Performers/ Artists / program/ NowRuz

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Nowruz celebration 2018 San Jose City Hall, Rotunda:

TICKETS AND RESERVATION

1- https://www.tikkl.com/payvand/c/persian-newyear_18rt

MAGICAL MUSICAL and PERFORMING STORYTELLING ABOUT “CYRUS THE GREAT”

THEME of the ART GALLERY: Persian New Year, “NowRuz” and Cyrus the Great ERA

The program:

Upstairs
6:00 pm. – Art gallery doors open
6:00 pm. – 9:30pm- art gallery section is open to the public
The artists: Fariba Nejat, Late Mohammad Hourian, Dr. Ardeshir Salem, Bana Divsahli, John Milo Kimball,

Downstairs

6:00 pm.- Guest Registration

6:00 pm. – Musical entertainment with a DJ
6:45 pm. – Opening
7:00 pm. – Magical storytelling, dance performances and music
8:00 pm. – Dinner -will be served downstairs
8:45 pm. – DJ and Dance
10:00 pm.- Adjourned

 

PARISA SOULTANI

CO-MASTER OF CEREMONIES – TV HOST & FILM MAKER

Parisa Soultani is an Iranian-American documentary filmmaker, television host, and editor. She studied software engineering in Iran at Tehran Azad University. She also studied Computer Technology and Information Systems at Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey, before migrating to the United States. She arrived in the Unites States in 2006. She furthered her education by finishing her studies in International Business at Sacramento State University, but Parisa was drawn to something more than the business of profit and loss. She was drawn toward social justice issues and the stories of human lives. Since then, she has devoted her life to the use of the medium of film to capture the stories that help us uncover our unity. Her films celebrate and embrace our diversity.
In 2009, she joined CEM Productions, a small non-profit media organization based in Sausalito, California. There she is a co-producer and the head of digital media. Over the years, she has co-produced, directed, and edited multiple films for national and international broadcasters. Those films include television and web series and multiple documentaries. Parisa recently finished her graduate studies in Humanities, with a focus on Jalaluddin Rumi.
She utilizes her knowledge of humanities through her work as the director and host for the first cinematic multilingual website entitled One Through Love initiative. This website is based on the teachings of Jalaluddin Rumi. She is also the host of the LinkTV series, Bridge to Iran, dedicated to taking American viewers into the heart and soul of the Iranian culture through their films.
Parisa is most notably the editor and technical director for the Global Spirit series currently airing on PBS stations nationwide. You can connect with her @ParisaSoultani.

DR. ARDESHIR SALEM

CO-MASTER OF CEREMONIES – ARTIST and MUSICIAN

Ardeshir, an Iranian-American Cosmetic Dentist (since 1988), Philanthropist, Musician, Sailor, Skier and painter. He holds a B.S. degree in Bio Chemistry and Art from U.C. Santa Cruz. He came to USA in 1976.

“There must be no preconceived idea and each of my paintings is an adventure. When I start to create my forms and shapes of nature, I never know how it will come out. Sometimes this is the risk that I must take. I almost never visualize a picture in my mind before starting to paint. I do believe that a piece is finished only after one has completely expressed the idea that was there at the start. Nature, in combination with tattooed experiences of my past, are the main source of my “Spontaneous Expressionism”. To see through my paintings requires one’s own effort, as it requires my effort to create a painting.”

                                                                             ~ Dr. Ardeshir Salem

 HOMA FARAVASHI

 POET & HISTORIAN & AUTHOR & TEACHER

Homa is a well-educated woman who has focused her efforts to educate young people about Arabic and Persian language arts. She is an Arabic instructor that can teach Grammar, Reading comprehension, Interpretation of Philosophy, and History. She taught Arabic and Persian to 12th grade students at Bu Ali Senior High School in Tehran. The curriculum included Modern Philosophy course work that covered post Hegel theories spanning 19th through 20th centuries and the History courses covered Iranian historical occurrences spanning over the last 300 years.

Homa received her B.A in Persian Literature. Her thesis was written on the role of women in Divaan-e Nezaami, under Dr. Zabihollah Safa’s supervision. She went on to receive her M.A. in Educational Psychology from Tehran University. Her thesis focused on Persian grammar and the role of mozaaf and mozafon elayh مضاف و مضافٌ علیه. She worked under the supervision of Dr. Qharib at Tehran University. Homa has also served as a lecturer of Persian literature to undergraduate students that were pursuing their Bachelor of Arts degrees. The course work was comprised of teaching the works of various Persian poets/philosophers such as Rumi, Saadi and Khayam.

