About Us
Treasuring a Language & Celebrating a Culture
Since 2007
A registered 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization, Chicago Persian School offers in-person and online Persian language and art classes to interested children and adults, regardless of their race, religion, nationality, or ethnic background. Chicago Persian School is a non-religious, non-political community organization that strives to create an inclusive learning environment for its diverse students' interests and needs. Our highly qualified teachers aim to create a rich and engaging learning experience for students by using innovative teaching methods and a holistic curriculum that is developed based on modern language acquisition research.
Mission & Vission
Our mission is to preserve and promote the Persian language and culture by providing accessible, inclusive, and high-quality educational opportunities, creating relevant learning tools, and forging community partnerships.
Upholding Persian Language and Culture
Developing Educational Resources
Forging Community Partnership
Board of Directors
The affairs of the school are managed by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors' primary duties includes the setting of general institutional policies & procedures, strategic planning, assessment of the school’s effectiveness in implementing its mission, and ensuring the school’s financial sustainability. Members of the Board do not receive any stated salaries for their services.
Meet The Leadership Team
Nassim Abdi
Board member
Since 10/2023
Cofounder and CEO
StoryBolt
Ph.D. International Education Policy, Women’s Studies
University of Maryland
M.E. Educational Administration and Leadership Studies
Bowling Green State University
Shadi Ashnai
Board Member
Since 9/2021
R&D Manager Sound & Vision
Wolfram Research
M.S. Computer Science
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Houshang Darabi
Board member
Since 8/2016
Professor and Department Head, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
University of Illinois Chicago
Ph.D. Industrial Engineering
Rutgers University
M.S. Industrial Engineering
Sharif University of Technology
Shahin Ghaheri
Board member
Since 6/2019
Production Manager
Midwest Service Center
M.S. Project Management
Northwestern University
M.S. Energy Engineering
Azad University
Soraya Kendy
Board Member
& Treasurer
Since 10/2007
Account Payable Specialist
Berry Global, Inc.
M.S. Economics
Western Illinois University
M.S. Business/Managerial Economics
Western Illinois University
Negar Mansourian-Hadavi
Chair of the Board
& Principal
Since 10/2007
Project Management for the Student Success Initiatives, Director
University of Illinois Chicago
Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering
Northwestern University
M.S. Project Management
Northwestern University
Shirin Vossoughi
Board Member
Since 01/2024
Associate Professor, Learning Sciences
Northwestern University
Post-doctoral Fellowship
Standford University & Exploratorium
Ph.D. Education
UCLA
Ed.M. Education
UCLA
Past Board Members
-
Shiva Mohsenzadeh (7/2017-1/2024)
-
Ladan Saied (1/2016-10/2019)
-
Mansour Razminia (1/2016-6/2017)
-
Gilda Amini (10/2008-9/2016)
-
Mojgan Sorouri (6/2013-8/2016)
-
Reza Sanai (8/2012-1/2016)
-
Azam Roohani (1/2008-8/2012)
-
Farah Hashemi (10/2007-8/2012)
-
Shiva Mohsenzadeh (8/2017-12/2023)
Meet The Administrative Team
Lida Ghasemzadeh
Assistant Principal
Optometry
Illinois College of Optometry
Midwifery
Azad University
Hilma Mohimani
Operations Coordinator
Software Engineer
Zebra Technologies
Computer Engineering
University of Illinois Chicago
Mahshad Nourmohammadi
Marketing Coordinator
Global Marketing
Shure Incorporated
M.S. Marketing Analytics
Illinois Institute of Technology
MBA
Semnan University
Elnaz Zargham Koranlou
UX/UI Designer
UX/UI Designer
UTech Business Solutions
M.S. Real Estate Development
University at Buffalo (SUNNY)
Soudeh Mansourian
Fundraising Coordinator
Managing Director of HR Services
United Airlines
MBA
DePaul University
M.A. Management
Azad University