Founder's message

Diversity is everyone’s responsibility, whether you are a founder, a recruiter, a hiring manager, a marketing or technical employee. We all need to work together to create an inclusive workplace!

I started Women Of MENA In Technology (previously known as Persian Women In Tech) in March of 2015 to create a sense of belonging for Iranians, Middle Eastern and North African Women In Technology (STEM). At a time where conversation of diversity and inclusion had started in Tech and minorities were recognized, sadly MENA communities were not included, and for me it was important to elevate these women’s voices, work and stories to make sure our current and next generation of diverse women entrepreneurs and technologists are inspired to achieve their full potential and break glass ceilings not just here in the US but globally without a doubt and dream their dreams but also take the first steps towards making those dreams a reality.

As a community we are stronger and can achieve more by inspiring, supporting, empowering, educating and motivating each other. My hope is that through our work, we can push for a tomorrow where we have closed the diversity and gender gap in STEM.

Your legacy. Your community. Join the movement!

About our Founder

Sepideh Nasiri is the CEO and Founder of Women of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in Technology (previously known as Persian Women In Tech). She is an award winning serial entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience in the Tech Industry, and a life-time advocate for women, diversity and inclusion.

Sepideh is responsible for the strategy and oversight of Women Of MENA In Tech programs and global operations across 20 cities. As the CEO, much of Sepideh’s work is focused on connecting communities, companies, and individuals to bring change in how we should invest in minorities and immigrants.

Sepideh’s leadership is recognized globally for advancing women’s careers in STEM, and developing scalable mentorship and community driven programs. Currently, Sepideh advises global initiatives such as WeMENA, a program by the World Bank, and TechWomen, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Sepideh mentors many female entrepreneurs and founders in technology around the world, and serves as an advisor to many early stage startups.

Prior to Women Of MENA In Tech, Sepideh started her career as a Co-founder and Managing Editor of a digital and print Los Angeles Magazine, and later as the Vice President at Women 2.0.

Sepideh has received several awards including from Scott Wiener, the Senator of California, John Tory, the Mayor of Toronto, London Breed, the Mayor of San Francisco, and David Chiu, the Assembly member of California. In 2014, she was recognized by San Francisco Business Times/Journal “40under40” and Diversity Journal’s 2014 “Women Worth Watching”.