Kayla Asemanfar supports Ayandeh’s operational and financial needs as a member of the Operations working group. Kayla has been involved in a multitude of Iranian-American spaces, including serving as Director of Finance at UCLA’s Iranian Student Group and supporting operations at Camp Ayandeh from 2016-2019. Kayla’s professional experience is in grant, contract, and financial management within the climate change and carbon accounting sector, specifically for small non-profit organizations

Attorney, organizer, and entrepreneur. Kayvan has been involved with many Iranian diaspora organizations, including serving as IAAB’s co-Executive Director in 2008-2009

Neda Movahed supports Ayandeh as the Director of Programs and Head of Curriculum where she leads the team working on Camps Ayandeh and Javan, the Adult Retreat, and future program incubation. Neda has an extensive background in education, having worked with K-12, university, and adult populations in both the US and Iran. Her commitment to the Persian community originates with her family and her local Farsi school, and was deepened when she attended Camp Ayandeh in its inaugural year in 2006.

Sima Jafari volunteers her time at Ayandeh, working as the Community Engagement Chair. Sima is a Producer and Director with 10+ years of experience in content producing and driving awareness for brands in entertainment and technology. She has been involved in her local Iranian American community since a young age, attending Farsi school and performing in the local Persian Dance Troupe. She is excited to be a part of the Ayandeh team!

Sam is thrilled to support Ayandeh in the areas of development and programs. In her day job, she currently serves as the Director of the Center for Community Engagement at Samuel Merritt University. She holds a masters degree in educational leadership and nonprofit management from Stanford University and is currently in a doctorate program at NYU. Previously, she helped lead Camp Ayandeh from 2014-2018

Yasi Samsami supports Ayandeh as the Camp Director and helps manage components of Operations. With a substantial background in the non-profit sector, she has been involved with Moms Against Poverty in various roles since its inception. Yasi brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, communications, managing, and executing programs and events throughout her career. Her commitment to the Iranian community dates back to her youth when she participated and volunteered in local Iranian community events. This dedication evolved through her work with Moms Against Poverty and other non-profit organizations within the Iranian Diaspora, holding various roles and responsibilities that serve the community here in the United States but also in Iran. Yasi, having been a dedicated camper beginning in 2013 at Camp Javan and Camp Ayandeh for six consecutive years, is enthusiastic about her role as Camp Director. She aims to ensure that every camper enjoys the same incredible experience she had while strengthening their connection with their Iranian identity and community.

Mitchka Saberi was involved in the initial startup effort for Ayandeh in 2021 and now supports the Programs working group to help execute programs including Camp Ayandeh and Javan, the Adult Retreat, and more. Mitchka has experience as a camper and staff member at Camp Ayandeh for a combined 8 years. She works in the film industry in Los Angeles as a director and producer, and has experience in the nonprofit sector as the Festival Director for a Santa Barbara-based film festival. Mitchka is excited to reconnect with the Iranian community and contribute to improving the future of our diaspora.

Reza currently supports Ayandeh’s operational tasks as a member of the Operations working group.