Dr. Ali Djalilian

Member

Dr. Ali Djalilian is an ophthalmologist and full professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago where he works in both clinical and academic areas. He was born in Iran and left the country at the age of 17.  He earned his medical degree in Minnesota. Throughout the years, Dr. Djalilian has advised Child Foundation’s medical support in multiple countries, especially Afghanistan where around 200 children receive regular care for a deadly blood disorder called Thalassemia. He is always at work investing in our sponsored children’s wholistic wellbeing through research and program development. 

Ms. Farideh Bakhtiari

Board Chair 

Ms. Bakhtiari graduated from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. Her professional experience has included programming, product verification, design, system architecture and projects, products, resources, and budget management. My Engineering career started at Canadian Electronics & Aviation (CAE) as a programmer followed by working at Ericsson Mobility for 4 years as software designer. Moving to Seattle in 1996, I started working at AT&T Wireless in progression from a platform manager to the senior lead engineer responsible for architecture, design, and implementation of Mobility Network Management Solutions. I strive for building professional and personal relationships based on trust, collaboration, and problem-solving through team work.

Mr. Kamyar Lashgari

President ​

Mr. Lashgari received his Bachelor in Urban Planning and Masters in Urban Design from the University of Washington and has been a professional planner and designer for the past 34 years. At the start of his career, Mr. Lashgari worked in the public sector for various cities in Washington and California as an Urban Designer and Planner. He later worked for architectural and civil engineering firms in both Southern California and Iran. While working in Iran, he specialized in urban reconstruction planning for areas affected by the war.

Ms. Kerry Ayazi

Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer

Kerry Ayazi holds an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law. Ms. Ayazi is currently an executive with a renowned organization providing world-class healthcare, research, and innovations. Previously, she was General Counsel, Senior Vice-President and Compliance Officer at the Southern California affiliate system of a national nonprofit, advocating social justice, reproductive justice, healthcare access, equity and inclusion. Ms. Ayazi serves and has served on several nonprofit, charitable, and academic boards and governing bodies, and worked with several institutions advancing charitable, educational, community, welfare, and social justice. Ms. Ayazi is also an avid supporter of children's welfare, animal welfare, social and health equity across spectrums, and the arts.  

Ms. Manijeh Taherynia

Treasurer

Ms. Manijeh Taherynia is a certified public accountant with over 15 years of experience in state and local government auditing and accounting, as well as taxation in public accounting in Colorado. She received her Master’s in Accounting from the University of Colorado at Denver. Ms. Taherynia has also served on the board of other non-profit organizations. 

Mr.  Morteza Ferdowsi

Secretary

Mr. Morteza Ferdowsi is presently a real estate developer and management consultant and has been involved with Child Foundation since 2018 in various volunteering capacities.  He graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from California State University, Long Beach and in 2000 he completed the Executive Management Program at UCLA.  Mr. Ferdowsi’s professional career spans decades which began in 1987 in the Telecommunications industry.  In 2012, his company was acquired by a major US based networking company leading him to begin his independent endeavors.  As a leader in the community,  Mr. Ferdowsi  has served on the boards of multiple organizations and has held positions on the board of American Red Cross in Southern California.  Mr. Ferdowsi dedicates much of his time to following causes that are close to his  heart and culture.

Lemna Parvini

Member

The breadth of Lemna’s experience lies within identifying opportunities, developing creative solutions and strategies, and leading global teams to execution. She is currently Vice president of Operations at BetMGM. She is experienced in many industries including hospitality, technology and entertainment. She has an executive degree from Northwestern Kellogg in sales and marketing. Prior to that, she has her MBA and Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering/System design from Sharif University in Iran. After a lifetime of globe-trotting for work, she is currently living in Chicago. She has been volunteering in different capacities relevant to child and animal affairs in different countries, matters very close to her heart.