Leah Kiana Parvini is a senior at the University of California, Berkeley double  majoring in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures and Political Science, with a concentration in International affairs. As a second-generation Iranian American, my family’s experiences during and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution have deeply shaped my interest in political discourse and civic engagement, instilling in me a profound understanding of the value of democratic participation and the danger of its erosion, which continues to drive my passion for civic engagement and civil rights today. 

This program has been an incredibly fulfilling experience so far. As someone deeply interested in American politics and civic life, it has given me the opportunity to see that engagement in action, including following the recent June primary election and tracking upcoming legislation on the local, state, and federal levels.

The ability to learn and work specifically through the lens of the Iranian American experience has also made this experience especially meaningful and unique. This experience has grown my understanding of how American politics intersects with Iranian issues and researching recent state and federal legislation related to Iran.