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 Ava Navarro Fakhrabadi, JD, Attorney at Law.
Ava Navarro Fakhrabadi
1. During which years did you attend ISSD, and for how long?
I attended ISSD from 2002 to 2006.
2. Can you share any fond memories or amusing anecdotes from your time at ISSD?
I absolutely loved the Nowruz celebrations at ISSD and have fond memories of painting and dyeing eggs with my friends. I also enjoyed learning Persian dancing and performing at Balboa Park during Nowruz.
3. Are you still in contact with fellow students, teachers, or staff from ISSD?
I have lifelong friends from ISSD. Since moving back to San Diego, I have enjoyed reconnecting with the ISSD community.
4. In what ways has your education at ISSD influenced your relationship with your extended family and cultural heritage?
ISSD built the foundation of my Farsi language which is an incredibly important aspect of culture. It is language that can connect us on a deeper level to others and make us feel part of a community. As a student who is half Mexican, it was invaluable to connect to my roots and build community at ISSD. ISSD influenced my love for my Iranian heritage and my desire to continue to build upon my Farsi language skills by taking Farsi reading and writing courses during my undergraduate time at UCLA. Today, many of my closest friends are immigrants from Iran and my ability to connect with them comes directly from my ability to speak Farsi and the deeper understanding of my culture fostered by my ISSD education and community.
5. What are your current endeavors in terms of career, family life, and volunteering?
I recently graduated from Yale Law School and am coming up on one year as an attorney. I work at a nonprofit organization, the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, whose mission is to provide equal access to justice for low-income individuals in San Diego County by offering free civil legal assistance to help clients overcome their legal problems. I plan to continue to serve my community as a public interest lawyer. Later in my career, I am interested in shifting from lawyering to teaching at the university level to support our next generation of students and advocates. I currently mentor prelaw students in my free time as I understand the difficulty of being the first in your family to pursue this profession.
6. 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 that ISSD continues to receive the support it needs to continue fostering cultural appreciation and understanding, and providing great education to students. The work ISSD does strengthens and brightens our community in the diaspora. To families with children at ISSD, your decision to enroll your child will have a positive impact on their future and our community.
7. Anything else you want to add?
If you are pursuing law school, please feel free to reach out to me at avafak.law@gmail.com. I’d love to connect and support any ISSD students on their prelaw journey!
