Farhang Foundation
Mission
Farhang Foundation is a member-supported, non-religious, non-political, not-for-profit organization established in 2008 to celebrate and promote Iranian art and culture for the benefit of the community-at-large.
Constituencies
Trustees, Council Members, Advisors & Supporters
Iranians, Iranophiles, and Iran Scholars who support the mission of Farhang Foundation and our programs by donating their time, knowledge, and financial support.
Iranian Americans
These are the custodians of one of the richest cultures in the world and benefit from learning more about their art and culture. They are also the individuals who will later be our cultural ambassadors to the community-at-large.
Community-at-large
We feel that Iranian art and culture can contribute positively and should be woven into the multi-colored tapestry of great cultures that comprise America. That’s why our mission at Farhang Foundation is to celebrate and promote Iranian art and culture for the benefit of the community-at-large.
Ali C. Razi – Trustee (Founding Chair 2008-2017)
President of The Stratham Group of Companies, Mr. Razi is a Trustee Emeritus of California State University and member of the Board of Governors of California State University Foundation. Ali was named 2006 Builder of the Year by the Building Industry Association of Southern California. In May of 2011, Ali was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor giving tribute to those who have made enduring contributions to our nation.
Dr. Haleh Emrani – Chair
Dr. Haleh Emrani is the Founder and CEO of SageDom, a community-building software engine provider focused on facilitating group collaboration and communications. Trained as an Electrical Engineer, she has worked in the technical field since 1991. She leads and empowers multidisciplinary teams to perform optimally in achieving client and organizational business objectives.
In addition to her professional activities, Dr. Emrani pursued a degree in the history of pre-Islamic Iran and obtained a Ph.D. in Sasanian Social History from UCLA. Her research focuses on the position of women across the many religious groups of Late Sasanian and Early-Islamic Iran, with emphasis on the legal regulations governing marriage, divorce, guardianship of women and their children, and inheritance. Passionate about academic and philanthropic initiatives, Dr. Emrani also chairs the Iranian Studies Council at the Farhang Foundation, working with a team of dedicated individuals passionate about supporting establishing the Iranian Studies degree program at USC.
Dr. Emrani has several publications on the position of women and marriage laws in the different communities of pre-Islamic Iran in various Iranian Studies journals. She was the director of Sasanika, a portal dedicated to the study of Late Antique Iran from its inception in 2003 to 2019.
Alireza Ardekani – Executive Director
Alireza Ardekani comes to Farhang Foundation with over nineteen years of experience and success with leading innovative organizations, specializing in marketing strategy, partnership development, project management and digital promotions. Career paths include working for some of the world’s most iconic global brands, including, The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Channel, Miramax Films and NBC Entertainment. Oversaw and successfully launched multi-million dollar projects and services, including worldwide marketing campaigns, television networks and digital platforms.
Alireza was born in Tehran, Iran and grew up in Lausanne, Switzerland. He is fluent in Persian, French and English, and is an avid world traveler with a global understanding and appreciation for art, design, entertainment and culture.
He graduated with high honors from the University of Southern California with a BA in communications from the Annenberg School for Communications & Journalism, and a minor in Cinema & Television from the School of Cinematic Arts. He is a proud Iranian American and has a passion for Iranian history, art, film, music and cuisine. Alireza has had the privilege of exploring Iran extensively and learning about his fascinating and diverse culture first hand. In his spare time he is a passionate concertgoer, design enthusiast, and loves exploring the diversified cuisine scene of Southern California.
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