23
Mar
2011

Review: Passing the Torch of Success in Houston

By Hasti Taghi, Television News Reporter

March 23, 2011, Houston, TX – According to Iranian American comedian K-Von, Iranian parents want their kids to grow up to be “doctors and engineers.” In the Passing the Torch of Success event held at Houston’s Rice University, a group of Iranian American speakers showed the Houston community that Iranians do have a knack for finding success regardless of the field they choose to pursue.  

A nearly packed Stude Concert Hall on the prestigious Rice University campus welcomed these prominent speakers.  Human Rights Activist and Former CNN Anchor, Rudi Bakhtiar, along with MTV Host and Comedian, K-Von Moezzi, introduced Houston to the Iranian American men and women who have broken barriers and introduced the United States to the incredible passion and hard work of Iranians here and around the globe. Talented, motivated, successful, and ambitious were just a few words that could be used to describe the evening’s speakers. Guests enjoyed interviews, speeches, inspirational words, and even videos from these prominent speakers. 
 
Attendees enjoyed music composed by Behzad Ranjabaran, a composer and Julliard professor. Faryar Shirzad, who served on the staff of the National Security Council at the White House from March 2003 through August 2006, took us behind the scenes of our nation’s most powerful office. Mahvash Yazdi  inspired us with words of wisdom on how she’s managed to break barriers not only as Iranian in America, but as a woman, to become the senior vice president and CIO at Southern California Edison. Pardis Sabeti awed the audience as she painted a picture of a scientist and Harvard University Professor who has reached her position at a very young age and still makes time to express her love for music. Davar Ardalan, who is usually the one producing radio shows and performing the interviews, was the one being interviewed. 
 
Dr. Hamid Biglari put his finishing touch to the inspiring afternoon. He encouraged Iranian American youth to dream big. He inspired us all not to settle for what lies at the top of the hill, but instead look to the top of the mountain, knowing that, while the climb may be difficult, the reward is sweeter. It was clear these role models had set high standards for the next generation as they pushed them to climb even higher as they pursue their own dreams, no doubt making another generation of Iranian parents proud. 
 
 
 
 

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