As an expert and savvy businesswoman, with an MBA degree from the Ted Rogers School of Management, I can bring strong, solid and focused organizational and communicational skills to ICC.

As a director of the board I would like to not only serve the Iranian community but also create a better and stronger relationship for the community with the government of Canada.

I have strong ties with Iran and our culture and would like to engage our community and make a positive impact in representation of the Iranian Canadians while having their interest as a top priority.

With more than decades of experience in Iranian Canadian community and as an active entrepreneur in engineering research and industry, I believe that I can contribute to the organization's efforts in achieving goals and promoting positive progress.
I understand the importance of engaging with diverse communities, and I am committed to ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.
Furthermore, I am well-versed in the issues affecting Iranian Canadians, including the challenges that come with navigating the complexities of living in a new country while maintaining a connection to one's cultural heritage. I find myself eager to work with the ICC to address these issues and to find solutions that will benefit all Iranian Canadians.
In conclusion, I am honored to submit my nomination for a position on the ICC's board of directors. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my skills, knowledge, and passion to the organization and to work alongside fellow board members.

Currently employed in the software industry, Mona Ghassemi received a Master’s of Cultural Anthropology from Concordia University for ethnographic thesis work regarding gender issues within the Iranian-Canadian community. Living in Montreal since the age of two, Mona has been actively involved in the Iranian community there for many years.

Mona spent two years on the Board of Directors of QPIRG Concordia, gaining experience in consensus-based decision-making. Their experience as a peer support volunteer at the Centre for Gender Advocacy, including a one-year training period in active listening and workshops on topics such as racism and indigenous solidarity, increased their perspective and empathy. Mona has also volunteered as the Montreal host for #BecauseWeveRead, an international book club started by Iranian-American activist Hoda Katebi, which included outreach to the Iranian-Canadian community. Mona has also had several media appearances where they have taken a position against war and foreign influence in Iran.

Mona is passionate about anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia, dialogue and bridge-building within the community, and solidarity with other racialized and marginalized groups in Canada.  

I have a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Sharif Technical University in Tehran.
I have studied informatics at the Institute National Polytechnic of Grenoble.
I have a Diploma in Interior Decoration and Design from Stanford Institute in Canada.
I am a licensed Realtor in Canada
I am a visual artist working in painting and sculpture.
I immigrated to Canada from Iran in 1995. I have been running my own small
business from 1996 to present.
I was part of the group that created the ICC, the mission being to help Iranian
Canadians know their rights in Canada and improve them. Further, to help
newcomers settle in Canada and to amplify the voice of Iranian Canadians in the
sociopolitical landscape in Canada.
I put my effort to find a common ground in this divisive and uncertain
atmosphere that destabilized and drained our community.
I would be very pleased to continue these efforts as member of ICC board of directors.

Dr. Raheleh Tarani is a compassionate mental health professional with over 15 years of experience in various treatment and educational settings. She holds a PhD, MSc, and BA in Psychology from reputable universities in Iran, India, and the USA. As a research-oriented professional, she has published and presented various mental health-related research papers at national and international conferences.

Dr. Tarani is a strong advocate for mutual and democratic relationships among countries, believing that diplomacy, rather than coercion, encourages solidarity, peace, fairness, and integration. She sees this approach as the moral path to address injustices within societies and worldwide. Dr. Tarani opposes the expansionism of military blocs and the use of force in the multipolar world that is being formed, as she believes it can have undesirable consequences of separation of inhabitants of this tiny planet, reduction in peaceful production, and a decline in cooperation among humanity to solve fundamental challenges we face.

She is deeply committed to peace, human rights, equity, and providing equal opportunities. Dr. Tarani is against racism and discrimination, and she believes in the vast potential of human beings, recognizing that we can do better if we are healthier and are given equal opportunities.

Dr. Tarani has been heavily involved in political activism since her brother was killed during the Green Movement in Iran. She understands the importance of providing a platform for practicing peaceful, respectful, realistic, and rational dialogue among diverse community members with different ideological goals. As an Iranian Canadian, she believes in protecting the interests of Iranian Canadians and enhancing their performance and problem-solving in Canada.

Dr. Tarani's enriched understanding of diversity and ability to communicate in multiple languages including Turkish, Farsi (Persian), Urdu, Hindi, Panjabi, and Japanese, in addition to fluency in English, enables her to develop strong relationships with diverse populations.

Overall, Dr. Tarani's multifaceted experience and expertise have equipped her with the skills necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of others, both as a mental health professional and as an advocate for social justice and human rights.

