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THE ANNUAL IRANIAN FILM FESTIVAL
MFAH Films will showcase the best in Iranian cinema, January 20-29
You are cordially invited to a public screening of Good Bye Bé omid é didar
Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof 2011, in Farsi with English subtitles, Iran
Sunday, January 22, 2012 * 5:00 PM
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Caroline Wiess Law Building
1001 Bissonnet Street
Brown Auditorium
A special reception will follow the film sponsored by the Society of Iranian American Women for Education and the Iranian Cultural Foundation 6:30 - 8:30 PM.
Please visit http://mfah.org/films/series/10/ for more information on the Iranian Film Festival screenings and to purchase tickets to the film online.
Incredible Isfahan, Presented by Farzin Rezaeian
Book Presentation, DVD Screening and a Reception were held at the Museum of Fine Arts, in Houston on Monday, April 25, 2011. More than 100 guests attended this event. The program was offered free of charge.
Annual Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation 2011
Annuanl Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation was held on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the Hilton Houston Hotel. This year's successful event was chaired by Fariba Taghizadeh and Zary Rossoli with the help of numerous volunteers. KPRC TV News Reporter, Hasti Taghi was the MC for the evening. A beautiful slide show was produced and presented by Tessa Barazandeh. The keynote speaker was renowned architect, Gisue Hariri. The entertainment was provided by Paria and her group.
Forty-nine scholarship recipients attending nine Texas colleges and universities were recognized. SIAWE would like to sincerely thank all the volunteers, supporters and sponsors of this event.
5K Run/Walk
It sure was fun for the entire family!! SIAWE Third Annual 5 K Fun Run/Walk, chaired by SIAWE Board Member, Vajeh (Vicki) Barazandeh, was held on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at the University of Houston, Main Campus. The Engineering Department at the University of Houston, Iranian Cultural Foundation, Houston (ICF), Road ID and the Iranian American Medical Association (IAMA) co sponsored this event.
18th Houston Iranian Film Festival
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presented 18th annual Iranian Film Festival, Friday, January 21 - Sunday January 30. SIAWE provided promotional support for this event.
Calling all the Alumni
We are proud of our students! If you have received a scholarship from SIAWE please contact us at alumni@siawe.org to let us know about your achievements. SIAWE is on Facebook, become a fan!
An introduction to the world of Iranian Modern and Contemporary Art
Special seminar was presented by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; sponsored by Chirstie’s Inc. on Tuesday, September 21, 2010; 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Promotional support was provided by SIAWE.
Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation, 2010
The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) held its Annual Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation Dinner on Saturday, March 06, 2010, at the Junior League of Houston. The event Chairs, Mehrnaz Gill and Malekeh Amini, with the help of their wonderful committee created an unforgettable evening. President of the Rice University, David Leebron, was the keynote speaker. Ms. Pari Zangeneh, Iranian soprano and folk vocalist, accompanied by world renowned Hooman Khalatbari's piano performance, mesmerized the guests.
Forty-seven scholarship recipients attending eight Texas colleges and universities were recognized. The hard work of the volunteers, the generosity and support of the donors and sponsors turned the evening into a very successful fundraiser.
Reception Honoring Shaun Toub at MFA, Houston
The Society of Iranian American Women for Education and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston hosted a reception to honor Iranian born actor Shaun Toub on Friday, January 22, 2010 at the Museum’s Gallery following the 8:00 p.m. showing of “No One Knows About Persian Cats”.
The reception was open to public free of charge, finger foods, sweets and beverages were served.
17th Houston Iranian Film Festival
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presented 17th annual Iranian Film Festival. SIAWE provided promotional support for this event.
5K Run/Walk
Second annual 5 K Fun Run/Walk was held on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at the University of Houston, University Park at the Main Campus. Close to 100 people of all ages participated and enjoyed the gathering and the beautiful weather. The first three runners who finished the race were recognized and awarded. The University of Houston, Engineering Department and the Iranian American Medical Association were co sponsoring this event.
The Lively World of 19th Century Persian Tilework
This event was open to public.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Brown Auditorium Theater
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Shah´s Wardrobe: Textiles from Safavid Iran
This event was free and open to public.
