Iranian-American Women (IAW) Leadership ConferenceAugust 2012 Newsletter
Great Success in Washington D.C.
It is hard to believe that August is here and the very successful 2012 Washington D.C. IAW Leadership Conference is almost two months in the past.
This year’s Conference had more than 400 attendees from across the nation, representing professionals in politics, local and federal government administration, corporate America, authors, doctors, lawyers, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs and many many more. The one-day conference was packed with education, motivation and networking opportunities for the movers and shakers of the Iranian-American women’s community and their supporters. The Conference boasted 10 breakout sessions, two general sessions and 50 speakers. It was a day where we laughed, cried and learned from each other’s challenges, successes, dreams and goals.
A huge thank you to our volunteers and Host Committee who worked countless hours to make the Conference such a huge success. We are also incredibly appreciative of our sponsors who helped make the Conference possible, our speakers who graciously opened their hearts to share their stories and our attendees whose overwhelming support fuels our energy to host the IAW Leadership Conference series.
It is with the energy, enthusiasm and encouragement of our attendees that we gear up for another successful Orange County IAW Leadership Conference. The 2012 Orange County Conference will be held on Sunday, September 23. Please visit our website for more details.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Across the world, women are still a minority in the corridors of power and influence. In the conference session Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling, two accomplished women shared how they broke into the upper echelons of management.
At the age of 27, Gazelle Hashemian resigned from her job when she was told that she was too young to be promoted to the ranks of senior management, even though she had been doing senior level work for over a year. "I was working hard, producing flagship work for my company, and expected to be recognized for it. I was replaced by 4 people when I left that company which was a confirmation that I was not being unrealistic in my request." She went on to hold executive positions at Teligent, Picus, and BBO prior to co-founding Paragon Technology Group with her husband. Together, they took the company from 5 to 240 people. Her advice to other women in business is to "Challenge yourself, take risks, work hard, be fair to yourself & others, ask for help, and offer help."
Tamilla Ghodsi had the audience in tears when she eloquently shared her father’s guidance from years ago. He encouraged her to work hard, distinguish herself from others and be the best that she could be. To follow her father's advice, Ms. Ghodsi obtained an L.L.M degree in Taxation after receiving a JD cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School. Her hard work and tenacity ultimately lead her to her current role of Managing Director at Goldman Sachs & Co. in New York. By using her father's words of wisdom, she seized opportunities to be succesful.
What an inspiring and moving session!
OC! Here We Come...Please mark your calendar for the 2012 Orange County IAW Leadership Conference!
Sunday, September 23
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Irvine, CA
This year’s Conference will feature some of last year’s favorites, including a career workshop to help with interview tips and resume writing and a “Rising Stars” panel perfect for your favorite niece, daughter, sister or friend who wants to meet successful young women in non-traditional career fields. New panels will cover Do’s and Don’ts for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners and tips on how to Climb the Corporate Career Ladder.
Tickets go on sale August 6, 2012 at www.iawfoundation.org. Early bird pricing will be $100 from August 6 – August 30, 2012. Tickets for this amazing experience will sell out! Please visit our website to secure your seat.
New Ideas, People, Programs & Updates
For up to date information and to stay connected, please visit our website at www.iawfoundation.org.
