Arezoo Riahi | Program Director of TechWomen Bay Area
Bailarín Cellars celebrates those who do what they love. Their passion for life is unstoppable and their enthusiasm is infectious. We celebrate these "dancers" in our hero feature and learn from their words of wisdom.
This month we celebrate Arezoo Riahi, an International business leader who has influenced and empowered female leaders of tomorrow around the world.
WHAT MAKES YOU DANCE?
"What makes me dance? The energy, resilience and determination of global leaders who are committed to making a positive difference in our communities. In my role with TechWomen, I have the honor to work with people who are dedicated to making our planet and communities a better place. I have this incredible opportunity to connect and support change agents all over the world, most specifically Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
These international women we work with are leaders in their own communities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). With the U.S. State Department and Institute of International Education, we’re able to bring them to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, in the heart of innovation and technology, to learn not only from each other but from professional mentors. They return home and drive excitement to young women in their communities about becoming leaders of tomorrow. These women inspire young girls to focus on a variety of industries, such as computer science through STEM camps in Lebanon, epidemiological studies on Ebola virus through learning labs in rural Sierra Leone, and systems development to connect patients with medical resources such as physicians and hospitals in Kyrgyzstan – and that’s just a sliver of the work that is being done in 21 countries globally .
It’s encouraging to see women from all around the world come together to make a difference. That – plus a little Beyonce! – "keeps me jamming."
-Arezoo Riahi