JOHNNY KHAMIS

SAN JOSE CITY COUNCILMEMBER – DISTRICT 10

Johnny was first elected to the San José City Council to represent District 10 in November 2012 and took office January 1, 2013. He was overwhelmingly re-elected in June 2016 to his second term, which began January 1, 2017. Councilmember Khamis represents the Almaden Valley and Blossom Hill areas of South San Jose. He has a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and has been actively engaged in improving public safety, making it easier for individuals and companies to do business in San José, growing the San José economy, and keeping San José a great place to live, work, and raise a family. He chairs the City Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee, is a member of the Rules Committee, and a non-voting member of the Police and Fire Department Retirement Plan Board of Administration. He is the Council liaison on senior and veteran issues, and serves on the Board of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

Johnny was born in Beirut, Lebanon and, as a child, immigrated to the United States with his family. Johnny spent most of his childhood in the City of San José and fondly remembers the orchards that stretched over so much of the City. From George Minor Elementary School to Leonard Herman Middle and on to Oak Grove High School, Johnny spent much of his youth exploring San Jose on his bicycle, going to the movies or swimming at the Oak Grove pool.

After graduating from high school, Johnny went on to San Jose State University to earn his degree in Business Management and Communication. He used his education, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit to start his own company, Western Benefit Solutions, where he is CEO. Johnny was also a financial advisor and personally managed over 200 individual and business accounts. In 2017, Johnny was recognized by the Silicon Valley Organization as the San José Business Advocate of the Year.

Johnny is a devoted family man and 17 year resident of District 10. He and his wife, Juliana, have made their home in Almaden with their two sons, Constantine and Alexander. Johnny and his family love spending their free time out in nature, enjoying the beauty of the Almaden and Santa Teresa Foothills.

Johnny is dedicated to attending all of the neighborhood and community association meetings in the District, as well as volunteering his time with organizations like Almaden Cares, Almaden Kiwanis, and the Martin Fontana Parks Association. Johnny is also the former chair of the Santa Clara County Human Relations Commission and the San Jose Small Business Development Commission.

SHANE PATRICK CONNOLLY

CHIEF OF STAFF CITY OF SAN JOSE – DISTRICT 10

Shane is a graduate of the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, where he completed an MBA in Accounting and a B.S. in Business Administration (cum laude).

Shane has an extensive history of working within various community organizations at the administrative level. He began his work with job-seekers and displaced workers at the State of New York Department of Labor at the County of Oswego (NY) Department of Employment and Training, but he went on to work in jobs that required more responsibility. He was hired for accounting and finance positions in a Fortune-500 manufacturing company, where he was the Controller of their Northern California business unit. His experience at that level propelled him toward jobs with increasing civic responsibility. He is the former President of the San Jose-Dublin Sister City Program, which is a program whose mission is to develop civic, cultural, economic, educational, artistic, and athletic ties between San Jose and Dublin. He served for two years as Budget Director in the District 1 office of San Jose City Councilmember Pete Constant. Currently, he works as The Chief of Staff in the District 10 office of San Jose City Councilmember Johnny Khamis. ​Shane also serves on the board of the Willow Glen Creek Homeowners Association and the West-Valley Mission College Bond Oversight Committee.

Shane attends Trinity Cathedral in San Jose, where he sings in the Cathedral Choir and serves on the Vestry (board). Shane enjoys attending local performing arts events, watching movies, hiking, reading, computing, and exploring San Jose and its surrounding communities.

 

GRACE KOBYLINSKI

CITY OF SAN JOSE- DISTRICT 10 COUNCIL ASSISTANT

Grace is a first generation, San Jose native, who spent much of her childhood in the Cambrian Park area. Her parents emigrated from Poland to the United States in 1986. Her mother started a small, but successful, eatery called Heartbeat Café. She cherishes the memories of working at the café. Her work in helping to turn the family business into a gathering place for members of the community, influenced her to seek out a civic-minded career.

Grace attended Sonoma State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology/Criminal Justice Studies in May of 2012. Following graduation, she went to work at FireEye, a network security company in the Silicon Valley. While working full time, she went back to school for her Master of Justice Studies and graduated in May of 2017. She currently works for San Jose City Council-District 10 as an assistant. Grace will be working on issues related to public safety, homelessness, and marijuana dispensaries. She will be compiling the semi-monthly District 10 newsletter. She will also be assisting in the planning and scheduling of special events.

In her spare time, Grace enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her partner, Adam, and their dog Henry. Grace is passionate about pit bulls and animal rescue. She is dedicated to advocating for the breed.

 

ROOHI KOUHI

INTERIOR DESIGNER, NOWRUZ TABLE SETTING

Roohi immigrated to the United States shortly before the revolution in Iran began. She attended the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California where she pursued her interest in art and design. She was influenced by Persian art and history throughout the course of her educational career. After completing her education, she had the opportunity to work for her college instructor’s private designing company. She designed and decorated the Terrace restaurant in Montclaire, Oakland, and Pasta Piece in downtown Berkley. Her success with those two projects propelled her career forward and she got several other work opportunities. She has designed and decorated several businesses including pizza restaurants and hair salons. Her latest accomplishments involve designing, staging, and promoting talented artists in the Bay Area. She uses her connections in the restaurant business and does her best to increase ticket sales to events that feature the artists and singers that she promotes. She feels it necessary to encourage singers and artists who have recently emigrated from Iran. She works to keep the traditional music and art of Iran alive in the United States and around the world. Some notable people she has helped include Shagerian, Shahram Nazery, Haideh, and Mahasty. Additionally, Roohi is an avid collector of Iranian arts, handcrafts, and historical relics. She proudly shares the things that she has collected with colleges and organizations that promote Iranian culture. Although Roohi is very busy in her career and raising two boys, she always makes time to get involved with programs such as Nowruz and Mehreghan celebrations.

