Lead, overseeing governance, budget planning, and team integration. Feria is a board member at SIAWE, where she modernized IT systems and advocates for women in tech. Passionate about AI for social impact, she is also an entrepreneur focused on accessible tech solutions for those in need and a leader in community meditation events.
Sahar Athari is a neutral third-party mediator with a diverse background in real estate sales, development, and investment advising. A graduate of the University of Houston and South Texas College of Law, she holds a juris doctor degree and memberships with the Texas State Bar, Houston Association of Realtors, and Texas Real Estate Commission. Passionate about global exploration, she has visited over 50 countries and studied law abroad in Turkey. Sahar is active in community initiatives, serving on boards and committees, including the Houstonian Club and UNICEF. She champions education as a pathway to empowerment for women of Iranian descent.