MESSAGE FROM CHAPTER LEADERS 43 Dear Friends of IAWF, It is with great pride and excitement that I share the developments and evolution of the New York Chapter of the Iranian American Women Foundation (IAWF), founded in 2013. It has been an exciting ride to identify and recognize the success that Iranian-American women have found in all aspects of the US economy and even more thrilling to imagine how powerful of a voice we can build when unified. Our objective has been twofold with the primary focus placed on building a network that supports one another and a secondary mission that allows us to give a real face and an actual voice to Iranian American women. Events such as the leadership conferences in New York have not only allowed us to highlight our individual achievements but have effectively afforded us the opportunity to expand and broaden our image. As a colorful group representing many different religions with a wide range of expertise in our midst, Iranian American women’s influence can be found in all sectors of the New York economy as well as the national stage. In a city that both appreciates and is influenced by a myriad of cultures, the Iranian American professionals based here have effectively learned how best to marry the subtle and sophisticated nuances of our Persian culture with the direct, assertive and merit-based city of New York, building each of the individual success stories that we now celebrate and want to highlight. Sincerely, Jeyran Ghara, Chair IAWF NY Chapter NEW YORK CHAPTER