 

SABIBA

DANCE & NUTRITIONAL SERVICES

Sabiba is an accomplished choreographer and featured performer in Greek and Middle Eastern dance venues. She was introduced to theatre and dance at a very young age. Her mother was a National Champion skater and she had several artists in her family. That familial influence led to her Majoring in Theatre Arts and Dance at San Francisco State. There she was introduced to various genres of dance including Flamenco and Middle Eastern dance. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and teaching others to dance.

Sabiba returned to college to earn a bachelor’s degree of science from San Jose State University. She became a Registered Dietitian specializing in Diabetes Care. She is the Director of Nutritional Services for six out-patient clinics within the Gardner Family Health Network. Although caring for her patients is challenging and gratifying work, dance is still a major influence in her life.

Having a connection to many people in the Persian community, she has come to love the elegance, emotion, and complexity of Persian music and dance. Sabiba is humbled and delighted to find that her interpretation of dance is welcomed by the Persian community. On March 29, 2018, she will share the joy of Persian dance in the celebration of The Persian Spring Festival of “Nowruz.”

ROXANNA NEJAT

DANCER, ACUPUNCTURIST AND HERBALIST

Roxanna is an acupuncturist and herbalist living in the bay area. She began studying Persian dance at the age of 6 years old. She had her first solo performance in front of her elementary school during International Week. For the past 12 years, she has performed several times a year at Payvand events in the cities of Cupertino and San Jose in Santa Clara County. Her training has been in classical Persian dance involving traditional folk dances of different regions and time periods. Roxanna has travelled and lived in many places around the world such as France, Hawaii, Portland, New Zealand and China, but was raised in the United States. Having grown up in The United States, her style has evolved to become a more contemporary interpretation of ancient Persian dance. Her modernistic interpretation still conveys the concepts of our root connection to nature, and the honoring of the changing of the seasons. Roxanna personifies the objectives of The Iranian Federated Women’s Club which is to perpetuate and preserve Persian culture in The United States through education, arts, and cultural events.

 

Ayande Co

Dance

Neda Abootorabi, Ariana Kashani, Dorna Mehrkish and Tara Samiee are four Iranian-American women who have been best friends for over a decade. While they enjoy spending time and sharing many laughs and memories together, they also bond through their common passion for Iranian dance. They are all working professionals in their personal lives and they love choreographing Iranian dances together in their free time. They specifically carry interest in advancing the art of Iranian dance by adding modern and unique twists to it.

 

NEDA ABOOTORABI

DANCE

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. She is a holistic healthcare professional that helps her patients with physical or cognitive impairments. She strives to help them achieve independence and participation in their daily activities and works to helping them live a more 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 has always been 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 has 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 particularly interested in being a voice of inspiration and advocacy for the younger Iranian-American generation, who may feel confused about their own identity. Neda understands the challenges that come from trying to bridge two cultures as one. Her goal is to guide Iranian-Americans by helping them to connect and learn about their Iranian roots.

TARA SAMIEE

DANCE

Tara Samiee is an alumna from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is currently working as a Medical Scribe at the Emergency Department of El Camino Hospital while she is applying to medical schools. Tara has been involved with Iranian dance groups since the eighth grade. Through dance, she has strengthened her understanding and appreciation of Iranian culture. Tara enjoys that Iranian dance gives her the opportunity to share her heritage with other communities. She especially loves seeing people of all ethnicities experience and celebrate what is so dear to her—performing traditional choreographies that display the beauty of Iranian culture. These experiences with dance fostered her own interest in seeking out the cultures, values, and experiences of others.

 

NIKI MOHEBI

Media Marketing Director and Sound Engineer Assistant

Niki Mohebi was born in San Diego and spent her early childhood in Southern California, until her family moved to the Bay Area where she spent most of her adolescent years. Niki attended elementary, middle, and high school in Pleasanton, CA until she moved to San Jose to begin her college career. She is currently a senior undergraduate student at San Jose State University studying biomedical engineering. She is due to graduate in May of 2018. Niki has a huge interest in space exploration and bioscience. She has been interning at NASA Ames Research Center for over two years.

As much as she enjoys her job and academic studies, Niki’s motto has always been to “work hard, play hard”. She loves sports, traveling, music, and meeting new people. Niki loves to play soccer and tennis any time she gets a chance. She has played both sports competitively from a young age. Niki’s enthusiasm for music is expressed in several different ways. She has played the piano since childhood, and although she is not an expert, she loves to sing and dance to all types of music. Niki enjoys going to concerts and listens to many genres of music, such as Jazz, Hip Hop, Classic Rock, and Reggae. She particularly loves Latin and Persian dance music. Niki is a huge people person, and her favorite part about traveling is meeting locals and learning about their lives.