Monday, October 19, 2009
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Herring Hall 100
Rice University Campus
Piano Performance
Iranian born solo pianist, Hooman Khalatbari performed to a full house on April 09, 2009 at the MFA, Houston. Promotional support was provided by SIAWE.
Dr. Firouz Naderi
Associate Director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) hosted a lecture and presentation by Dr. Firouz Naderi on Friday, March 06, 2009, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel. The program was free, and open to the public. More than 150 guests attended the presentation, and enjoyed meeting Dr. Naderi. SIAWE extends sincere appreciation to the University of Houston Industrial Engineering Department and its Professor and Chairman, Dr. Hamid Parsaie, for their support of this program. SIAWE periodically presents free educational seminars to the public; all future events will be posted on SIAWE’s website.
To find out about Dr. Firouz Naderi and his work please visit:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/bios/naderi/
Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation
The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) held its Annual Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation Dinner on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at the Junior League of Houston. The celebration started with the Norouz Bazaar, back by popular demand, and a “Deed-O-Bazdeed” hour. Behnaz Arjomand, an artistic and talented volunteer, set a beautiful traditional "HAFT SEEN" table and elegantly decorated the ballroom. Houston’s own First Lady, Andrea White was the keynote speaker. Before enjoying a gourmet seated dinner, nearly three hundred guests were entertained by Delara Shirvani’s beautiful dance performance choreographed by Negeen Tatum Ramesh. The local performer, Amin Safari and his talented group of musicians, including Haleh Fotowat, provided the evening’s music.
The Scholarship Presentation began as the scholarship recipient students walked across the stage, introduced themselves, and shared with the audience the school they attend, their major, and their GPA. Currently 36 scholarship recipients attend schools across Texas.
Once again, the generosity and support of the guests and the community made this event a very successful fundraiser. Our sincere appreciation goes to all who made the night a memorable one.
Tehran Has No More Pomegranates
Willow Films presented the Houston theatrical release of the acclaimed documentary “Tehran Has No More Pomegranates” (Tehran Anar Nadarad) on February 25 and 26, 2009.
SIAWE proudly promoted this event.
16th Houston Iranian Film Festival
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presented the 16th Iranian Film Festival in January and February 2009. The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education proudly supported this program. view film flyer
5K Run/Walk
On Sunday, January 11, 2009, The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) held the first SIAWE Annual 5K Run/Walk at Eleanor Tinsley Park off of Allen Parkway.
The event, chaired by Vajeh Barazandeh, was held to promote healthy habits, daily exercises and to bring the youth and families together. More than 75 enthusiastic walkers/runners braved the cold weather and participated. View Flyer
Two Faces of Plastic Surgery, a lecture presented by Dr. Azita Madjidi
The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) presented a lecture by Dr. Azita Madjidi on Thursday, November 6, 2008, at 6:00 PM at the Houston Racquet Club. This program was free and open to public. SIAWE periodically presents free educational seminars to public, all future events will be posted on SIAWE’s website.
To find out about Dr. Madjidi and her work please visit. www.drazitamadjidi.com
General Assembly and Scholarship Presentation 2008
The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) held a General Assembly and Scholarship Presentation on Saturday, March 29, 2008, at J. W. Marriott Hotel in Houston. The guests enjoyed an afternoon tea while Faranak Zafarnia, SIAWE President, gave a brief description of last year's activities, introduced the Board of Directors and Officers and talked about their duties. Scholarship Presentation began as the recipients introduced themselves and shared with the audience their major, their GPA and the school they attend, 34 students recognized and awarded.
SIAWE congratulates all the recipients and appreciates the generosity of the supporters of this program.
Iran, Seven Faces of a Civilization
On Sunday, March 09, 2008, The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) presented Dr. Farzin Rezaeian, an award winning film maker and author, at the J. W. Marriott Hotel in Houston. More than 350 guests attended the reception followed by a lecture and showing of Iran, Seven Faces of a Civilization. This program was cosponsored by the newly established cultural organization, the Iranian Cultural Foundation, Houston.