My name is Mohammad Vahidirad, but my friends call me Mohammad Rad. I strongly believe that discovering your ego is key to finding your place within society. We are all part of a community, and it is impossible to live without the support and contributions of others.

Women, in particular, represent a crucial source of strength in our society. As an internationally recognized business theorist, planner, and finance expert, I have always emphasized practical application over empty rhetoric. My clients-turned-friends often describe me as a tree of prosperity, full of unique ideas and a keen analytical mind.

While I am a pragmatist at heart, I pride myself on being a dependable friend and advisor. Over the past 20 years of varied business experience, I have gained extensive empirical and academic knowledge that allows me to analyze different market positions and business conditions with ease.

Years ago, I made the decision to immigrate to Canada from Iran, which presented a unique opportunity to expand my business. However, I also learned the importance of staying true to my dreams despite the challenges of adapting to a new country. Dreams are the foundation of our achievements, and it's crucial to hold onto them as we navigate life's twists and turns.

My achievements speak for themselves. I am a member of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Court of Arbitration, the World Chambers Federation (WCF), and the World Chambers Congress (WCC). I am the author of "Business with/from/in Canada" and the translator of the latest business and economic statistics of Canada until the end of 2022 in Iran.

In addition to these accomplishments, I founded the Canada Iran Business Association, the first international association between Iran and Canada under the supervision of the Canadian Foreign Ministry and officially registered in Iran in the private sector. I also established Hodhod Cultural Media, the first Persian language online media in Canada, and served on the Board of the Iranian-Canadian Congress in 2022.

As someone who recognizes the value of education in various fields, I am excited to introduce some of my educational programs for 2022:

"Global Business Strategy": a comprehensive course that covers all aspects of business strategy and its implementation in the global market.

"Leadership and Team Management": a practical program designed to enhance leadership skills and team management abilities.

"Financial Planning and Investment Management": a workshop that provides valuable insights into financial planning and investment management for individuals and businesses.

I am also running for a position that I believe will enable me to make a positive impact in my community. Despite facing adversity, I remain committed to contributing to society in a meaningful way. As an experienced business theorist and finance expert, I have a proven track record of success in various international settings.

My pragmatic approach to problem-solving, coupled with my deep understanding of different business conditions and market positions, makes me an ideal candidate for this position. If you share my vision and values, I humbly ask for your vote. Together, we can create a better future for our community and beyond.

2022:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSBzEXwaAuk&t=2098s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ_wfUMH3Dc&t=1004s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EduAcO-XSwc

The nomination window for the upcoming ICC election was closed on March 23, 2023 at 11:59 pm ET. The ICC has received emails from the following individuals (ordered alphabetically): 

1. Ms. Mona Borghei: Ms. Borghei has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 
2. Mr. Amir-Hassan Ghaseminejad-Tafreshi: Mr. Ghseminejad-Tafreshi has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement and has been a member in good standing for the past year. 
3. Ms. Zahra (Mona) Ghassemi: Ms. Ghassemi has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 
4. Ms. Narges Jamali: Ms. Jamali has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 
5. Ms. Saideh (Arezou) Khadir: Ms. Khadir has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement and has been a member in good standing for the past year. 
6. Mr. Mani Mobini: Mr. Mobini has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While he is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing his membership history, it was realized that he does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 
7. Ms. Asoudeh Novin: Ms. Novin has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 
8. Ms. Laleh Rouhani: Ms. Rouhani has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 
9. Mr. Medi (Mehdi) Shams: Upon reviewing Mr. Shams membership history, it was realized that his membership expired in June 2021, and he has not renewed his membership since then. Thus, he is currently not a member of the ICC and does not meet the nomination criteria as outlined in the ICC by-laws. Also, Mr. Shams did not provide a picture of a government-issued ID, as requested in the nomination announcement and did not respond to a follow-up email asking him to submit this document. 
10. Ms. Raheleh Tarani: Ms. Tarani has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While she is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing her membership history, it was realized that she does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 
11. Mr. Mohammad VahidiRad: Mr. Vahidirad has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement and has been a member in good standing for the past year.
12. Mr. Arvin Zokaei: Mr. Zokaei has provided all documents requested in the nomination announcement. While he is currently an ICC member, upon reviewing his membership history, it was realized that he does not meet the nomination criterion of being a regular member with “good standing for at least one year prior to the election” as outlined in the by-laws. 

