Dr. Rezvan Moghaddam is a distinguished academic, researcher, and activist with a multifaceted career spanning sociology, gender studies, mathematics, and human rights advocacy. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology, specializing in gender studies, along with master’s degrees in educational psychology and pure mathematical statistics. Her interdisciplinary academic background reflects her deep analytical skills and passion for addressing complex societal issues.

As an academic, Dr. Moghaddam has held research positions at renowned institutions, including Freie Universität Berlin, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Maynooth University in Ireland.

She is one of the founding members of the “One Million Signatures” campaign in Iran, which aimed to collect one million signatures in support of changing discriminatory laws against women in the country.

She is also a prominent activist and spokesperson for the Stop Honor Killings Campaign, focusing on Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. Her advocacy work sheds light on the critical issue of “honor killings” and the systemic misogyny that perpetuates such violence. She works tirelessly to amplify the voices of marginalized women and promote legislative and social reforms to combat gender-based violence.

As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Moghaddam has participated in influential forums such as the SAR (Scholars at Risk) Speaker Series, where she shares her expertise on human rights violations and strategies for societal change.

Her dedication to gender equality and human rights continues to inspire change and empower communities.

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Habiba Sarabi is a pharmacist, politician, and reformer of the post-Taliban era in Afghanistan. In 2005, she was appointed as governor of Bamyan Province, becoming the first woman ever to be a provincial governor in the country.
Sarabi served as Minister of Women's Affairs from 2002 to 2004. During the Taliban days in 1990s, she worked as woman rights and education activist and taught girls and women in refugee camps in Pakistan. She joined Dr. Zalmai Rasul’s ticket as vice president in 2014 presidential elections and was the most prominent woman running in that year’s elections. Upon formation of the National Unity Government, Sarabi served as advisor on women and youth to Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, the Chief Executive of Afghanistan. She was later
appointed as Deputy to Afghanistan High Peace Council in 2016.
Habiba Sarabi won the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2013 for her work in good governance and girl’s education. She was awarded the N-Peace prize in 2016 for her unrelenting work to bring peace to Afghanistan, while ensuring attention on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Habiba Sarabi was a member of the Afghan Government peace negotiation team with the Taliban. Currently, she is a member of the steering committee at Women
Forum on Afghanistan (WFA).

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Mehri Barati, CPA, MBA is a seasoned financial executive and the founder of Empowered Financial Services LLC providing tax, accounting, and strategic financial advisory and educational services to individuals and businesses.

With more than 20 years of progressive leadership in governmental finance, she has directed multi-division operations, overseen budgets exceeding half a billion dollars, and delivered award-level financial reporting and audits for large public entities, including the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and Fresno County.

She is passionate about preparing the next generation of finance and business professionals by bridging rigorous theory with strategic insight, critical thinking, and practical mastery.

She loves audiobooks, hiking, and volunteering in her community.

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I am a feminist scholar whose work bridges gender, religion, culture, and minority studies with a focus on agency, resilience, and social justice. Trained in Women's Studies (PhD) and Gender, Culture and Development (MA), my work explores how marginalized women, particularly in Iran, construct meaning. resistance, and collective strength in the face of persecution.My interdisciplinary approach combines feminist theory, the study of religion, culture, social movements, and oral history to foreground silenced narratives. My current postdoctoral project examines minority women's representation in international media, focusing on the intersections of gender, ethnicity, and power in Nordic contexts.

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Nargiss Jamal Short Bio Nargiss Jamal is an experienced mentor specializing in leadership development, women’s empowerment, and youth engagement. With a background in education, advocacy, and community development, she has supported emerging leaders through coaching, capacity building, and strategic guidance. Her mentorship focuses on helping young women build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and actively participate in decision-making and civic processes. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient communities and believes mentorship is a powerful tool for long-term social change.

Areas of Expertise for Mentorship:

· Leadership Development

· Women’s Empowerment

· Youth Engagement

· Education & Capacity Building

· Confidence Building & Personal Growth

· Strategic Guidance for Emerging Leaders

· Inclusive Community Building

· Mentorship for Social Change

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