On April 11, 2026, the historic Carpenter Hall became more than just a venue—it became a space where stories of resilience, representation, and responsibility converged. As two of the co-founders of the Iranian American Democrats of California (IADC), a California Statewide organization, and recipients of the “Club Activist Award,” stood not only as honorees, but as witnesses to a powerful collective moment in California’s evolving political landscape.

This year’s Women’s Leadership Awards, organized by the California Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC), honored pioneering Democratic women across Orange County while energizing a community preparing for consequential elections ahead. Among local leaders, elected officials, and advocates, the atmosphere was both celebratory and urgent.

One of the most compelling moments came from Secretary of State Shirley Weber, whose remarks reminded us that democracy is not abstract—it is deeply personal. She spoke of her upbringing, rooted in the migration of her parents from Arkansas to Los Angeles. In Arkansas, her parents were denied the right to vote. In California, even after registering, they found no accessible polling station nearby.

Rather than accept this barrier, her family transformed their own home into a polling place. As a young girl, Weber worked at that very site—an early lesson in civic duty that would shape her life’s work.

That experience, she explained, informed her decision decades later to stand firm when Donald Trump attempted to obtain California’s voter roll data. Weber took legal action—and won—defending the integrity of the state’s elections. Even as she approaches retirement, she emphasized that safeguarding democracy is not optional, especially “for the sake of her grandchildren,” in a time when she believes democratic institutions face unprecedented challenges.

Her story resonated deeply with us as Iranian American women. Many in our community understand what it means to come from systems where voting is constrained or symbolic. Weber’s narrative reinforced why participation—and protection—of voting rights remains foundational.

Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris brought a strikingly quantitative lens to the conversation. She shared that every woman elected to the California Legislature knows her number—her place in history. Hers is 161.

Out of more than 4,444 individuals who have served in the legislature since 1919, only 192 have been women. That statistic alone illustrates the long road to representation. Yet progress is undeniable. As noted by Monique Limón in her virtual remarks, California reached near gender parity in November 2024. Women now hold 59 of 120 legislative seats—49%—including 38 in the Assembly and 21 in the Senate.

For communities like ours, these numbers are more than symbolic. They signal expanding access to leadership pathways that once felt out of reach.

The event gathered a wide network of leaders, including State Senator Tom Umberg, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, and LA Supervisor Hilda Solis, alongside local officials such as Sheila Rossi (Mayor of South Pasadena), Stephanie Oddo (City Councilmemberof Laguna Niguel) , and Melinda Liu (Councilmember of Irvine.) Their presence underscored the interconnectedness of leadership across local, state, and national levels.

 Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, and Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón. were unable to attend in person due to significant flight delays at San Francisco International Airport—caused by runway construction, FAA capacity limits, and severe weather—they delivered remarks via Zoom, ensuring their voices remained part of the conversation.

Honoring Courage and Commitment

The awards themselves reflected the breadth of women’s leadership. Figures like NUHW President Sophie Mendoza and Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties President and CEO Krista Hollinger were recognized, alongside “Women of Courage” honorees OUSD Trustee Kris Erickson  and Ocean View Trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin.

For Sudi Farokhnia, President of IADC, and Fariba (Faye) Hezar, Chair of IADC SoCal region, being named among the “Club Activist Awards” recipients was especially meaningful. It validated that “representation matters.” Alongside fellow honorees from other Democratic organizations, we felt the strength of grassroots activism—often unseen, yet essential.

As Iranian American women, our journey into political leadership is shaped by both heritage and hope. We carry stories of displacement, resilience, and the pursuit of voice. Spaces like this event affirm that our contributions are not only welcomed but necessary.

We left Carpenter Hall with a renewed sense of purpose. The speeches, the data, the community—all pointed to one truth: democracy is sustained not just by institutions, but by individuals willing to lead, organize, and protect

In honoring women leaders, this event did more than celebrate—it issued a call. And as co-founders, activists, and daughters of a diaspora, we are ready to answer it.