ISSD Alumni Corner
The Iranian School of San Diego boasts a significant history, having been in operation since 1988, and has positively impacted numerous students and families over the years. The school takes pride in its extensive alumni network, consisting of successful individuals who have made notable contributions to both the Iranian American and global communities. Many alumni now have children enrolled at ISSD, establishing a strong multi-generational bond with the school. In an effort to showcase these accomplishments and underline the value of ISSD, Peyk is highlighting profiles detailing the lives and experiences of the school’s graduates. We are reaching out to select ISSD alumni with a series of questions to not only check on their well-being, but also to introduce them to current students and parents. These alumni could potentially serve as significant role models for the present and upcoming student body. Our guest in this issue is Nadia Farjood, Deputy District Attorney at the County of San Diego.
Nadia Farjood
During which years did you attend ISSD, and for how long?
I was grateful to be a student at ISSD in the early 2000s and to attend classes for several years in elementary school and beyond.
Can you share any fond memories or amusing anecdotes from your time at ISSD?
I remember reading “Baba ab daad” and “Maman nan daad” for the first time in Farsi script on the printed page. That was a special moment for me because I had previously only spoken Farsi with my Maman and Baba Bozorg, so I did not know how to read the text. I always cherished my time at the Nowruz Bazaar event. I remember the beautifully colored pastel eggs and the delicious aush soup—one of my favorites!
Are you still in contact with fellow students, teachers, or staff from ISSD?
I have had the privilege to keep in touch with school principal, Ali Sadr, who I admire for his leadership in the Iranian American community, his numerous contributions to supporting Persian culture in San Diego, and his artistic talents—ask to see his beautiful paintings!
In what ways has your education at ISSD influenced your relationship with your extended family and cultural heritage?
My years at ISSD have deepened my connection to my cultural identity and shaped the way I connect with people I love. Enhancing my Farsi language skills deepened my relationships with my Maman and Baba Bozorg, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It also allowed me to communicate and share stories with them in the language that carries our family history. ISSD has also rooted me in the richness of Persian culture. Through poetry, music, and celebrations, I developed a greater appreciation for Persian traditions that are observed across the world, which I continue to honor and observe in my own family today.
What are your current endeavors in terms of career, family life, and volunteering?
I currently serve as a Deputy District Attorney at the County of San Diego, where I work to protect public safety and support victims of crime. I also serve as a publicly elected director on the Grossmont Healthcare District Board, where I work to improve health and wellness in East County San Diego. My husband, San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo, and I, along with our son Rafael, are preparing to welcome a baby girl into our family soon. Family and community are at the center of all that we do, and we are grateful to the Iranian community in San Diego for their love and support.
Do you have children or younger relatives currently enrolled or previously enrolled at ISSD? If so, how does their experience compare to yours?
My two-year-old son, Rafael, is excited to enroll as soon as he is old enough. He says the sweetest, “Salaam joonie!” His little sister will also be joining him when she turns five.
What are your aspirations for the future of ISSD, and what advice would you offer to families with children at ISSD or considering enrollment in the future?
I hope ISSD continues to grow as a place where Iranian American children can feel proud of who they are, and where families can build community and continue to celebrate beautiful Persian traditions together. The school has always been more than a classroom. It is a bridge across generations and a space that cultivates appreciation for art and culture. I can’t wait to enroll my children in the school! 
