About

About AustinIPA

Austin Iranian Professionals Association (AustinIPA ) is the first Iranian nonprofit (501C) organization in Austin, Texas run by volunteers. AustinIPA is a cultural organization that respects the freedom of speech and ideology of every individual and is not affiliated with any political or religious groups.

Our Vision

Build a community of professionals to educate, promote and preserve the Persian culture and traditions in the greater Austin area.

Our Mission

Host events to celebrate traditional Persian national holidays.
Offer Persian language and arts programs.
Build a community for Iranian-American professionals in Austin to network, connect, and promote their services.
Support Austinites of Persian descent with career development, scholarships, financial aid and higher education.

Meet Our Volunteers

Alireza He

Alireza He - Music Advisor

I’m a multi-talented musician with over 20 years of experience, and my history of memorable live performances has equipped me with a unique blend of artistic and collaborative skills that I’m eager to share with AustinIPA. My background includes over 50 gigs, from local venues to popular festivals, culminating in the “Best Performance” award in 2000 in Iran. Having performed with multiple orchestras in various roles (drum, sitar, and daf), I’ve honed not only my performance and technical skills but also my ability to collaborate effectively with fellow musicians. This experience is invaluable in creating engaging events and fostering a vibrant cultural atmosphere within AustinIPA.

Maryam Zolghadri

I’m Maryam. A devoted daughter, loving mother, and passionate advocate for animals and nature, I find my truest expression through art. It’s the creative force that fuels my spirit and connects me to the world around me. My love for my beloved Iran runs deep, shaping my identity and inspiring my journey.

MJ Akhbarieh

MJ (Mohammad Javad) Akhbarieh

MJ is a dedicated volunteer and lead instructor for our PLCC classes, bringing over 12 years of experience in PreK-12 education. His expertise in social and emotional learning, Philosophy for Children (P4C), art, creativity, and problem-solving allows him to design and implement engaging workshops that foster critical thinking and emotional intelligence. With a unique cross-cultural perspective from his experience in both Iranian and American education, MJ is a reliable and enthusiastic member of the AustinIPA community, providing invaluable support for events.

Mobina Ehsani

I’m Mobina, a proud mother of two. Seven years ago, my family and I made Austin our home, and my deep admiration for Iran and its people has only grown stronger. I’m constantly inspired by the rich cultural heritage, history, and warmth of the Iranian community here. The profound contributions of Iranian culture to the world resonate deeply with me, and I feel a strong connection to its enduring traditions and values. I’m so grateful to be part of this vibrant community.

Sabrina Kaldani

With over five years of experience as an interior designer and a deep understanding of both Assyrian and Persian cultures, I bring a unique perspective to AustinIPA. My design background, coupled with my passion for community building, allows me to contribute to fostering connections, creating engaging events, and enhancing cultural representation. Having lived in the U.S. since 2009 and in Austin since 2013, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our community. I’m excited to lend my expertise to AustinIPA’s growth and success.

Zari Etemadi

Zari Etemadi - Art Advisor

Zari’s artistic journey is as diverse as her talents. Beginning with a foundation in architectural engineering, where she achieved the distinction of being the University of Tennessee’s first female and international valedictorian, she has blossomed into a self-taught artist capable of creating masterful works in any style, size, or medium. With 14 years of experience as an art teacher and 25 years as a commercial artist, Zari brings a wealth of expertise to her craft. Now residing in Austin, Texas, she channels her deep connection to her heritage into her art, striving to revive the beauty and poetry of Iran.

Our Advisors

Minoo Mohammadi

Minoo Mohammadi - PLCC Advisor

Minoo Mohammadi, Ph.D. Candidate, brings her expertise in developmental psychology and education to AustinIPA, enhancing its Persian Language and Cultural Connections (PLCC) programs. At Texas A&M University, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology (Developmental Science) and has over ten years of experience designing and implementing effective educational programs. Her specialization in social-emotional learning and fostering positive teacher-student relationships will directly support PLCC’s cultural and educational initiatives. Minoo also contributes to research and program evaluation at the Educational Leadership Research Center (ELRC), supporting evidence-based strategies for educational improvement.

