Voice of Iran (VOI) Washington is a 501(c)3, based in Washington State, founded by Arezou Bagan. Dedicated to advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Iranian people, VOI Washington operates on principles of non-partisanship, community engagement, and legislative advocacy.
Key Information
Founding: Established by Arezou Bagan, VOI Washington is a grassroots organization rooted in the diverse communities of Washington State.
Mission: VOI Washington is committed to amplifying the voices of the Iranian people, advocating for a secular democracy, and championing Freedom for Iran.
Vision: VOI Washington envisions a world free from violence, terrorism, and dictatorship, where Iranian Americans unite to support freedom and democracy in Iran.
Main Goals: The organization’s goals include amplifying news and media related to Iran’s Lion and Sun revolution in Washington State, advocating against gender apartheid, organizing rallies and protests, drafting petitions for support, countering disinformation, and fostering collaboration with allied organizations.
Accomplishments
Advocacy: VOI Washington played a pivotal role in championing the MAHSA Act, addressing the humanitarian crisis in Iran, and collaborating on the TOOMAJ Act, and worked on Congressional Briefings with The JINA Alliance.
Community Engagement: The organization has organized numerous rallies, civic training sessions, and media campaigns to raise awareness about the Iranian people’s plight.
Youth Empowerment: VOI Washington is committed to inspiring and guiding young Iranian Americans through its Youth Empowerment Program, aimed at fostering activism and advocacy for human rights.
Recognition: Arezou Bagan, founder of VOI Washington, was honored with the “Champion of Democracy” award by WA Legislative District 48 for her tireless advocacy efforts.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Arezou Bagan is the volunteer Board President and Founder of Voice of Iran, WA. She is a recognized human rights activist in Washington state. In October 2022, she founded the Voice of Iran. VOI has since become a leading organization documenting human rights violations in Washington state, and building coalitions to amplify the voice of people of Iran and support human rights. She was recognized by Legislative District 48 Democrats in Washington State as the “ Democracy Champion” because of her tireless fight to raise awareness against the theocratic dictatorship of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Born in Iran, Bagan came to the United States in 2001 with her family and studied social studies.
Karla Mohtashemi is the volunteer Board Chair and Marketing Director of Voice of Iran WA. She is the CEO of Healthitude LLC, owner of Avalon (private) gym, and co-founder of Healthitude Wild Adventure Club. Healthitude LLC is a holistic coaching business that empowers through health, fitness, art, and community, fostering well-being and positive impact. As opportunities arose, Karla volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, Girl Scouts Media director and other Leadership roles in local Girl Scouts, Block Watch co-captain, Founder/choreographer and Director of Aviation High School’s Ballroom Dance Team, and currently also holds a position on the Seattle Thrillers Board of directors. When Mahsa Amini was murdered, her daughter asked if we could begin attending rallies in the greater Seattle area, to support the uprising in Iran. Half of their family still resides in Iran. After meeting Arezou, Karla was struck by her passion and commitment. She and her daughter have been by Arezou’s side since that moment. Karla believes that the mission of Voice of Iran is the most important mission of this century.
Payam F. – bio coming
A fourth silent board member who shall remain nameless is the Treasurer.
Advocacy Lead: Ali N.: bio coming
Advisory Board: Hamid Jamshidiat
Team Leads
- Communications and PR Lead: Volunteers are welcome to apply here.
- Marketing Lead: Karla Mohtashemi
- Fundraising Lead: Kat Vivareli (on hiatus with a baby) If you are interested in applying for this position, volunteers are welcome to apply here.
- Social Media Marketing via Instagram: Negin Javidan
- Youth Program: Volunteers will not include names, due to the sensitivity of our work.
Youth Empowerment Program
Young people who engage in activism and service experience personal growth, expand their networks, often receive mentoring, and can enjoy opportunities to expand their impact by participating in broader political and community leadership.
Voice of Iran is pleased to offer a mentorship program that inspires young Iranian Americans to find their passion towards activism and advocacy for human rights as well as for Iranian people whose basic human rights are being assaulted by the Islamic Republic regime. Through this program, students and young professionals aged 17-32 can give valuable insights and guidance as they pursue their educational and professional goals.
The mentorship relationship is based on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared understanding and can have a positive impact on all aspects of life. We invite those interested in participating to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to grow and develop with support of experienced mentors. If you are interested, here is the registration form:
During the program, youth are introduced and mentored in different aspects of activism throughout our departments Marketing, social media, website, staging, legislative, communication and fundraising, and through experiencing volunteering in different fields they also learn where their passion and talent is.
Activism can benefit teenagers, and not just on their college or job applications. Speaking their minds can contribute to teens’ mental well-being and even lay the groundwork for success as an adult. Being engaged at any level is good, it energizes kids and clarifies what’s meaningful to them.
A study published in the journal Child Development points out that engaging in civic activities—specifically voting, volunteering, and activism—can have positive effects on teenagers’ mental and physical health. Being involved in the community can help reduce depression and lower the chances of unhealthy behavior, such as substance abuse, researchers found.
Below: See photos of recent Voice of Iran events in which we worked with local youth.
These are photos from rallies, and performances with Voice of Iran, over the last several months.