Iranian Student Association-Alliance (ISA-Alliance)

To unite Iranian student associations across the United States - ensuring no Iranian student stands alone and transforming unity into lasting impact.

Read Vision, Mission, and Values

The infrastructure ISA-Alliance builds

The organization builds four core elements that member associations need in order to represent their constituents effectively across the United States.

Communication Network

Connecting and coordinating member associations across universities throughout the United States, creating visibility, solidarity, and shared situational awareness.

Shared Resources

Providing shared access to legal, financial, and educational resources that individual associations cannot secure independently, from immigration guidance to grant-writing support.

Advocacy Platform

Creating a unified and coherent voice for the common interests and needs of Iranian students, enabling member associations to speak as one on issues that affect all.

Coordinated Action

Translating the network, resources, and platform into joint initiatives, campaigns, coalitions, and coordinated responses to challenges facing Iranian students.

Six Dimensions of Advocacy

How member associations can advocate through ISA-Alliance

ISA-Alliance enables advocacy across six dimensions through charitable and educational work.

Cultural

Identity and Heritage

Preserving and promoting Iranian identity, heritage, and the Persian language within the American academic environment.

Academic

Opportunity and Development

Advancing access to educational opportunities, scholarships, and academic and research development for Iranian students.

Civic

Civic Participation

Facilitating the participation of Iranian students in the civic life of American society within applicable nonprofit rules and institutional responsibilities.

Professional

Networks and Mentorship

Building professional networks, mentorship opportunities, and career development pathways for Iranian students and recent graduates.

Welfare

Well-Being and Stability

Supporting the mental health, economic well-being, and stable living conditions of Iranian students across the United States.

Leadership

2026 Leadership Team

ISA-Alliance is governed by its Co-Founders and led day-to-day by a member-elected Executive Cabinet.

Co-Founders

Co-Founder

Ahmad Salehiyan

PhD Student, Oklahoma State University

Co-Founder

Behnam Hassanizadeh

PhD Student, Oklahoma State University

Co-Founder

Amir Kucharski

Resident Physician, Washington University

Co-Founder

Saeed Manouchehri

Scientist, Transpire Bio

Co-Founder

Sima Maleki

Research Assistant, Wayne State University

Co-Founder

Shiva Maleki

Machine Learning Engineer, General Motors / Optimal

2026 Executive Cabinet

President of Student Affairs

Saeid Alimoradi

PhD Student, Virginia Tech

President of Communications

Mona Rahimi

PhD Candidate, State University of New York

President of Treasury & Fundraising

Armita Kazeminajafabadi

PhD Student, Northeastern University

Meet the full Board →

Institutional Commitments

Independent, charitable, and member-driven

ISA-Alliance is a nonprofit, non-governmental, and independent entity organized for charitable and educational purposes.
It is not affiliated with any political party, foreign government, or foreign political entity, and it accepts no direction or influence that compromises that independence.
All roles are voluntary and unpaid, and no part of the organization's net earnings may benefit any private individual.
Member associations remain the primary representatives and agents of change; ISA-Alliance exists to strengthen what they can do together.

Governance

Built on bylaws, representation, and accountability

The bylaws define a Founding Board with strategic governance authority, a member-based representation model, and an annually elected Executive Cabinet accountable to the Board.

Explore Mission and Values