Our Background
About Us
Our Mission
To promote mental well-being, advance suicide prevention education, and advocate for gender equality through accessible education, community awareness, supportive resources, and empowerment initiatives.
Our Vision
A world where mental well-being is prioritized, suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, and every individual, regardless of gender, lives with dignity, respect, and equal rights and opportunities.
Our People. Our Purpose.
Our Leadership Team
Hope & Equality Educational Center is led by a dedicated team of volunteer professionals who generously contribute their time, knowledge, and expertise to advance mental health education, suicide prevention education, and gender equality through awareness, advocacy, and community empowerment.
Dr. Laleh Mehrad
Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Board Member
Dr. Laleh Mehrad holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and brings over 35 years of experience in psychology, personal development, and relationships. She is a counselor, international speaker, author, researcher, hypnotherapist, and advocate for mental health and gender equality. She founded Hope & Equality Educational Center to advance mental health education, suicide prevention education, and gender equality through awareness, advocacy, and community empowerment.
Dr. Ensiyeh Harbi
Director of Mental Health Education & Board Member
Dr. Ensiyeh Harbi holds a PhD in Health Psychology and is a psychotherapist, educator, researcher, and specialist in psycho-oncology. She brings extensive experience in mental health and is a dedicated advocate for women and immigrant communities. As part of Hope & Equality’s Mental Health Education Department, she contributes her expertise to advancing mental health awareness, educational initiatives, and community empowerment.
Mehdi Jamshidi
Finance Director & Financial Representative
Mehdi Jamshidi is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 50 years of experience in accounting, finance, and financial management. Having pursued his education in both the United Kingdom and the United States, he brings extensive professional knowledge and international experience to the organization. A dedicated advocate for social justice, he combines his financial expertise with a longstanding commitment to charitable work, equality, and community well-being.
Azi Fini
Director of Public Relations & Board Member
Azi Fini brings years of organizational management experience and an extensive professional network to Hope & Equality. She focuses on strengthening community relationships, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding awareness of the organization’s mission in mental health education, suicide prevention education, and gender equality.
Mojgan Salari
Director of Communications & Resource Development | Board Member
Mojgan Salari brings extensive nonprofit experience in communications, fundraising, and grant writing. She uses her organizational leadership and relationship-building skills to develop partnerships, strengthen resource development, and expand Hope & Equality’s educational outreach and community impact.
Ava Haghighi
Legal Advisor
Ava Haghighi is a New York University graduate and attorney dedicated to advancing justice and protecting individual rights. With a particular interest in supporting individuals who have experienced social and psychological challenges, she brings legal expertise and a compassionate, human-centered perspective to Hope & Equality’s mission of promoting education, equality, and empowerment.
Mehdi Beheshti
Director of Information Technology
Mehdi Beheshti is an IT professional with over 20 years of experience in information technology, systems administration, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technical operations. With a strong background in enterprise technology environments, website development, and digital solutions, he contributes his expertise to strengthening Hope & Equality’s digital presence and supporting its educational mission.