SIAWE presented the same program at the University of Texas at Austin on Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
Iranian Film Festival, 2008
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presented the 15th Iranian Film Festival in January 2008. The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education proudly promoted this program. The following movies were shown: Unfinished Stories, Persian Carpet, Rule of the Game, Red Robin and Havana File.
SIAWE Nationally Recognized
We proudly announce that on June 19, 2007, Congressman Nick Lampson, representing the 22nd District of Texas, recognized the Society of Iranian-American Women for Education on the floor of the United States House of Representative with the following speech:
“Madame Speaker, I am honored to recognize the great work and contribution of the Society of Iranian-American Women for Education, a scholarship fund in southeast Texas that serves the greater academic community. The Society's mission is to promote Iranian culture through educational seminars, films, lectures, and exhibitions, but their most important goal is to provide educational support and assistance through scholarships for hard-working students. To date, more than 170 such scholarships have been awarded to students attending schools in Texas. The Society is also dedicated to strengthening relationships and deepening the understanding between Iranians and Americans, and has hosted many esteemed speakers, including Noble Laureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi, and Anousheh Ansari, who recently completed her own space flight. I salute the Society for their dedication to academics and achievement, and wish them future success with all their wonderful endeavors.”
Anousheh Ansari - First astronaut of Iranian descent
On September 18, 2006, Anousheh Ansari earned a title in space travel history as the first female private space explorer, the fourth private space explorer, and the first astronaut of Iranian descent. She served eight days aboard the International Space Station as a member of the Expedition 14 crew of the Soyuz TMA-9.
To honor Mrs. Ansari's accomplishments within the Iranian-American community, on June 18, 2007, The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education sponsored a public lecture complimentary to students at the Junior League of Houston, Texas, featuring Mrs. Ansari as its honored speaker.
Over 250 guests attended her inspirational presentation. Many had traveled from out-of-state to join in-state visitors from Dallas, Austin, College Station, and the Clear Lake-NASA area.
The evening proved to be enlightening for guests of all backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities. Noteworthy was Mrs. Ansari's observation that from space, national borders on Earth were not visible, that all mankind shares the same home, and that we all should collaborate to preserve our only home, planet Earth.
To read more about Anousheh Ansari, please visit www.anoushehansari.com
We're All Neighbors
On Thursday, March 29, 2007, The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) co-hosted the “We’re All Neighbors” luncheon with Houston’s First Lady, Andrea White at the Rouge Restaurant. The luncheon served as a celebration of the Persian New Year, Norouz, and to introduce Iranian culture to the Houston community. One hundred fifty guests dined on gourmet Persian cuisine, listened to Persian music and visited the beautifully decorated traditional "HAFT SEEN"* set by Ladan Bina. Zora Spevak’s fascinating speech, titled Persian Poetry and the Renaissance of the Persian Identity, was welcomed by a standing ovation. The celebration concluded with a beautiful Persian dance performance by a talented junior high school student.
* HAFT SEEN: A ceremonial table display or spread of seven items, all beginning with letter S in Farsi, is usually set several days before Norouz. These seven items are:
| “Samanu” |
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an Iranian pudding prepared from germinating wheat, representing affluence; |
| “Sabzeh” |
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sprouting wheat or lentil, representing rebirth; |
| “Sekeh” |
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coins, representing prosperity; |
| “Sonbol” |
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hyacinth, representing the arrival of spring; |
| “Serkeh” |
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vinegar, representing a long life; |
| “Seeb” |
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apple, representing beauty and health; |
| “Senjed” |
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dried fruit of a tree, which has fragrant leaves and represents love and affection. |
There are other objects on the table spread, including a mirror, representing light; painted eggs, representing fertility; a sweet/sour orange floating in bowl of water – (presumably moves at equinox); gold fish, symbolizing life and representing zodiac sign Pisces. Also present, Divaneh Hafez (a collection of Hafez’s poetry), and on Muslims’ tables, Quran, their holy book.
Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation 2007
The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education (SIAWE) held its Annual Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation Dinner on Saturday, March 10, 2007, at the Junior League of Houston. The festivities started with the guests visiting a beautiful traditional "HAFT SEEN" set by the volunteers and wishing each other a Happy Norouz, then followed by a gourmet seated dinner at the beautifully decorated ballroom. The Scholarship Presentation began as over 50 students walked across the stage, introduced themselves, and shared with the audience their major, their GPA and the school they attend. SIAWE proudly awarded $115,000 to 53 recipients attending school of their choice in the state of Texas.
