ABOUT
IAP honors the remarkable legacy, leadership, and contributions of Iranian-Americans pioneers across all professions. Rooted in the rich Iranian heritage of knowledge, culture, and resilience, the summit seeks to celebrate excellence, empower rising voices, and build enduring bridges among generations of Iranian-American leaders. IAP provides a platform where established pioneers, emerging professionals, and students come together to share experiences, inspire innovation, strengthen community bonds, and amplify the collective impact of the Iranian-American diaspora on the global stage.
PIONEERS
SPEAKERS
PROGRAM
Friday
8:30–9:30 AM — Registration and Breakfast
Start with a cup of chai. The people you meet today might be the ones you've been looking for all along, you just didn't know it yet.
9:30–9:45 AM — Each of Us a Chapter: Opening Remarks by the IAP Summit Chairs
We all carry a separate story — leaving, building, rebuilding. Today, for the first time, those scattered chapters come together in one room.
10:00–10:30 AM — One Moment, No Taarof: Guided Meditation
Anousha
Before a day full of new ideas and new faces, a few minutes just for you. No pressure, no performing — just breathe.
You'll leave with: A calm, focused mind for the day ahead, and a simple breathing technique you can use anytime you feel overwhelmed.
10:30–11:00 AM — From London to Here
Ali Parsa
Ali Parsa flies in from London to share the decisions that shaped his path from founder to global healthcare leader. Bring your questions. An inspiring reflection on leadership, innovation, and the experiences that shape transformative careers. Ali will share perspectives on pursuing ambitious ideas, creating meaningful impact, and opening doors for future generations.
You'll leave with: A direct answer to your own question, and a real example of how one decision can change the entire trajectory of a career.
11:10–11:20 AM — Awards 1 & 2 Presentations
Pioneer: Maryam Mirzakhani
Pioneer: Saeed Amidi
This session honors two remarkable pioneers whose achievements have transformed their fields and inspired people worldwide. A special tribute will celebrate Maryam Mirzakhani’s extraordinary legacy, followed by the presentation of Saeed Amidi’s award and a brief fireside conversation highlighting his entrepreneurial journey, defining decisions, and global impact.
11:20–12:10 AM — One VC, One CEO, One Global Leader — One Room
Moderator: Jian Ghomeshi
Ali Parsa, Saeed Amidi, Maryam Rofougaran
An investor who decides who gets to grow. A CEO putting AI to work inside her own company right now. A global leader who's seen the future up close. Three perspectives, one live conversation about the question on everyone's mind: what happens to our careers in the age of AI? Attendees can enjoy refreshments while connecting with speakers, awardees, professionals, and community leaders.
You'll leave with: A practical framework for deciding your own next move with AI, something you can actually use, not just listen to.
12:20–1:00 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.
1:15–1:20 PM — Awards 3 Presentation
Pioneer: Shohreh Aghdashloo
This special session honors Shohreh Aghdashloo for her extraordinary artistic achievements, global influence, and contributions to representation in the arts. In an intimate fireside conversation, she will reflect on her personal and professional journey, cultural identity, defining career moments, challenges, and the courage required to pursue an artistic path.
1:20–2:00 PM — With Shohreh
Moderator: TBD
Speaker: Shohreh Aghdashloo
TBD
2:00–3:00 PM — Cultural Fluency & Communication
Moderator: Soheil Salehi
Speakers: Nazy Kaviani & Mehrdad Ariannejad
How can individual accomplishment become a force for collective progress? This session explores how professional success can be translated into mentorship, advocacy, philanthropy, institution-building, and meaningful service to the community.
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
Moderator: Jian Ghomeshi
Speakers: Erfan Paydar, Tehran Von Ghasri, Captain Behnam
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
Moderator: Nazanin Rahnavard
Firoozeh Dumas & TBD
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.
6:00–7:00 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.
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.
8:45–9:15 AM — Keynote Address
TBD
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.
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.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM — Behind the Startup: Stories of Young Entrepreneurs
Host: Shahab Ardalan
Speakers: Sarv Naderzadeh, Leila Modarres, Farhad Taghibakhsh, 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.
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.
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.
2:00–3:00 PM — Visionary Voices: Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Global Opportunity
Moderator: Jian Ghomeshi
Speakers: Saeed Amidi & Nima Behnoud
Two prominent leaders share forward-looking perspectives on entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, and global opportunity. The session will encourage attendees to think ambitiously, recognize emerging possibilities, and consider how new ideas can produce broad and lasting impact.
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: The Next Generation of Leadership
Host: Jian Ghomeshi
Speakers: Martin Basiri & Ramin Hasani & Anousha
This session highlights a new generation of accomplished Iranian-American leaders, innovators, artists, and changemakers. Speakers will share their journeys, emerging work, and perspectives on shaping the future of their respective fields.
4:30–5:30 PM — Panel: How Can Iranians in Tech Unite?
Host: Jian Ghomeshi
Speakers: 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.
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.
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Nader Engheta
Firoozeh Dumas
Ali Parsa
Cumrun Vafa
“The Iranian American community has contributed deeply to science, technology, medicine, the arts, and many other fields. I see the IAP Summit as an opportunity to help the next generation appreciate this breadth of achievement, benefit from mentorship and encouragement, and find inspiration for their own pioneering journeys.”
Anousha
"As someone who was born and raised in Iran and then immigrated at 17, I know firsthand how important it is to find a community where you feel a sense of belonging. Belonging is one of our deepest human needs, it shapes how we connect, how we heal, and even how safe we feel in the world. I believe what IAP is creating is incredibly valuable. It’s more than a professional platform; it’s a place where Iranian Americans can come together, be seen, be heard, celebrate one another’s achievements, and strengthen the sense of community that so many of us have searched for after leaving home. I think that’s especially meaningful for the younger generation as they build their own identities and futures."
PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
SPONSORS
