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Zahra Amanpour


Iranian-American Women's Rights Activist & Voice for Democracy


Why Zahra is the Perfect Guest NOW:

the Guardian

Iran president’s son urges authorities to restore internet after protests blackout

Yousef Pezeshkian says nothing will be solved by trying to postpone moment images of violent crackdown circulate

CNN

Live updates: Iran protesters defy crackdown amid ongoing internet blackout | CNN

Demonstrations have spread across Iran in a wave of nationwide unrest over crippling economic conditions. Follow for live updates.


The Washington Post

Iranian forces massacred protesters fleeing burning market, witnesses say

A rare detailed account of Iran’s crackdown, produced by The Post, reveals the brutality used by security forces in one of many such cities rocked by violence.

Notable Podcast Appearances

Zahra Amanpour is a sought-after voice, frequently featured across various media platforms to provide expert commentary on Iranian affairs, human rights, and the ongoing struggle for women's liberation. Her insights offer crucial perspectives on complex geopolitical issues.

Human Rights in Iran

Zahra offers a compelling analysis of the current human rights situation in Iran, shedding light on the challenges faced by activists and citizens.

Insights on Women's Rights

Explore Zahra's in-depth perspective on the global women's rights movement and its significant implications for Iranian society.

Geopolitical Impact

Listen to Zahra's expert take on the broader geopolitical landscape and its influence on regional stability and international relations.

A Life Defined by the Struggle for Freedom

Zahra Amanpour is a lifelong human rights advocate and a proud supporter of the Iranian Resistance movement. Born during the 1979 Iranian Revolution in Tehran, Zahra's life has been defined by the struggle for freedom and justice. Her father, a prominent advocate with the MEK/PMOI, was killed in 1988—a summer marked by the mass killing of 30,000 political prisoners following the end of the Iran-Iraq war.

Raised by her mother within the Iranian Resistance community, Zahra grew up surrounded by the courage, clarity, and conviction of those who refused to be silenced. She draws deep inspiration from the many women who have led the movement for a free, secular, and democratic Iran.

As a Board Member of the Women's Freedom Forum, Zahra works to amplify the voices of women fighting for their rights under repressive regimes and to shine a global light on their stories of resistance. Her work bridges continents, connecting the struggle for human rights in Iran with economic empowerment initiatives in the United States.

A Track Record of Impact

Zahra's career spans entrepreneurship, technology adoption, community development, and advocacy. Her work has created tangible opportunities for thousands while advancing human rights on the global stage.

10K+

Entrepreneurs Served

Through New Jersey's largest coworking community

$100M+

Local Revenue Generated

Contributing to community economic growth

20+

Years of Advocacy

Helping individuals reclaim economic agency

Key Accomplishments

Led national research projects focused on cutting-edge technology adoption strategies and their impact on marginalized communities, small businesses, and workers

Co-built digital credential systems with higher education institutions, employers, and corporate sponsors centered on learner economic mobility and opportunity creation

Directed teams of over 90 staff members, 70 contractors, 200 volunteers, and numerous partners across international, national, and local cross-sector projects

Secured significant funding from corporations, foundations, individual donors, and community development financial institutions for entrepreneurship and small business initiatives

Designed and implemented entrepreneurial curriculum and programming that led to measurably greater impact and outcomes for participants

Expertise & Speaking Topics

Zahra brings a unique perspective that bridges personal experience with deep expertise in human rights, economic development, and women's leadership. Her insights resonate with audiences seeking to understand Iran's future and the power of resistance movements worldwide.

The Future of Iran

Examining viable alternatives and a clear roadmap to democracy. Zahra offers compelling analysis of the third option between appeasement and war—regime change by the people and their resistance.

Women at the Helm

Exploring the powerful role of female leadership in Iran's fight for freedom. Why are women leading the resistance, and what can the world learn from their courage and strategic vision?

Human Rights Under Siege

The urgent need for global action on Iran. Understanding the regime's record, the internal climate, and the state of human rights for activists and ordinary citizens alike, especially in light of the recent execution surge and intensified crackdown on dissent. These severe human rights violations underscore the critical need for immediate international intervention.

Economic Empowerment as Activism

Merging entrepreneurship with social change. How building economic opportunity and community resilience serves as a form of resistance and creates pathways to freedom.

Questions Zahra Is Ready to Answer

As a sought-after voice on Iranian affairs and women's leadership, Zahra offers thoughtful, nuanced perspectives on the questions that matter most to global audiences.

Understanding Iran's Current Reality

  • As an Iranian-American, what do you want your fellow Americans to understand about the current situation in Iran?
  • What are the biggest misconceptions about the current Iran crisis?
  • Given everything unfolding right now, what do you see as the path forward for Iran?
  • What do the Iranian people want to see moving forward?
  • What would a democratic, secular, and nuclear-free Iran look like?
  • How do recent crackdowns and executions impact Iran's political climate and human rights?

Viable Alternatives & Solutions

  • Is real change in Iran possible? What alternatives exist to the current regime?
  • Is there a viable alternative when it comes to Iran? What are the options on the table?
  • How do you envision a democratic Iran, and how can we get there?
  • What are the biggest misconceptions when it comes to Iranian opposition groups?

Women's Leadership & Resistance

  • Why are women leading the resistance in Iran—and what can the world learn from them?
  • Who is Maryam Rajavi, and what about her leadership inspires you?
  • Why should young people and women worldwide care about Iran's future?
  • What is the role of women in the Iranian Resistance movement?

Hope & Action

  • What gives you hope that freedom is within reach—and how can others support it?
  • What does the right to resist mean in the context of the Iranian people?
  • What does the weakening of the Iranian regime mean for the Iranian people and their fight for freedom?

Professional Quality Guaranteed

Studio-Quality Audio

Zahra uses a Shure microphone and earbuds on every podcast appearance to ensure professional-grade audio quality. Your audience will experience crystal-clear sound that meets the highest broadcasting standards.

Flexible Availability

Scheduling is easy with consistent availability windows:

  • Wednesdays: Anytime
  • Tuesday mornings: Greater flexibility
  • Thursday mornings: Greater flexibility
  • All times Eastern Time Zone

Zahra has served as a public-facing voice and representative for countless initiatives and organizations, bringing professionalism, authenticity, and compelling storytelling to every appearance.

Let's Connect

Ready to feature a powerful voice on Iran, women's rights, and the intersection of economic empowerment and activism? Zahra Amanpour brings unique insight, personal experience, and a compelling narrative to every conversation.

For Media Inquiries

Interview requests, podcast bookings, and speaking engagements welcomed. Zahra offers thoughtful commentary on Iran's future, women's resistance movements, and pathways to democracy.

Partnership Opportunities

Interested in collaborating on human rights initiatives, economic empowerment programs, or global advocacy efforts? Let's explore how we can work together.

Zahra Amanpour • Iranian-American Women's Rights Activist • Board Member, Women's Freedom Forum • Founder & CEO, Main Street Assembly