Niki comes from a very close-knit Iranian family. When she was very young, Niki attended Farsi and Persian dance classes at Payvand Cultural School along with her brother. She is very proud of her Iranian roots and has several Persian friends she loves to sing and dance with. Because of her connection with Iranian culture, Niki would love to volunteer her time as Media Marketing Director and Sound Engineer Assistant to become more involved in the Iranian-American community.

EMILY ST. PIERRE

VOLUNTEER

Emily grew up in Pleasanton, California. She graduated from California State University, Chico as an English Major. She spent a semester abroad in Italy. She has a passion for teaching High School English and is currently pursuing that passion. She enjoys listening to music, playing sports, and traveling. She loves to laugh and spend time with friends.

 

SARAH LODUHA

VOLUNTEER

Sarah grew up in Pleasanton, California. She attended and graduated from the University of Madison, Wisconsin as a double major of Communications and Spanish. She spent a semester abroad in Sevilla, Spain. Currently, she works on the marketing team for ACP Composites in Livermore, California. She loves to travel and has a passion for music. Sarah also loves to practice yoga.

NATASHA COELHO

VOLUNTEER

Natasha grew up in Pleasanton, California. She attends San Jose State University. She is double majoring in her studies of Business and Spanish. She is planning to graduate in May of 2019. Currently, she is the Marketing Director for the Latino Business Association. She loves fashion, blogging, traveling and playing soccer in her free time. She is extremely family oriented and loves to laugh and spend time with friends.

EMIKO PEREYRA

VOLUNTEER

Emiko currently attends San Jose State University and is studying business. During the holidays, Emiko works at the San Jose Farmers Market and the ice rink. Emiko is of Peruvian and Japanese descent. She is extremely family oriented and is surrounded by a very loving family with whom she loves to spend her time. Emiko enjoys traveling and meeting people wherever she goes.

DENA BEHNAM

VOLUNTEER

Dena works in corporate communications at Adobe in San Jose. She went to high school in Pleasanton, California. After graduation, she attended New York University. She spent her first year of college studying abroad in Italy. Her time in Italy was spent learning and meeting some great people. She grew up volunteering for the “Iranian-American Youth of Tri-Valley” events in Pleasanton. Outside of work, Dena likes being outdoors, visiting museums and filming photography.

 

JENNIFER STARK

Designer & Artist & Social Justice

Jennifer was born in the Piedmont enclave of Oakland, California. She was born into a fifth-generation Californian family of accomplished scientists, gifted artists, and loving musicians. Jennifer’s home, was at the top of a wonderful street, filled with an amazing assortment of eclectic neighbors, books, and romantic gardens. Throughout her life, Jen’s family influenced her in three main interests; writing, art, the healing art of medicine.

Jennifer is totally self-educated, with spurts and experiences at the College of San Mateo, Foothill College, Pima College and the University of Arizona. Jen’s real education has been the world. Jennifer and her husband have traveled extensively with their family of 4 children. Jennifer and her husband moved to Panama in 2006 after their last child graduated from high school. There they started a small organic coffee farm. Jennifer feels that her experience of living in Panama was the most transforming of all her life experiences. She believes that experience broadened her social awareness and her to acquire a deeper understanding of people.

While Jennifer was without her children and in a foreign land, she was struggling to find a new definition of herself. She discovered what it was like to be an immigrant, trying to blend into a new society. She experienced what it was like to be profiled. In 2015, Jennifer’s husband passed away unexpectedly. She permanently moved back to the San Francisco Bay Area. The experiences of her life and her journey, are what ultimately led Jennifer to being involved with Fariba and her amazing interests and projects.

The American Federated Women’s Club and The Iranian Federated Women’s Club, bring to Jennifer, a group of people that have a serious focus on social change coupled with an artistic drive.

Elizabeth Zadeh

BANKER, COMMUNITY DEVELOPER

Elizabeth Zadeh is Vice President and Banking Center Manager of Comerica Bank in Cupertino, CA. In this role, Elizabeth manages a team of banking professionals, develops strong relationships with corporate clients, and secures commercial and consumer loans on behalf of the bank. Recognizing her leadership and management skills, Comerica Bank recently bestowed upon Elizabeth the Top Banking Center Consumer Loan Team Award. After over twenty years of banking experience and six years with Comerica Bank, Elizabeth has become a venerable branch manager and team leader that welcomes the opportunity to pursue new challenges and add value to her banking center.

Elizabeth attributes her success to her work ethic and excellent people skills—two characteristics that have proven valuable not only as a professional, but also as a wife, mother, friend, and activist in the Iranian-American community. Prior to joining Comerica Bank, Elizabeth enjoyed an illustrious career at CitiBank, Bank of America, and KeyPoint Credit Union in leadership, finance, and sales positions. She is a graduate of Bradford College and holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. Outside of her professional role, Elizabeth proudly serves as a board member of the Iranian Federated Women’s Club and as a member of the Iranian-American Women Foundation. As a board member of IFWC, Elizabeth seeks to empower Iranian-American women to use their unique backgrounds to advance their professional and personal goals. She encourages them to stay involved within the community. She sets an example with many of her own actions.