    According to the ICC by-laws, candidates, who do not meet the criterion of being a regular member with good standing for at least one year prior to the election, can request for an exemption from the members. To facilitate such a request, members will be asked if they are in favour of granting such an exemption in this election on the election ballot. If approved by the members, candidates who are an ICC member but do not meet the 1-year requirement, i.e. Ms. Ghassemi, Ms. Borghei, Ms. Jamali, Mr. Mobini, Ms. Novin, Ms. Rouhani, Ms. Tarani and Mr. Zokaei will be exempted, and if elected, can serve as an ICC director. 

    Having said the above, the following eleven candidates will run for the upcoming ICC election (ordered alphabetically): 

    1. Ms. Mona Borghei
    2. Mr. Amirhassan Ghasseminejad-Tafreshi
    3. Ms. Zahra (Mona) Ghassemi
    4. Ms. Narges Jamali
    5. Ms. Saideh (Arezou) Khadir
    6. Mr. Mani Mobini
    7. Ms. Asoudeh Novin
    8. Ms. Laleh Rouhani
    9. Ms. Raheleh Tarani
    10. Mr. Mohammad VahidiRad
    11. Mr. Arvin Zokaei 

    The ICC election committee 

Update: The following four candidates have resigned from candidacy for the upcoming ICC election:

1- Narges Jamali

2- Mani Mobini

3- Laleh Rouhani

4- Arvin Zokaei

The ICC board of directors is pleased to announce that the next ICC annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on April 9 from 1 PM ET (10 AM PT). The meeting will be held on a videoconferencing platform.  

An online election will also be held for the 7 available seats in the ICC board of directors. We encourage all interested members to consult with Section 2 of Article 5 of the ICC by-laws for nomination eligibility, and if eligible, declare their nomination by sending an email to [email protected]. The deadline for sending nomination emails is March 23 , 2023, at 11:59 pm ET. The email must include and attach the following: 

• A confirmation by the nominee that he or she has nominated himself or herself, or that he or she has been nominated by others and has accepted such nomination, for election to the ICC board of directors; 
• A confirmation by the nominee that he/she meets the eligibility criteria, as set out in Section 2 of Article 5 of the ICC by-laws; 
• A government-issued ID; and 
• A synopsis of the nominee’s background/biographical sketch and the reasons they wish to serve as a director on the ICC board of directors (maximum 300 words in English. Farsi is optional. This information is to be provided in a MS Word or pdf file format). A passport size photo of the nominee in digital format is also optional. Information and the photograph provided by the nominees will be posted on the ICC website. 

Please note that only ICC members who have joined/renewed their membership by March 30, 2023, at 11:59 pm ET will be entitled to attend the upcoming AGM and vote in the election. For any membership questions, you may contact [email protected]. 

• In the upcoming election, members will choose seven new board members. The election will be held online, starting and ending prior to the AGM. Members will receive a link through email to participate in the election after March 30th. Election results will be announced in the AGM. 
• The ICC board of directors has selected an election committee, consisting of three ICC members, to oversee the election process. These individuals are: Mr. Kayhan Razavi, Mr. Habib Ghaffari, and Mr. Reza Sohrabi. 

Since the first hours after the earthquake happened in Khoy,Iran, the Iranian Canadian Congress have reached out to several organizations to figure out the best possible ways for Iranian-Canadians to donate and support the victims of the earthquake in Iran. The ICC only works with registered Canadian charities that are helping the earthquake victims through their partnering NGOs and charities in Iran.

PARADISE CHARITY GROUP
Registered Canadian Charity. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations above $20. Please contact them with your full name, address and the receipt of your donation to get the tax receipt. 

Unfortunately, the earthquake that happened in the Khoy region has caused many problems for the people in this area in winter; problems such as a lack of shelter, lack of heating equipment, food and etc. At this stage, the goal is to buy food, heating equipment, blanket, and food baskets.​ ​Paradise charity is ready to collect your donations and deliver them to the earthquake victims; 

For more information, you can contact the following numbers:

Ms. Tahsinzadeh: 9057370487            Ms. Afsharian: 4168973940

How to pay:
Please write in the description for Earthquake

Intract (Etransfer): [email protected]
Donation by credit card: https://paradisecharity.org/donate

Account numbers:
Be sure to email us a photo of the deposit receipt along with an explanation of the earthquake

Scotiabank
Transit# 45922
Account# 0072311

RBC Bank
Transit# 00888
Account# 1017086