IAP 2026: Annual Iranian-American Pioneers Summit

Friday

7:00–8:15 AM — Registration and Breakfast

Guests are invited to check in, collect their event materials, and enjoy breakfast. This informal gathering offers an early opportunity to meet fellow attendees and begin building connections.

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8:30–8:45 AM — Opening Remarks by the IAP Summit Chairs

The Summit Chairs officially welcome attendees and introduce the mission, vision, and objectives of the IAP Summit. The remarks will set the stage for two days of recognition, inspiration, and meaningful dialogue.

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8:45–9:15 AM — Keynote Address

Keynote Speaker: Ali Parsa

An inspiring keynote exploring leadership, innovation, and the experiences that shape transformative careers. The session will offer valuable perspectives on achieving impact while creating opportunities for future generations.

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9:15–10:15 AM — Awards 1 & 2 Presentations and Fireside Chats

Pioneer: Maryam Mirzakhani
Pioneer: To Be Announced

This session honors exceptional pioneers whose accomplishments have transformed their fields and inspired communities worldwide. Each award presentation will be followed by an engaging fireside conversation highlighting personal journeys, challenges, and lasting impact.

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10:15–11:00 AM — Break and Networking

Attendees can enjoy refreshments while connecting with speakers, awardees, professionals, and community leaders. The session provides an informal setting for exchanging ideas and developing new relationships.

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11:00 AM–12:00 PM — Resilience and Success

Speaker 1: Ali Parsa
Speaker 2: Captain Behnam

A candid conversation about overcoming adversity, navigating uncertainty, and transforming challenges into opportunities. Speakers will share personal lessons on perseverance, leadership, and building a meaningful path to success.

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12:00–1:00 PM — Networking Lunch

A relaxed lunch bringing together attendees from different professions, generations, and backgrounds. Participants are encouraged to continue conversations, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

 

1:00–2:00 PM — Awards 3 & 4 Presentations and Fireside Chats

Pioneer: Shohreh Aghdashloo
Pioneer: To Be Announced

The Summit continues its recognition of distinguished pioneers whose talent, leadership, and achievements have made an enduring impact. The fireside discussions will provide a closer look at their professional journeys, defining moments, and sources of inspiration.

 

2:00–3:00 PM — Broader Impact on Community

Speaker 1: Nazy Kaviani
Speaker 2: Mehrdad Ariannejad

This session explores how professional success can be translated into meaningful service and positive community impact. Speakers will discuss mentorship, advocacy, institution-building, and strategies for empowering future generations.

 

3:00–3:30 PM — Break and Networking

A brief opportunity to recharge and connect with other attendees. Guests can continue conversations from earlier sessions and meet new members of the IAP community.

 

3:30–4:30 PM — Panel: Enduring Stereotypes About Iranians

Host: Jian Ghomeshi
Panelist 1: Erfan Paydar
Panelist 2: Tehran Von Ghasri

A thoughtful and engaging discussion examining persistent stereotypes about Iranians in media, society, and popular culture. Panelists will explore how storytelling, visibility, humor, and authentic representation can challenge misconceptions and reshape public narratives.

 

4:30–5:30 PM — Visionary Speakers

Speaker 1: Firoozeh Dumas
Speaker 2: Maryam Rofougaran

Two accomplished voices share bold ideas, defining experiences, and perspectives on creativity, leadership, and innovation. The session is designed to inspire attendees to think beyond conventional boundaries and pursue meaningful impact.

 

6:00–9:00 PM — Networking Dinner and Social Hour

Featuring Tehran Von Ghasri

An evening gathering offering attendees an opportunity to connect in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The dinner and social program will combine conversation, community, and entertainment to conclude the first day of the Summit.

 

 

Saturday

7:00–8:15 AM — Registration and Breakfast

Attendees are welcomed back for the second day of the Summit with breakfast and informal networking. New guests may also complete registration and connect with participants before the morning program begins.

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8:30–8:45 AM — Opening Remarks by the IAP Summit Chairs

The Summit Chairs welcome attendees to the second day and highlight the themes and activities ahead. The remarks will reflect on the first day while preparing the audience for another full program of ideas and recognition.

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8:45–9:15 AM — Keynote Address

Keynote Speaker: To Be Announced

A distinguished keynote speaker will share insights on leadership, achievement, and the future of Iranian-American excellence. The address will provide a compelling perspective on creating lasting impact across professions and communities.

 

9:15–10:15 AM — Awards 5 & 6 Presentations and Fireside Chats

Pioneer: Cumrun Vafa
Pioneer: Nader Engheta

This session recognizes two internationally distinguished pioneers whose groundbreaking contributions have advanced science and engineering. Through intimate fireside conversations, attendees will hear about their intellectual journeys, transformative discoveries, and advice for emerging generations.

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10:15–11:00 AM — Break and Networking

A dedicated period for refreshments, conversation, and professional connection. Attendees can engage directly with fellow guests, speakers, and leaders from across the IAP community.

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11:00 AM–12:00 PM — Stories of Young Entrepreneurs

Speaker 1: Sarv Naderzadeh
Speaker 2: Leila Modarres
Speaker 3: Farhad Taghibakhsh
Speaker 4: Mohsen Asad

Emerging entrepreneurs share the realities behind building new ventures, from developing an idea to navigating risk, growth, and uncertainty. The conversation will provide practical lessons and honest perspectives for aspiring founders and young professionals.

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12:00–1:00 PM — Networking Lunch

A midday opportunity for participants to continue discussions and form new professional and personal connections. The lunch encourages interaction among pioneers, entrepreneurs, students, academics, and industry leaders.

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1:00–2:00 PM — Awards 7 & 8 Presentations and Fireside Chats

Pioneer: Mohsen Mostafavi
Pioneer: Roxana Mehran

The final award session honors distinguished leaders whose work has created exceptional influence in their professions and beyond. The accompanying conversations will explore their achievements, personal philosophies, and visions for the future.

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2:00–3:00 PM — Visionary Speakers

Speaker 1: Saeed Amidi
Speaker 2: Nima Behnoud

Prominent leaders share forward-looking perspectives on entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, and global opportunity. The session will encourage attendees to imagine ambitious possibilities and consider how new ideas can generate broad and lasting impact.

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3:00–3:30 PM — Break

A short afternoon pause before the Summit’s concluding sessions. Attendees may refresh, reconnect, and prepare for the final discussions of the program.

 

3:30–4:30 PM — Rising Stars

Speaker 1: Martin Basiri
Speaker 2: Ramin Hasani
Speaker 3: Anousha

This session highlights a new generation of accomplished Iranian-American leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Speakers will share their journeys, emerging work, and perspectives on shaping the future of their respective fields.

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4:30–5:30 PM — Panel: How Can Iranians in Tech Unite?

Host: Jian Ghomeshi
Panelist: Ramin Hasani

A forward-looking discussion about strengthening collaboration among Iranian professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors in technology. The conversation will explore mentorship, shared networks, community-building, and opportunities for collective impact.

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6:00–9:00 PM — Networking and Concluding Remarks

The Summit concludes with an evening of connection, reflection, and appreciation. Organizers and attendees will celebrate the relationships formed, ideas shared, and collective momentum created throughout the two-day gathering.