Today we’d like to introduce you to Sepideh Nasiri.
Sepideh (“Sepi”) Nasiri is an award-winning serial Entrepreneur with 16 years of experience working in the Tech Industry, the Founder of Persian Women In Tech, the former Vice President at Women 2.0 and a lifetime advocate for women, diversity, and inclusion.
Mrs. Nasiri started her career as a Co-founder and Managing Editor of a digital and print Los Angeles Magazine and later joined a number of successful startups in Silicon Valley. In 2014, she was recognized by San Francisco Business Times/Journal “40under40” and Diversity Journal’s 2014 “Women Worth Watching.”
Currently, Mrs. Nasiri advises early-stage startups including at global initiatives such as WeMENA (a program by the World Bank) and mentors globally many female entrepreneurs and founders in technology serving as an advisor to initiatives such as TechWomen, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It been a journey, moving from Iran at the age of four to Germany, then again immigrating to the US in Cupertino down the street from Apple and Sun microsystem.
Language barriers, cultural differences did not make it easy to settle in. But throughout the years, I had the privilege in meeting so many amazing, talented individuals who have empowered and taking me under their wings. I would not be here today without my “sponsors,” mentors and colleagues!
Please tell us about PERSIAN WOMEN IN TECH.
Persian Women in Tech is a 4-year-old Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to connecting, mentoring, and empowering Persian and Middle Eastern & North African (MENA) Women in Technology including engineers, technologists, founders, intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs and investors.
PWIT organizes and facilitates programs such as the monthly PWIT City meetings, the WoMENA conference, mentorship, career growth, and career placement help and a Blog network to provide a voice to the community, education, and stories to share.
Our technology landscape would not exist without the achievements and contributions of incredible tech women pioneers throughout history—and the communities and teachers who support them. When we all support, assist, and encourage women’s achievements, incredible things happen, and new ground is broken.
As technology becomes more integrated into our society and creates a new paradigm, it is up to us to be intentional about equity, inclusion, and diverse representation in the space. Our initiative is to bring together to connect and evolve ideas of bettering the technology landscape globally.
We want our women and girls all over the world, regardless of what the media, flawed societal narratives, and unfounded perceptions, have the equal opportunity to THRIVE – and not only in the areas of STEM but multiple disciplines required to advance our economic, social, and political spaces equitably in parallel with our advances in technology.
Through our platforms, we ignite the conversation about support, role models, talent, opportunities and how companies, organizations, and individuals can help change the dialogue and break new grounds in Diversity and Inclusion.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My fav memory is when I was in high school, as a newcomer I was selected to represent the immigrant student body at a symposium held at Stanford University. It made me believe that anything is possible!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.persianwomenintech.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Exclusive Entertainment, Rugger Productions, Easta Media, David Saurik
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