Building CommuntiyI joined Moving From Race to Culture, a one year program, diving deep into the history of race and color, self-reflection into my own…Mar 24Mar 24
third world country citizensThe year was 1980. Two years after moving to Minneapolis as a family for a two years stay. Within the two years we were here, Iran went…Oct 24, 2023Oct 24, 2023
“jaan man fadaayeh khaake paake meehanam — i give my life to the sacred soil of my country”When I heard of Jhina (Mahsa) Amini’s murder in Tehran last year, I was moved to join many rallies organized by an anonymous group of…Oct 15, 2023Oct 15, 2023
respect — from the latin word respicere, meaning, “the willingness to look again”Perhaps the most important aspect of the leader is the ability to extend honor and respect. Honor is the capacity to confer respect to…Oct 14, 2023Oct 14, 2023
Spirit of PeaceWhen Jhina (Mahsa) Amini was killed under the controlling and brutality of the morality police in Tehran last year, a movement was erupted…Sep 15, 2023Sep 15, 2023
Shining the Light on Iranian WomenThe stakes are high in Iran. Children, young men and women are risking their lives….pure pain in a country that’s as beautiful as any I’ve…Nov 21, 2022Nov 21, 2022
when we’re all sistersWhen I think of International women’s day, I think of the women of my own heritage, from Iran. Women of my heritage shaped my way of being…Mar 8, 2022Mar 8, 2022
i seeI see the overwhelming number of homeless people sleeping in all of my local libraries this winter.Feb 12, 2020Feb 12, 2020
scars — inside or outsideNine years ago, I began studying massage. I was surprised to find two of my core parenting beliefs in this practice: the importance of…Nov 11, 2019Nov 11, 2019
go back to where you came fromHow many times have I heard this phrase or something close to it? Yelled at me. Once too many.Jul 19, 2019Jul 19, 2019
pledge of allegianceMy family moved to Minnesota July 6, 1978. We were greeted by my uncle’s family and everyone telling us how unfortunate it was that we’d…Jul 3, 2019Jul 3, 2019
trustThe great Persian poet Saadi Shirazi’s poem, “bani adam” (humankind) is written as a prayer for peace. My Dad loves this poem and shares…Jun 28, 2019Jun 28, 2019
motherhood__ the art of noticing, personal growth, unconditional love, negotiation to create…When I was raising my boys, I listened and looked to some of the most thoughtful mothers I knew, and was constantly searching and seeking…May 12, 2019May 12, 2019
Um-ree-ka-yee = AmericanIranians have had a love affair with America for over seven decades. If you’re Umreekayee, you will receive the most generous, hospitable…May 8, 2019May 8, 2019
sharing my beloved tehranWhen I think of Iran, I think of turquoise blue shallow pools in courtyards, gardens full of fruit trees and the most aromatic roses…May 6, 20192May 6, 20192
