Bahar Behboodi holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Portland State University and a Master’s in Elementary education from Portland State University in 2022. Throughout her life, she has always dedicated her time to volunteering in the Iranian community, such as the Iranian festivals. She is an active participant in Portland’s Iranian community and has volunteered for more than a decade of her life.
Mamak Tabrizian-Behboodi holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Lewis & Clark College and a master’s degree in Social Work from Portland State University, focused on Counseling Education. She is a certified mediator and holds a Strategic Therapy Certification from the Family Therapy Institute. Mamak is passionate about social justice and effecting systemic change; with over 35 years of experience in nonprofit program management, she is currently the director of the senior centers for two nonprofit organizations, Impact NW and YWCA. She has a strong background in working with marginalized and oppressed populations and has dedicated decades of her life to advocating for them. She is also an active participant in Portland’s Iranian community and has volunteered with Iranian nonprofit organizations since 1995.
Masoud Ghafarzade holds a bachelor’s degree in System Analysis from the School of Planning & Computer Applications in Tehran and a PhD degree in Computer Science from Northwestern University, focused on Artificial Intelligence. He has 38 years of combined experience in the high tech industry, academia, and IT industry. He is an active participant in Portland’s Iranian community and has volunteered with Iranian nonprofit organizations since 1997. He joined the Andisheh Center’s board of directors in 2011.
Noshad Rahimi holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Shiraz University, a master’s degree in Business Administration and a doctoral degree in Engineering & Technology Management from Portland State University. She has more than 25 years of experience in IT industry and academia – educating, researching, developing, and managing various Information Technology solutions. Noshad is passionate about educating and improving elderly total health using technology. Through various volunteer collaborations over the decades, she strives to contribute to strengthening equity, freedom, and social justice through promoting, educating, and celebrating cultural diversity.
Shireen Farrahi has been involved in nonprofit development for over 20 years, working in various capacities with numerous cultural organizations across the Portland Metro area. She cherishes the mission of the Andisheh Center as it is helping her to get to know her Iranian heritage and her father’s homeland.
Shireen also currently serves as Vice-President of the Portland-Khabarovsk (Russia) Sister City Association and Newsletter Editor for the Northwest China Council. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.A. in International Studies-China and lives in Portland, Oregon.