West of Middle East: Recent Episodes
Neda Nobari Foundation
In Season 1 of West of Middle East, we hear from people from the Middle East diaspora who are changemakers in a variety of unique ways: fighting for indigenous rights in the Amazon, advocating for LGBTQ refugee support, or making movies about Afghan rock stars and the diaspora experience. Each episode of West of Middle East provides a window into who these Middle East diaspora changemakers are, and how they’re creating a positive impact in the West. We explore what it means to be a part of a diaspora with pervasive stereotypes, and how being a part of that same diaspora propels a desire for social justice.
Award-winning comparative literature scholar and poet Dr. Persis Karim pioneers the first-of-its-kind Center For Iranian Diaspora Studies at San Francisco State University, exploring culture, communities and identity.
Civil rights attorney Zahra Billoo is a courageous voice for change amidst rising national tensions, working to build bridges with allies on civil and human rights issues for the American Muslim community.
Leaving a war behind, Professor Dany Doueiri developed the only B.A. program in Arabic in the California State University system with a mission to help students examine global events with an understanding of Arab culture.
Iranian-American visual artist Taraneh Hemami creates connections through experimental projects between artists, writers and scholars, while inspiring the next generation to explore essential topics from identity to the reflections of the everyday.
Exploring culture, identity and community, Mana Kharrazi serves as the Executive Director of Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB), a 501(c) 3 national nonprofit organization that aims to strengthen the Iranian diaspora community and empower its youth through holistic learning.
Pirronne Yousefzadeh is an Iranian-American Brooklyn based theatre arts director, writer, and educator working to deepen communication between audience and artform, spotlighting new narratives, identities and cultures while mentoring the next generation of actors in the art and craft of … Continue reading →
From educating for religious pluralism and inclusive citizenship to advocating for international human rights, educator and Amnesty International board member Reza Fakhari emphasizes equitable and inclusive community engagement.
As the Legal & Advocacy Director for Project South, Azadeh Shahshahani works to protect the human rights of immigrants and Muslim, Middle Eastern, and South Asian communities in the American South.
Parto Aram founded Inspire-Tech in 2010 – a non-profit organization working to bring equity in the technology sector. Following 15 years of experience in the high-tech field as a computer hardware designer and marketing manager, Parto established the first nonprofit … Continue reading →
A Syrian refugee in San Francisco works to educate communities in the Middle East about LGBTQ rights issues, while teaching people here in the West about what it means to be a Middle Eastern refugee.