Silicon-Valley-Fall-PERSIAN-2017

Neda graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Biology and Public Health Science. After graduating, she first worked at a private pain management clinic and later transitioned to Stanford Hospital’s oncology center as a clinical medical assistant. After gaining exposure to the many different areas of healthcare that exist, Neda decided to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy; a holistic healthcare profession that helps patients with physical or cognitive impairments achieving independence and participation in their daily activities to living a meaningful life. Neda was attracted to Occupational Therapy because she sees it has a combination of arts and science.

Although Neda has dedicated a significant portion of her life to working in the medical field, she believes that a successful life is a balanced one; one in which you explore your passions alongside your studies and/or career. As an Iranian-American who was born and raised in California, it was always important for Neda to keep her Iranian culture alive within herself. For almost two decades, Neda has been actively involved in traditional and modern Iranian dance classes, choreographies, and performances throughout the Bay Area. In the process, she learned the art of embodying the passion of Iranian music with grace, elegance and confidence. She strives to teach these skills to others. She is also particularly interested in being a voice of inspiration and advocacy for the younger Iranian-American generation who may feel confused in identifying themselves. Neda understands the challenges that come, by trying to bridge two cultures as one, and her goal is to guide Iranian Americans by connecting and learning about their Iranian roots.

 KIMIA MOHAMMADI

VOCAL

Kimia has been active in the Iranian community since she was 8 years old. As a first generation Iranian American, Kimia believes in the importance of maintaining her culture, through art and music.She has been apart of Niosha Dance Academy (performing/teaching) for over 20 years.  She began dancing at the age of three with jazz and ballet and then joined Niosha Dance Academy a year later. “Dancing, singing and music save me from all the trials and tribulations that life brings, and without it, I am no one.”  When Kimia was 18, she ventured out and joined a hip hop competitive dance team.  From there, she joined numerous teams and even competed in the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent. She branched out learning different dance styles to strengthen and flourish her techniques as a dancer. Not only does Kimia teach traditional Iranian dance styles, but also hip hop dance styles to children, teens and adults. She believes that teaching something that you love is never a burden and enjoys every moment she has with the students.  When she was a teenager, Kimia began to strengthen her singing voice. There has never been a day where she does not sing, whether it is from choir in high school, to back up singing for multiple artists, YouTube videos, and performing in cultural events. She developed her skills throughout high school in choir and consistent vocal lessons. She now performs regularly at different events and was featured on the Iranian hit singing competition show, “Stage”. Besides dedicating her life to dancing and singing, Kimia is also musically inclined with playing Daf, Tombak and Piano.  Kimia believes that having a well rounded life dedicated to music and education is the key to success. Kimia has obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work and is an inpatient Medical Social Worker at Kaiser Permanente.