Dr. Sakineh (Simin) Mostafavi Redjali
(1934-2025), Pioneering Psychologist and Educator
Dr. Sakineh (Simin) Mostafavi Redjali—a pioneering Iranian American psychologist, educator, and advocate for women’s advancement—died on October 15, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 91.
Born on June 22, 1934, in Tehran, Iran, Dr. Redjali was among the first Iranian women to pursue advanced studies abroad. She earned a Ph.D. in Education and Clinical Psychology with highest honors from Heidelberg University in Germany and completed postdoctoral research at the University of London.
Returning to Iran in the 1960s, she became the first woman to attain the highest professorial rank at the National University of Iran, where she taught psychology. She later founded and served as president of Shemiran College, training generations of teachers and shaping national education policy. As Secretary General of the Women’s Organization of Iran from 1969 to 1971, she helped establish a nationwide network of family welfare centers offering social services, literacy programs, and vocational training to women and children.
Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Dr. Redjali immigrated to the United States, where she continued her distinguished career in education and mental health. From 1979 to 1992, she directed the Child Development Center and Adult Training Center in Lynchburg, Virginia, overseeing programs for children and adults with developmental and educational needs. She later served as research director at the same institution and held clinical and faculty positions with the Medical College of Richmond, the University of Virginia, and the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute.
Dr. Redjali authored numerous scholarly works and a memoir, A Symphony of Life: Triumph of Education over Adversity (2013), chronicling her life’s journey through war, revolution, and cultural change. Her legacy continues through a scholarship established in her name at George Mason University to support future educators.
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Said Khadiri; her daughter, Gita Khadiri; her son, Reza Khadiri; her son-in-law, Fred Khoroushi; and two grandchildren, Cameron and Sophia Khoroushi.
A Historic Appointment
Judge A. Ashley Tabaddor has been appointed as Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects both her dedication to public service and the growing impact of the Iranian American community in the justice system. Her distinguished career includes serving as Chief Counsel for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), where she led the agency’s legal program and helped shape national immigration policy. Judge Tabaddor spent more than 15 years as an immigration judge and later served as president of the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ), where she advocated for judicial independence and reforms to our immigration court system.
Shawn Nazemi
We are proud to share that Shawn Nazemi, a talented 7th-grade student at San Diego French-American School (and a 4th-grader at ISSD), attended the AEFE Chess Tournament organized by the French educational organization within the French-American School network in North America, held in Boston, Massachusetts, from November 9 to 12, 2025. Competing among 55 pre-selected and highly skilled middle-school players, Shawn achieved an exceptional third place finish—an outstanding accomplishment that reflects his dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. Having developed a strong interest in chess over the past three years, Shawn continues to grow as a remarkable young player. He looks forward to sharing his experience and chess knowledge with fellow students, contributing to the vibrant and supportive spirit of our fantastic ISSD community.
Darius Paymani
Darius Paymani, an ISSD alumni, recently graduated from London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He earned a master’s degree in music composition with first-class honors.
Sina Firoozya has graduated from California Culinary Arts Institute in San Diego and has become a chef.
Sohrab Zardkoohi is the executive chef and founder of the California Culinary Arts Institute, a school located in Barrio Logan, San Diego. The institute offers cooking and baking certifications for adults and programs for children, and a portion of its proceeds goes to support the homeless and the San Diego Humane Society. Zardkoohi is an Iranian immigrant with extensive international culinary experience.
Student Achievement Spotlight
We are proud to share that Avash Bahmyari, a fourth-grade student at Highland Ranch Elementary School and the Iranian School of San Diego, has been awarded a Computer Science Scholarship from Ember Coding Lab for the 2025–2026 academic year.
This competitive $1,000 scholarship supports his participation in the Python Foundations coding program and recognizes his strong focus, enthusiasm for technology, and self-directed learning.