 

GITI SHAYESTEH

RED ROSE CATERING

Giti Shayesteh grew up in Iran and received her B.S. in Business from Tehran University. Prior to her migration to The United States, worked at her family Import and Export company for many years.

GITI is the catering manager of Red Rose Catering. She is responsible for the overall operation of a catering facility. This involves not only running the catering facility during an event, but she also handles all preparations before and after an event. She works closely with clients to ensure the event is a success. At Red Rose Catering, Giti is responsible for event planning, customer service, decorating, menu planning, scheduling and vendor relations. GITI is responsible for assisting in the planning of events for clients. Some aspects of planning can include helping the client find other service providers such as disc jockeys, limousine companies, photographers, videographers and wedding planners.

GITI works with both chef and the client to choose a proper menu. She has a list of the foods that the kitchen can create for the client along with the pricing. She has the chef attend the menu planning meeting with the client in case the client has any special requests that may not be on the standard menu, or in case the client wants to have input from the chef on food suggestions.

She is responsible to follow up with the client to get feedback after the event as well. GITI not only manages client relations, but also works to maintain employee and vendor relations. She runs a successful catering facility.

 

SHAIDA BIGLARI

VOLUNTEER

Shaida Biglari is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. During the three years she lived in Cupertino, she was involved with the De Anza College Iranian Student Association community. She worked to celebrate the Persian culture with students of different cultures. Being half Tajik and half Iranian, she is constantly involved in sharing both cultures with the people she meets.

 

BABI HOUGE

DANCE and ART

Babi is born in Tehran-Iran in 1935 to an upper-middle class family.  She married at the very young age of 16.  A year later she gave birth to a baby girl. Subsequently, she was faced with one of the most critical decisions of her life, and that was to pursue her professional career.

She and her sister were both able to pursue their dreams of becoming mid-wives. They moved to Germany to attend the university while their supportive mother graciously took care of their 2 toddlers at ages 3 and 2. Upon completion of her education at a university, she moved back to Tehran. She then went to serve two years of service in rural area (kharej as Markaz) before she could work in the capital of Iran, Tehran. She got appointed for her two-year commitment as Colonel “sarhang” in The Iranian Air force “niero havayee babolsar” prior to the revolution. She worked in and managed her own gynecology clinics. After her two-year commitment of working in a rural area was complete, she returned to Tehran. In Tehran, she worked in various hospitals where she helped in the delivery of over three thousand babies.  One of the hospitals being “Hemaateh Madaran” which was then renamed “Farah Hospital,” after queen Farah Phalavi.  It was at this hospital Queen Farah Pahlavi delivered her first child, son, “Reza Pahlavi Valiahd”.

Babi moved to Germany on December12, 1984 and, then after two years, to The US on December 12, 1986.  Her husband passed away in 1992. Years later she fell in love and got married to the love of her life; Ron Jon. She’s been blessed with 3 children; 3 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.  She’s now a full-time grandmother and a part time passionate dancer. She has had an active role in the Iranian Federated Women’s Club and Payvand for over 2 decades. She has been a leader in many successful projects such as the Iranian Senior gathering at the Cupertino Senior center for two years. Babi’s passion is in dancing, and she’s been ballroom dancing for over 25 years. She is still teaching and performing.

 

 

JERMAINE HAMILTON

AUDIO ENGINEER & MUSICIAN

Jermaine is a San Francisco Bay Area native that has been actively immersed in music, culture and technology for his entire life. His musical journey began at the age of ten. He swiftly learned to play trumpet, guitar, bass, drums and keys. He has studied classical, jazz, funk, rock, electro and everything in between. In 1995, he picked up his first four-track tape recorder. His first studio gig was in 1997, interning for The Music Annex, cutting Men’s Warehouse radio commercials on tape. Fun days!!

With over 20 years of music production and recording experience, He has constantly and consistently delivered professional, high quality, cutting edge media and content in a timely, expeditious manner.

 

MICHAEL STROUD – Magician 

PERSIAN STORY TELLER

Joined by Magic Genii, and Lolo Minako, surprises are around every corner!

Michael Stroud, is a 12-time award-winning magician, consultant, inventor, author and lecturer in the art of magic.

His performances range from strolling close-up sleight-of-hand or “street style” magic, to grand stage illusions with a live band and a cast of circus performers. He has appeared on radio and television across the US, Japan, Europe, and India. He has also been featured on a Bill Moyers PBS Special.

He has performed as headline entertainment in 12 countries, as well as several hotels in Las Vegas, and at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. As an author, his best-selling “Book of Magic”, published by Klutz Press, has sold over 2 million copies. He has been published multiple times and has contributed to 9 titles that are currently available at your local bookstore.

