Bridging the Gap: Preserving Zoroastrian Heritage with Gen Z
Please join us in in the WZCC spotlight titled “Bridging the Gap: Preserving Zoroastrian Heritage with Gen Z”.
Click here to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 875 9470 7989 Passcode: WZCC
WZCC: Provide an opportunity for those who seek to create intellectual, economic and social value beyond resources controlled and maximize the nexus between the three values for sustainable development for the good of the Zarathushti and other communities.
WZCC – ZEN Spotlight Rationale: Shine the spotlight on people and their achievements and relate these to the creation of intellectual, economic and social value.
Title: Bridging the Gap: Preserving Zoroastrian Heritage with Gen Z.
Brief Abstract: Members of the Iranian Zoroastrian Youth Network (IZYN) seek to empower Generation Z Zoroastrians globally to shape a contemporary, unified identity. In this talk, we will share ideas to help Gen Z Zoroastrians navigate cultural conflicts and integrate various cultural aspects from their past, national, and religious identities. We will outline IZYN’s strategic approach to bridging the generational gap and cultivating deep-rooted connections to the Zoroastrian heritage. Potential initiatives such as media production, historical exhibitions, translation projects, and educational programs will be proposed to effectively communicate the value of this heritage. We will end by showcasing the IZYN website and inviting Gen Z Zoroastrians to join us in collaborating to ignite a spark for a thriving Zoroastrian community through engagement in the IZYN projects.
Speakers
Shiva Ashtari has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Azad University of Tehran-North and is now pursuing a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering at the University of Oklahoma. She served as a board member of the Zoroastrian Students Association for 2 years and was an active member for 4 years. In Iran, she worked for Arnika Company in Human Resources and the financial department and ran her own business as a florist. Shiva plans to return to Iran and work to improve the quality of life for Zoroastrians. Shiva.ashtari@ou.edu
Parisa Foroudian, has a bachelor’s degree in computer software engineering from Shariaty University. Over the past three years, she has learned a lot about business and entrepreneurship, which led her to join IZYN. She already has a business in social media marketing with a videography studio in Tehran to create multimedia content. Also, living in Zoroastrian community in Iran, she helps Zoroastrian youth by teaching them digital marketing strategies to improve financially. Parisafro.pf@gmail.com
Radman Khorishidian is a Zoroastrian futurist, social entrepreneur, and life coach with a master’s in social foresight from the University of Trento, Italy. His research on the future of the Zoroastrian community in Iran led to his presentation of the “Zoroastrian Intentional Communities Network” at the 11th WZC. Founder of Raynaag, he develops professional talent and entrepreneurs, especially Zoroastrians in Iran. His Khishkari (life purpose) course has reached 500 people in Iran. Khorshidian.radman@gmail.com
Siavash Mandegari, a PhD student at the University of Oklahoma, is deeply involved in sustainable development research and social systems. He coordinates the Iranian Zoroastrian Youth Network (IZYN) with Farrokh Mistree, aiming to enhance Zoroastrian youth engagement globally. He has also been an active member of the Zoroastrian Students Association in Tehran, serving as Chair, and previously worked as a Project Manager at an IT company. Siavash.mandegari@ou.edu
Roxana Iraji has a master’s and bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Yazd University. She works on projects in optimization and energy systems. Through IZYN, she is committed to the Zoroastrian Iranian community and aims to help preserve its historical and cultural heritage through documentary. Also, she works on Shidan Sheed projects which aim to empower Zoroastrians by establishing a solar plant in Iran with WZCC. Iraji.roxana@gmail.com
Arezoo Gharibshahi is pursuing an MBA at Sharif University while learning the ropes of her family business. Inspired by Persian art, she finds joy in playing Persian classical music, exploring historical sites, and in organizing religious cultural events to preserve rich Zoroastrian heritage. She is so grateful for the chance to contribute in her own small way to IZYN. Arezoogharibshahi@yahoo.com
Pedram Mozhgani, has a MBA. An engineer by training, he holds both a PMP certification and an MBA. He served on the board of the Zoroastrian Students Association (KDZ) for two years and has been an active member for nine years. Additionally, he was involved with Yanesh Varan Manthra in Yazd for five years. Pedram has a passion for teaching in the simplest way possible. He is keen to promote the Yazd resort project. Pedram.mojgani95@gmail.com
Look forward to listening, learning, intellectually with humility regarding their perspectives, issues and concerns especially on sustainabily, climate warming, science, business, technology and the arts.
The culture and issues of Zoroastrians are different in India and N.America are different and hope to learn about the challenges and opportunities in Iran.