— Events —

ISG Initiatives: Showcasing Our Philanthropic, CULTURAL and Social Events

In 2007, the UCLA Iranian Student Group proudly hosted an event to celebrate Shabe Yalda, the traditional Persian Winter Solstice celebration. This gathering commemorated the longest night of the year, a time-honored cultural milestone marked by poetry, music, and the sharing of pomegranates and nuts, symbolizing the sun's rebirth and the triumph of light over darkness.

Experience the 2007 Annual Iranian Culture Show in this highlight reel, featuring the vibrant Mahali dance. This contemporary Persian dance is characterized by its lively and spirited choreography, set to upbeat, rhythmic music.

In 2008, the UCLA Iranian Student Group organized its esteemed annual culture show, seamlessly blending contemporary Persian brands with a philanthropic mission to support cancer research and patient aid. This video offers an exclusive showcase of 'Keemia,' the distinguished brand by Keemia Ferasat, highlighting its unique and captivating collection.

In the 2008 philanthropic fashion show hosted by the UCLA Iranian Student Group, the brand 'Bijan' was a distinguished feature. This video captures its founder, Bijan Pakzad, delivering an inspiring speech, thereby enriching the event's cultural and charitable dimensions.

Explore the highlights of the 2011 Annual Iranian Culture Show in this video. Hosted at the prestigious Royce Hall of UCLA, the event celebrated Iran's rich cultural heritage, featuring an array of music, dance, and artistic performances that captivated both students and community members.

Experience the grandeur of the 2013 Annual Iranian Culture Show at UCLA, fully captured in this video. Hosted in the esteemed Royce Hall, the event showcases the richness of Iranian cultural heritage.

Experience the vibrancy and energy of the 17th Annual UCLA Iranian Culture Show in this captivating video. It features the exhilarating Bandari dance, a traditional and spirited dance form of Southern Iran, performed with passion and skill by our talented student group. Witness the rich cultural heritage of Iran come alive through their dynamic performance.

In September 2022, the UCLA Iranian Student Group solemnly convened a vigil at the Bruin Bear statue in honor of Jina Mahsa Amini. This poignant gathering drew hundreds of students and members of the local Westwood community, uniting in remembrance and solidarity.

In October 2022, Paria Honardoust and Melody Khoshneviszadeh, Co-Presidents of the UCLA Iranian Student Group, brought the vital message of the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement to a wider audience on the Kelly Clarkson Show. Their appearance highlighted the group's unwavering commitment to raising awareness about these critical issues, showcasing their efforts both within the university and in the broader community.

On October 1, 2022, Sasha Gladkikh, the Director of Philanthropy for the UCLA Iranian Student Group, addressed over 20,000 individuals at the inaugural 'Freedom Rally for Iran’ held at Los Angeles City Hall. In her influential speech, she echoed the sentiments of Iranian youth, advocating for lasting unity within the Iranian community in their quest for life and liberty. This pivotal event not only garnered significant attendance but also catalyzed a series of subsequent rallies, bolstering a resolute call for change.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the UCLA Iranian Student Group, in partnership with Azadeh Afsahi, L.M.F.T., M.S., a licensed psychotherapist, successfully launched a mental health initiative at the UCLA RISE Center. This program provided free, recurring mental health services to both undergraduate and graduate students. The initiative supported students affected by the challenges of the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement, offering vital psychological support and coping strategies during this tumultuous period. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in addressing mental wellness and resilience within the student community.

In October 2023, the UCLA Iranian Student Group, in collaboration with the non-profit organization Persians4Cure, hosted a medical panel at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. The panel featured distinguished experts, including Dr. Herbert Eradat, Dr. Fardad Esmailian, Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, and Dr. Sheila Nazarian. Attracting over a hundred undergraduate and graduate students, this event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to gain invaluable insights into the journey towards a medical career and the realities of life as a physician.

Captured in this photograph is the Executive Board of the UCLA Iranian Student Group, actively participating as volunteers at the annual Farhang Foundation Fundraising Gala in November 2023. Through our engagement, we proudly celebrate and advocate for the flourishing of Persian arts and culture.