He blends comedy, audience participation, circus skills and many surprises with special effects in his performances. Each show is carefully customized for maximum impact and he performs many classic magic feats with inventions of his own that you will see no-one else perform. His repertoire includes magic from around the world, including esoteric art forms that many audiences will never get a chance to see live, in person.

For his close-up magic, he causes borrowed objects to float in the air, coins turn invisible and reappear right in your own hand, amazing acts of esp., mind-reading, and dexterous abilities with a pack of cards that take years of diligent practice. Your guests will be spellbound. Bursts of laughter will be heard rippling through the room, in between rounds of applause, for an experience you will not forget, by this master of the craft of magical entertainment.

FARIBA DADFARMAY NEJAT

ARTIST,  ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & ORGANIZER

Fariba Nejat is a leading Iranian-American community organizer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, educator, teacher, engineer and portrait painter. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the Shahid Beheshti University (formerly Meli University) in Iran, a B.S. in Computer Science, and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the National University in San Jose, California. Before assuming leadership roles with various not-for-profit organizations and in the community, she worked as a technology leader in Silicon Valley, California. She also volunteered with Santa Clara Valley charities.

She became a certified high school teacher in Iran and taught Physics and Math until 1983. Her passion of creating a teaching technique through science and art helped her to create a system to teach Iranian Americans how to read and write Persian. She became a mentor to many youths in the Silicon Valley.

She was featured as “one of the six women who changed the face of Silicon Valley” by the San Jose Mercury News in 2004. She has also produced several award-winning artistic paintings and sculptures. For example, one of her paintings, “Beaded Veils from the Gulf,” was prominently displayed in the Capitol Building in Sacramento as a representative of district 13 of California. Her artwork has culminated in a manifestation titled “Faces in the Crowd” which displays her love for art and people. Her most notable achievement regarding her artwork is the portrait painting of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, which included a message of peace by one of the greatest Iranian poets, Sa’di.

 

REV, KATHY HOMARA

DANCE & LICENSED SCIENCE OF MIND SPIRITUAL LEADER

Kathy Homara is a New Thought professionally licensed science of mind spiritual leader, speaker, ritualist and officiator. She recently completed her master’s degree in Consciousness Studies, focused on education, science, psychology, philosophy and world religions. Her passion for understanding human potential and her love for life, science, humanity and the way of the Universe, has taken her from the corporate world toward a path of enlightenment and wisdom teaching. She serves, empowers and educates communities to enable them to transform their lives, live their dreams and thrive. Kathy is committed to teaching the principles of life, living fully and loving freely.

Currently Kathy serves at the San Jose Center for Spiritual Living, Payvand and The Iranian Women’s Federated Club providing spiritual support to people with health, relationship and career discontentment. Kathy also offers classes on the foundations of spiritual parenting, principles of life, radical forgiveness, and living powerfully and abundantly. Based on availability, Kathy also offers various ceremonies including weddings and memorial services.

Kathy is environmentally awake. She sees a world that works for everyone and holds the vision for our children and future generations to thrive in peace and harmony on our beautiful blue and green planet. Kathy knows we are borrowing this planet from our children and that nurturing our children’s brilliant minds is the key to our futures. She is a dedicated advocate for gifted children. She believes in an educational system and curriculum that empowers children and nurtures their innovative minds through hands-on experiences coupled with Science of Mind and Spirit wisdom teachings. Kathy is very artistic, creative and grounded in her spiritual practices. Love, companionship, and peace are the foundation of her path to excellence. Kathy believes nurturing the potential of children is one of the most important solutions to our future now. Nurturing our future generation is one of the most important keys to longevity as a thriving human race. Kathy’s natural inclination in the field of human potential along with her organizational skill, and spiritual practices help her to live powerfully and overcome many challenges as the mother of two young boys. Kathy loves and values music, dance, nature, and spiritually conscious living.

SALLY BANH

MEDIA MARKETING, PUBLIC RELATION

Sally is a technology enthusiast. She is known for her persuasive communication and effective collaboration skills. She is socially adept at working with internal and external stakeholders to reach optimal technology solutions for projects and partnerships.

Her strong points are Solution Selling, Strategic Partnerships, Product Demonstrations, SaaS Enterprise, Contract Negotiation, Business Development, Project Management, and Relationship Building.

NEEKA MIRPOUR

YOUTH SECTION COORDINATOR

Neeka Mirpour is a teen commissioner at Payvand. She was born in Mountain View, California. She is attending Saratoga High School.  She has a unique yet educated perspective of the needs of both the youth and the general community around her. She has effectively used her skills to volunteer and closely work with non-profit organizations like the YMCA, and other centers such as retirement homes, tutoring centers, and soup kitchens. She is motivated by her immigrant parent’s struggles to initially assimilate into American culture. She wishes to one day mimic their success and drive.

Attending Farsi/Persian school during her childhood, she eventually attained the skills to fluently speak, read, and write Farsi/Persian. As an Iranian-American fully immersed into both cultures, she is impassioned to help other Iranian-Americans keep in touch with their ethnic roots, while simultaneously participating in American culture. She hopes to motivate other youths to bring mainstream awareness to the Persian culture.

