MEET THE TEAM
United for Iran’s team is a global and diverse network of Iranian activists and allies dedicated to supporting a free and democratic Iran. Due to security concerns that are inherent to the nature of our work, only a small number of team members share their work and activism publicly. You can learn about a few of our team members below.
Firuzeh Mahmoudi
Founder and President
The 1979 Iranian revolution, and the years that followed, shaped who I am. I remember being part of massive rallies, captivated by the excitement, chaos, and hope. By fifth grade I had a strong sense of justice, and changed schools from an affluent community to one that served the working class.
I left Iran for the US when I was twelve.
I studied political economics at UC Berkeley, and later earned master’s degrees in environmental science and public policy. For seven years, I worked as an international coordinator and an environmental health advocate, first at the NGO Health Care Without Harm and later at a United Nations Development Program project on toxic and waste reduction. I worked towards building movements in partnership with communities in twenty global south countries.
When, in 2009, millions of Iranians protested the presidential election, and were brutally suppressed, I felt proud and heartbroken. The final straw was viewing the video “Where Is This Place?” Listening to a woman reading her poem through tears shifted something in me, and I decided to organize a global day of action. With rallies in 110 cities, July 25, 2009, turned out to be the largest day of global support for Iran in history. Shortly after, I founded United for Iran.
Creating and collectively growing United for Iran has been the most challenging and rewarding work—my life’s work.
Alireza Ahmadi
Project Assistant, Safe Activism
With an unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and happiness for Iran, I, as an Iranian individual, consistently strive to stand alongside those who champion the pursuit of liberty. During my time in Iran, I actively participated in the fight for freedom, and since relocating from my homeland, I have remained steadfast in supporting and amplifying the voices of political prisoners and their families within Iran.
As a dedicated project assistant at United For Iran, my primary focus revolves around providing comprehensive support to activists and protesters who tirelessly work towards bringing about positive change. Through my role, I have come to understand that irrespective of one's academic background or professional occupation, there are always avenues through which one can contribute to the betterment of our world, fostering an environment that is conducive to enhanced quality of life.
By actively engaging in initiatives aimed at nurturing a society characterized by freedom and contentment, I continue to play my part in the noble mission of facilitating a brighter future for Iran.
Ghazal Rasouli
Production Manager
When I was 16, my life changed forever. After the Green Movement protests in 2009, my family and I were forced to flee Iran. The Islamic Republic stole my childhood and youth, turning me into a refugee for the past 15 years. That loss, that forced displacement, shaped everything I have done since. It was never a choice, it was survival. But in that struggle, I found my purpose: to fight for the rights and freedom that were taken from me and so many others.
I have spent over 13 years working in media, but my true calling became clear in the past seven years, using my skills to support human rights and amplify the voices of those too often silenced. Alongside my team, I co-founded End of Monoling, an initiative advocating for mother tongue rights for marginalized ethnic communities. Our campaign, #ManoFarsi, grew beyond what we ever imagined, proving that even the smallest efforts can spark meaningful change.
When I joined United for Iran nearly three years ago, I found a place where my activism could truly make an impact. As a Production Manager, I work with an inspiring team to use media and technology as tools for freedom, justice, and dignity for all Iranians. I believe in the power of collective action. No single person can change the world alone, but together, we can help build a future where no one is oppressed for who they are, the language they speak, or the rights they demand.
Saeed Seifi Jahan
Project Assistant, Iran Prison Atlas
I began my human rights activism during my university years in Iran. I couldn’t remain indifferent to the violations of rights affecting various segments of society, and I tried to contribute to improving Iran’s social and political conditions through various means, such as raising awareness about human rights violations and participating in peaceful civil protests.
Due to these activities, I was arrested multiple times and ultimately sentenced to imprisonment. I was forced to leave Iran, and after beginning my collaboration with United for Iran, I became a project assistant for the Iran Prisons Atlas. In this project, I am responsible for collecting information on political and ideological prisoners, human rights violators, and Iran’s prison system. I am also actively involved in documenting and reporting human rights violations in Iran.