Mehrdad Bashiri

Mehrdad Bashiri holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and brings a wealth of financial expertise to AustinIPA. With extensive experience as a Financial Controller at a multinational company in Texas, he is well-versed in financial strategy and operations. A graduate of University of South Carolina, where he studied accounting and management science, Mehrdad specializes in auditing and international accounting. His proven track record in financial management and his commitment to excellence make him a highly valuable financial advisor to the AustinIPA board.

Rosha Teimuri

Rosha Teimuri brings two decades of leadership experience from prominent tech companies like Dell and National Instruments to her role as an AustinIPA Board Advisor. As Co-Founder and President of the nationally accredited Austin Career Institute (ACI), she is dedicated to empowering hundreds of individuals by removing financial and cultural barriers, fostering upward mobility, and creating pathways to lasting success. ACI’s success under her leadership has earned recognition from The White House, CCST, C2, and the City of Austin. Her proven track record of strategic leadership, combined with her dedication to community development, makes her a valuable asset to the AustinIPA Board.

Shahram Jamali

Shahram Jamali brings over 30 years of experience in engineering and high-tech industries to his role as an AustinIPA Board Advisor. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Austin Career Institute (ACI), a nationally accredited post-secondary school dedicated to empowering individuals through quality education. His visionary leadership at ACI has resulted in significant community impact, earning national recognition from The White House, CCST, the City of Austin, and Texas Workforce Solutions Capital Area (C2). His proven ability to drive successful initiatives and his commitment to community empowerment make him a valuable asset to the AustinIPA Board.

Board of Directors

Mahnaz Varasteh

Mahnaz Varasteh (Executive Director)

Mahnaz (May), who immigrated from Iran to the United States almost 25 years ago, is the executive director of AustinIPA. She has devoted her time since 2016 to fostering connections and preserving cultural heritage.

Recognizing the importance of community for her two children—a daughter and a son—she passionately committed herself to the Austin Iranian Professionals Association. Her mission is clear: to create a vibrant community where not only the current population but future generations can thrive, remembering and cherishing their cultural roots.

Farideh Babazadeh

Farideh, after migrating to the United States obtained her BA and BS degrees in Business Administration and Chemistry, respectively. In addition to working in multiple managerial positions, she retired from the Texas Department of State Health Services after 25 years. She has previously been a member of past Iranian-American cultural organizations in Austin. She has also served as a volunteer on a multiple presidential campaigns.

Her mission is to promote Persian culture and arts for the American born generations of Persian descent and the entire Austin Community.

Bijan Afkhami

Bijan, an Iranian-American, is the founder and president of Bijan International, a corporate training and coaching firm dedicated to creating extraordinary performance improvement in individuals and organizations.

Bijan has enhanced the productivity of many organizations. His “Coaching for Greatness” program is attended by leaders of Fortune 100 companies. More than 3,000 “Motorolans” and 5000 “IBMers” have benefited from his training.

Bijan is author of the book : “The 1% Solution: Leadership Through Action”.

Parviz Mehrabani

Passionate about preserving Persian culture and building a strong, collaborative community, Parviz joined AustinIPA to revitalize efforts toward these goals. With 35 years of experience in the tech industry, Parviz brings a wealth of professional expertise to the organization. He holds a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration from St. Edward’s University, providing a strong foundation in leadership and strategic planning. His 20 years of volunteer work with youth, fostering leadership and empowering the next generation, demonstrate his dedication to community service. This experience, combined with a deep appreciation for Persian culture, inspired his involvement with AustinIPA. Parviz envisions AustinIPA as the central hub for Austin’s Persian community, where professionals connect, culture thrives, and future generations are inspired.