Her passion for writing has been recognized by her teachers and schools. She has won awards for her achievements. Her other passions also include reading and art. She wishes to one day pursue a career in political science with a background in international affairs.

KAMYAR SAII

VOLUNTEER

Kamyar Saii is 19 and he was born and raised in the Bay Area.  He is a Business Administration student at De Anza College. He hopes to pursue a concentration in finance and accounting. He is very involved in the De Anza College community. He serves on De Anza’s student government, as Co-President of a business club, and as Head Teacher Assistant for a Political Science professor on campus.  Outside of his classes, he likes to play soccer, drive, and go out with his friends.

IMAD BALLOUT

VOLUNTEER

Imad was born in Santa Clara, California. He comes from and Algerian family. He is currently finishing his second year at De Anza College. There, he is an officer for the DECA business club. Last quarter he was a senator for the Student Rights and Services committee of DASB. He loves to cook, lift weights, and spend time with friends during his free time and he also loves to watch movies. He’s eager to kick start a professional career in Business after college. Imad is driven to be a part of his college and supports community events and activities as much as he can.

 

DONYA AZIMI

VOLUNTEER

Donya is 14. She lived in Iran and Turkey before she immigrated to the United States with her mother and her sister. She goes to school. She likes singing, dancing, and painting. She enjoys spending time and laughing with her family and friends. She can speak Farsi, Turkish, English.

MASOUME GHADIMIAN

VOLUNTEER

Masoume has lived in Iran and Turkey. She immigrated to the United States about 3 years ago. She can speak three languages; Farsi, Kurdish, and Turkish. She enjoys cooking, traveling and laughing with family and friends.

ROZHIN FARAHMAND POOR

VOLUNTEER

Rozhin is from Kordestan, Iran. She lived in Turkey for about 3 years. Rohzin immigrated to the United States in October of 2016. She can speak Farsi, Kurdish, Turkish, some Arabic, and English. She is currently a student at De Anza College studying Child Development. Rohzin loves to travel. She enjoys laughing and spending time with friends and family.

MOHAMMED HOURIAN (1955-2014)

ARTIST

Mohammed was a talented Iranian artist who traveled the world displaying his art in various art galleries. He was born in 1955, in the city of Hamedan, Iran which is the capital of ancient Persia. At the age of 12, he became the apprentice of one of the greatest miniature artists of the century in Iran, Haj Hosen-I-Eslamlyan. At the age 19, Mohammed gained public recognition for his first solo art show of his paintings at the Gallery of the University of Tehran. Within a year of that show, he became the youngest Iranian artist to be elected at the Academy of Fine Arts.

In 1976, Mohammed traveled throughout Europe, Japan, and the United States. He was invited by the German government to consult and exchange viewpoints on art. He displayed his works in exhibits across Germany, including The Goethe Institute. The German press praised his work. He has shown his work in the United States and is world renown for his Persian miniature paintings.

Persian miniature painting, also known as book painting is a traditional art form of Ancient Iran. It is considered to be one of the most artistic art forms in Iran. Miniatures are usually painted on paper, mother of pearl, ivory, bones or enamel. This type of painting is characteristic of e fantasy flowers with special movements. These paintings have a variety of colors including blue, green, red, and orange, with the primary color being gold. The most important attribute of these paintings is the perspective from which they are painted. Everything that is far away is painted on one plane. Things normally set in the distance are visible in the forefront. These paintings contain symbolism that give the painting a deeper meaning. For example, a deer is the representation of innocence, a horse represents freedom, and the phoenix is the symbol of love and life. This form of painting allows the artist to not only create stunning imagery that pleases the eye, but also conveys a story that touches the heart.

Sadly, Mohammed passed away in 2014, but his paintings are still being shown by his wife, Marjan. She works to keep his art on display for the sake of sharing the beauty that is the Persian culture.

COMRON HOURIAN

ARTIST and ART COLLECTOR

Comron was born in San Francisco, California, to an artistic family originally from Iran.

From the time of a very young age, he was exposed to all kinds of art, from Traditional Persian miniatures to Modern art. It was at this time when he was inspired to work on his own art and do the many whimsical patterns he was so influenced by.

His father, Mohammad Hourian, is a renowned Persian miniaturist. He is well known within the Iranian community in the USA, for his gallery, the Hourian Art Gallery on Union Street. Mohammed took Comron to museums like, the MOMA, The Legion of Honor, The DeYoung and Asian Art Museum, where he was inspired by the pieces that were there.

At his Father’s gallery, there were many artists who had many shows. Comron was inspired by beauty in the eclectic art that was displayed. This inspired him to be an artist.

Another art gallery owner noticed Comron’s talent. He facilitated two shows for Comron to present his latest work to the public.

One important step in being a good artist is to learn the technique, he is currently studying art at Los Mendanos College. He hopes to continue his study of Art and Art history at the Academy of Art of San Francisco.

