About Pasfarda

INTRODUCTION

Pasfarda Arts & Cultural Exchange was founded in Chicago in the summer of 2007 by a group of like-minded individuals who strongly believe that through dialogue and artistic exchange, cultural misunderstanding can be subsided.

Pasfarda literally meaning the day after tomorrow, is at least a Double Entendre on Iranian culture's orientation toward future as well its propensity for procrastination.

MISSION STATMENT

VISION: Pasfarda Arts & Cultural Exchange effectively strengthens cultural understanding between Iranians and Americans to create innovative alliances, coalitions and affiliations.

MISSION: Through committed vision and leadership, Pasfarda pledges to provide:

Access - We open doors for Iranian artists and intellectuals in the U.S. through the use of exhibitions, screenings, performances and other special events.
Outreach - We create and strengthen alliances and/or coalitions with like minded individuals and groups of all stripes to disseminate artistic expression regardless of political borders.
Cultural Bridging - We strongly view dialog, education and artistic exchange as a means of eroding prejudice and promoting peace in our shared world.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS

Parissa Behnia Parissa Behnia holds a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business, and has extensive experience in strategic marketing. read more ...		Lisa Johnson Lisa Johnson is President and CEO of Gourmet Kitchens, Inc., a manufacturer of premier convenient food products headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. read more ...

Shermin Kruse Shermin Kruse graduated cum laude from University of Michigan Law School and has practiced complex commercial litigation for six years at the law firm of Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg, representing large corporations. read more ...		Avisheh Mohsenin Avisheh Mohsenin holds an M.S. in Applied Economics and over seven years of experience in economic and litigation consulting at Compass Lexecon. read more ...

Yasaman Mohsenin Yasaman Mohsenin holds a B.S. in Applied Math in Computer and an M.S. in Computer Science. She has over seven years of experience in information technology at one of the leading telecommunication companies. read more ...		Narimon Safavi Narimon Safavi is an entrepreneur specializing in socially responsible diamond mining in West Africa. Mr. Safavi holds a B.S. in Chemistry and Philosophy from Illinois State University and has an extensive history of civic engagement and philanthropy. read more ...

Nima Taradji Mr. Taradji received his license to practice law in the state of Illinois and the 7th Circuit Federal Court in 1999. He has tried numerous personal injury cases before juries, and read more ...

FOUNDING MEMBERS

Nasrin Azim, DDS
Parissa Behnia
Cyrus Gerami
Kamran Heydarpour, MD
Kourosh Ilami
Lisa Johnson
Farzad Khaledan
Shermin Kruse
Kiyarash Mohajer, MD
Avisheh Mohsenin
Yasaman Mohsenin
Sudabeh Rafieian, DDS
Narimon Safavi
Farzad Shahsavarani
Mitra Sushinsky
Nima Taradji

ADVISORY BOARD

Kaveh Ehsani | Research scholar at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a member of the editorial boards of Middle East Report and the Tehran-based Goft-o-gu (Dialogue).

Lyric Hughes Hale | Author and an expert on China.

Norma Moruzzi | Associate Professor, Political Science and Gender & Women's Studies at University of Illinois, Chicago

Hamid Naficy | Professor at Northwestern University, Department of Radio/Television/Film

Ahmad Sadri | Professor of Sociology, and James P. Gorter Chair of Islamic World Studies at Lake Forest College

Barbara Scharres | Director of Programming of the Gene Siskel Film Center, Chicago, IL

MEMBERS

FRIENDS of Pasfarda
Roya Behnia

Saffron
Saeid Mojtahedi & Eddier Martinez
Reca & Afshin
Peter Graziano
Ahmad Sadri
Robert Shapiro

Gold
Almaz Kohanziadeh Ben Adonai
Myriam Kaplan
Ghodssi Eghbali
Dennis Ferrazzano
Edward Malone
David Selmer

Silver
Max Rovner