San Francisco, 2015

Women are powerful leaders. In this session, you will hear firsthand accounts from female business leaders about their experiences. They will discuss the attributes of effective leaders: courage, strength, empathy and authenticity to name a few. Find out how each of these women have evolved in their leadership roles and how they advance in their own unique way. Are women different kinds of leaders than men? Dare we ask if they’re even better?

They are young professional women who have achieved success by pursuing their dreams. In this session, you will hear from these rising stars who are inspiring and empowering others as they continue on with their journeys. They will share with you how to position yourself for success by following your passion with determination. Listen, learn and be inspired.

We all face personal challenges throughout our lives that are compounded by societal value judgment and prejudice. These powerful women will discuss their struggle with personal challenges and their eventual triumph. They have survived and excelled in the face of discrimination against sexual orientation, mental illness and sexual abuse. In this presentation, you will learn how these extraordinary women refused to be defined by their struggles, and how they went on to fulfill their aspirations.

Many women have lived purposeful lives and have touched the lives of thousands around the globe. These women will discuss how they were inspired to dedicate themselves to changing the lives of others and their communities. These women will share their life stories and the catalysts that inspired them to be agents of change.

Is there more to your life than balancing the challenges of work and relationships? Do you have the space and time just to be at ease? Do you deal with life’s inevitable ups and downs with equanimity? Can you overcome negative thoughts and feelings? What is the true purpose of your life? What holds you back? What can set you free? This session is an opportunity to get the answers to all these questions from a philosopher, and a clinical psychologist and family therapist who will share their vision for a happy and fulfilling life.

This panel seeks to explore the power of Art. Despite our personal, financial and educational achievements, the quality of our lives might still suffer. How can art wash the dust of daily stress and make us feel alive? How can it facilitate personal growth? Can art unify and transcend differences? Our panelists – through their unique lens as women and experts – tackle the importance of art from various perspectives.

What is it to be Iranian, what is it to be Iranian American? This panel explores the many ways that articulating an identity can help you find your voice, your passion, and ultimately tell your story. By understanding some of the things that connect us to our culture, we can more successfully discover how our culture can be a source of inspiration and a vehicle for connecting with others- whether as an artist, a writer, a philanthropist or a teacher. Panelists will talk about the ways of exploring our culture identity and the many manifestations of that cultural identity can be a positive force for us individually as well as in building and sustaining a community.

Our panelists cover the A-Z of business building, from investing and raising capital to marketing and publicizing your business. They will discuss the challenges that come with starting a business and the tenacity and patience needed to succeed.

Do you often feel like a circus performer balancing your career on one side and family on the other? Did you have to overcome so many obstacles to survive or achieve your goals? Hear how our panel of women faced moments that redefined their goal and their lives.

It is said that women shy away from highlighting their skills, accomplishments and success. And as a result they tend to not ask for their worth, ending up with lower salaries and benefits than their male counterparts. How should a professional woman navigate through the corporate world channels and successfully earn what she deserves? Find out the answers in this session.