PARISA CAVIANI
FILM MAKER

Ms. Parisa Caviani is an expert in strategic communication, client relations, and complex program management. She has held leading positions with numerous consumer electronics start-up companies, established semiconductor companies, and International television networks. She works to develop a successful plan of execution and implement an organizational maturity model for the companies she works for.  Her project development experience includes work on facial and gender recognition cameras deployed for retail space and consumer analytics, as well as, extended mobile batteries for Ferrari, and 360˚ race car camera prototypes for NASCAR. Ms. Caviani is the co-founder of Avva Pictures and served as the President of Production. She has fully produced and developed motion pictures and numerous television episodes for satellite television. Her productions have reached an audience of over 50 million viewers. Her most recent movies include “MAYHAM” and “Small Town Crime”. Working on the film “Mayhem”, she produced alongside the same producers of the popular TV show “The Walking Dead”, starring Steven Yuen and Smara Weaving. While working on “SMALL TOWN CRIME”, she produced alongside Oscar winner producer John J Kelly (127 hrs., Divergent, Spy, Terminator) and a stellar cast of Oscar winners and nominees such as John Hawks, Octavia Spencer, and Robert Forster.  Both features were released across US and international territories. Ms. Caviani’s next two movies are currently in development and expected to be released in mid-2019.

Ms. Caviani also dedicates her time to help others in the community. She is the founder of Serenite Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income families fighting pediatric cancer.

ANDY NGUYEN

COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

Andy Nguyen was born in Vietnam and raised in San Jose. Currently, he is enrolled at San Jose State University as a BFA student majoring in Art and Photography with a minor in Art of Education. Nguyen creates photographs, which reflect and communicate the landscapes, nature and lifestyle of people living in America within different communities. Nguyen is passionate about this subject and he has captured the beauty of cultural dance in our community. He wishes to capture the essence of the subject’s personality and the unique lifestyle that contributes to the individual beauty of the person being photographed. A multicultural society encompasses people from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures living and working together. Nguyen has been exploring the ideas of cultural leveling; beliefs of one culture are spread around to others for our next generation. Visitors can experience the lifestyles of different ethnicities in our community. They can sample traditional dance in each season from different countries such as India, Iran, Mexico and Vietnam. Photography is Nguyen passion and has an eye for viewing the uniqueness of many countries and the diversity they produce.

 

BANAFSHEH

BANA HAND CRAFTS FROM THE WOMEN’S ARTISTS FROM BALUCHISTAN/IRAN

Banafsheh (Bana) Nemati, graduated from California State University Long Beach in field of civil engineering. She is also a professional engineer in state of California. She has more than twenty-four years of work experience in both the public and the private sector. She loves art and believes that all Persian people are artists.

As a woman she loves to shop!  Her collection is a small sample of Persian arts from all corners of Iran.

Mrs. Nemati is also the designer of a new jewelry called “Cleavator”. This is the first jewelry that has ever been designed for cleavage control. More information can be found on the website at this address: www.cleavator.com.

She believes art can be used as therapy for one’s mind and soul.

“This year I will bring a unique variety of art works from Iran. The selection includes Persian tapestry “termeh”, beautiful handmade table covers in exotic colors from “Sistan” and “Balochestan”, handmade jewelry including rings and necklaces in traditional designs, a beautiful leather bag from the holy city of “Mashad”, a copper tray from “Isfahan”, Handmade “Torkaman” cushions with colorful beads and much more.  All these unique pieces represent different arts from all corners of Iran.

TINA NEMATI
VOLUNTEER

Tina, at the age of 17, is one of the youngest students currently studying at De Anza College. She studies Computer Science and hopes to transfer to the University of California at Berkeley. She is an excellent student and talented in the subject of Mathematics. She competed in the mathematics Olympiad in Iran and earned third place.

JOHN MILO KIMBALL

PORTRAIT PAINTER

John has been doing portraits for thirty-five years. He is mentored by Lee Tacang, a man who taught drawing at both Foothill College and De Anza College for 33 years.  John’s goal in painting a portrait is to catch the essence of the person more than simply a likeness. He likes the term amateur which indicates a love for what he is doing.  If people ask him if painting portraits is his profession, he responds by declaring the word he would rather use is “passion” more than “profession”.

LA PATISSERIE BAKERY

PERSIAN SWEETS

Since 2007, La Patisserie Bakery has been owned by two successful women, Fariba Mirpour and Mojgan Damaghani. Their passion and creativity in the art of pastries has led them into running a business that has been a favorite “go to” bakery for many people in the Silicon Valley.  Mojgan and Fariba’s mission is to provide the finest desserts and pastries at reasonable prices. They take pride in their products. Their products are baked fresh daily and they use the finest ingredients with no preservatives or artificial flavors.

They also believe in giving back to the community each month by donating baked goods to non-profit organizations.

www.lapatisserie.net

RAMYAR SIASI

ROSE EXPRESS FLORIST: http://www.rosexpressflorist.com