The celebration progressed by a beautiful dance performance by two junior high school students, trained by Negeen Tatum Ramesh and dressed in colorful custom made dance costumes. A fascinating speech by Professor Michael C. Hillmann from the Department of Middle Eastern Studies at The University of Texas in Austin was the highlight of the evening. Three hundred guests enjoyed the young gifted artist, Hamed Nikpay’s enchanting voice and music accompanied by his talented group of musicians. The evening ended with the guests dancing to DJ's music until 1:00 am.
The generosity and support of the guests and the community made this event another successful fundraiser. Our thanks go to all who made it possible.
Iranian Film Festival
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presented the 14th Iranian Film Festival in January 2007. The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education was a proud co-sponsor of this event. Shohreh Aghdashloo, Oscar nominated actress, appeared as a special guest during the festival. The following movies were shown: Cease Fire, Sounds of Silence, When Fish Fall in Love, Willow Tree and Two Iranian Artists on Film.
Niki Karimi
Niki Karimi, an award winning filmmaker, was a guest of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston at the showing of her movie "A Few Days Later" on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 at the Museum. The sold out screening was co-sponsored by the SIAWE and the Asia Society, Texas.
Skin Care Lecture
The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education presented a Lecture on Skin Care with Dr. Suzanne Bruce of Suzanne Bruce and Associates on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at the Houston Racquet Club, 10709 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas at 6:00 PM. This presentation was free and open to the public.
19th Century Persian Tiles & Paintings, the Qajar Period (1796-1925)
The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education was one of the co-sponsors of a symposium honoring Persian art in coalition with The Asian Society. The Co-chairs of the program were Lily and Hamid Kooros.
The event was held on Saturday, September 9, 2006, at 2:00 P.M. at the Brown Auditorium Theater, Museum of Fine Arts, The Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet, Houston. A reception followed the lectures.
Ms. Jennifer M. Scarce, talked about the role of tile work in the social culture and art of Qajar in Iran and Dr. Layla S. Diba, spoke via video about the origins of modern Iranian painting.
The symposium was free and open to the public.
Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation 2006
The Society of Iranian-American Women for Education held its Annual Norouz Celebration and Scholarship Presentation Dinner on Saturday, March 25, 2006, at the Junior League of Houston. The celebration started at 7:00 pm with an hour of "Deed-O-Bazdeed" (social hour), before guests were directed to the beautifully decorated main ballroom for the remainder of the Gala.
Professor M. R. Ghanoonparvar from Center for Middles Eastern Studies at The University of Texas at Austin (UT, Austin) spoke about the importance of supporting the Iranian Studies Endowment Program.
The guests were enlightened by the beautiful, angelic voice of Monika Jalili and the majestic performance of her musicians.
Seventeen students attending the Houston Community College Systems, Rice University, The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University were awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000.00 to $2,500.00.
The evening was a great success both as a wonderful gathering for the guests and as a successful fundraiser event. A colorful, traditional "Haft Seen" table was set up for the guests' viewing throughout the evening.
2003 Nobel Laureate, Dr. Shirin Ebadi
Dr. Shirin Ebadi talked to over 170 people at the J. W. Marriott Hotel in Houston on Saturday, February 4th. It was a great honor for the Society of Iranian-American Women for Education to present Dr Ebadi. She is the first Iranian to receive a Nobel Prize in any field and the eleventh woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Her speech was presented in both Farsi and English.
Iranian Studies Endowment at The University of Texas at Austin (UT, Austin)
In order to promote a deeper understanding of the Iranian culture, the Society of Iranian-American Women for Education has been supporting the Iranian Studies Program at The University of Texas at Austin by making contributions to the Iranian Studies Endowment Fund since 2004. To find out about this program please contact Professor M. R. Ghanoonparvar at UT, Austin.
Dr. M. R. Ghanoonparvar
Tel: (512) 471-1365
Fax: (512) 471-4197
Email address: mghanoon@uts.cc.utexas.edu
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