Board of Advisors
Mahshid Hamedi Boromand is the Founder and Chairman of the "With You Foundation" as well as the Chairman of "EMH Productions," the International Media Company she founded together with her husband Ebi 2000, and where she served as CEO until 2013, and since then been at the helm of its Board. Throughout her career, Mahshid has been a driving force in the Persian Music Industry and is wieldy recognized as a groundbreaking Music Executive and Talent Manager. Mahshid has spearheaded several large humanitarian projects through the years, but have decided to now dedicate her time and energy on the WYF and the work they plan to do all over the world.
Noushin Moeini Kermanshahi is an esteemed poet, writer and art critic. She was born in 1954 in Kermanshah, Iran, but spent her childhood and youth in Tehran. She attended the Behzad Art School in her adolescence, majoring in art, but always maintained a great passion for writing. In 1980, she moved to the U.S. and has been living and writing there since. Noushin has translated two documentary films, “Mystic Iran” and “The Age of Awakening”, from English to Farsi. She has written more than 300 essays on art and culture. Her first book, “Rasoolaneh Rang”, is having its 2nd edition published in Iran. Another one of her books which is on Frida Kahlo, is also being published there, both by Farzaneh Publishing. Noushin has also had two books published in the U.S. by The Book Company Publishing. One is a collection of short stories; the other consists of a selection of her published articles on art and culture.
Mahdis Ekbatani is an accountant, a tax preparer and an enrolled agent (EA) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the past 16 years. She is one of the managing partners at Up To Date Accounting CPA Firm where she offers consultations along with a variety of accounting and tax solutions and services to her clients from individuals to all types of business entities. She received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting from California State University, Northridge in 2005 and she received her Master of Science (MS) in Taxation from the Golden Gate University in 2008. Her biggest passion in life is her career.
Ali Parvaneh, Attorney at Law, is a board-certified trial specialist, a licensed real estate broker, a certified mediator, a Paul Harris Fellow ®, a Super Lawyer ®, and a member of multiple legal organizations. He is admitted to practice before the California Supreme Court, the United States District Courts for the Central and Southern Districts, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Parvaneh completed his law studies at Western State University and Newport University, obtaining a juris doctorate degree. His undergraduate studies were in surveying at the University of Florida. Mr. Parvaneh manages a mid size California law firm where he practices business and real estate law, overseeing complex litigation and transactional matters at the firm.
Jay Cohen has spent the last 15 years working at the highest levels of non-profit fund development in the Sacramento region, serving either as a private consultant or employee. His experience includes roles as Chief Development Officer at the UC Davis MIND Institute, California Medical Association, Sacramento Region Community Foundation, and many other wonderful organizations. Currently he is the Regional Major Gifts Officer for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. Jay understands the non-profit landscape from many perspectives, including the agencies themselves, their boards (Mr. Cohen has served on five non-profit boards of directors), and individual and corporate donors that sustain them. Jay has a 14 year old daughter and creating a better future for her and all children guides his life.
Jonathan Mehrian is a world-class entrepreneur with humble beginnings in Los Angeles. As a youngster Jonathan was passionate about martial arts, a passion that led him to become part of the United States National team for 10 years, and Jr. Olympic, Maccabiah & Pan American gold medalist.
Jonathan got into finance, with no education, the very night he turned eighteen, and shifted his focus from pursuing a career as an athlete in martial arts to a career in finance.
Today, Jonathan has over 500 licensed agents in his agency spread across the US. Not only has he helped hundreds of families achieve their dream of financial independence, but doing so while simultaneously coaching and mentoring individuals, who just like him, want to build a career in financial services. He is a servant leader and an advocate for training and equipping his people for success, and continues to work tirelessly to help his team members achieve their dreams, just as he has achieved his.
Shay Soroush is a young Iranian-American serial entrepreneur, media executive, TV producer, marketing and PR expert with a remarkable track record. Holding the position of president at GEM TV, one of Iran's largest media conglomerates in the Middle East, from 2008 to 2017, she showcased her acumen in the industry. Beyond her corporate successes, Shay ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Shaymo Advertising, an advertising agency that uniquely caters to different communities in the United States and internationally. Shay's involvement extends further as a co-owner of Linx Group, a production company recognized for its exceptional work in producing video commercials, TV Shows, and music videos. However, her influence extends beyond the business realm. Passionate about societal impact, Shay has devoted herself to building a potent global network of activists and philanthropists. Committed to advancing minority communities, both in the U.S. and the Middle East. Shay's strategic advocacy campaigns and grassroots initiatives have been instrumental in driving meaningful and positive change.
Golriz Tavakoli, an Iranian-American entrepreneur in Los Angeles, is a dedicated advocate for animal rights and environmental causes. Educated at Portland State University, she is a partner at the White Harte Pub and the founding partner of Brigitte & Stone, an ethical fashion boutique. With a philanthropic spirit spanning over three decades, Golriz has volunteered for numerous charities and organized impactful events. She has served on the board of a Susan G. Komen LA affiliate Fashion for the Cure, and as the auction chair committee for Richard Branson's Rock The Kasbah Gala for Virgin Unite. Golriz has successfully worked on several large-scale and numerous intimate benefits, produced fashion events and as a fashion forecaster she often showcased unknown and up-and-coming local designers, also helped connecting designers for BRAVO Channel series. Golriz was also a regular blogger on The Huffington Post and she actively participates in demonstrations for environmental and animal rights causes. She resides in LA with her loving husband and beloved canine, Lulu.