Expertise:
Ms. Ramazani's expertise is in dance instruction.
Favorite Business Publication:
Journal of Middle East Women's Studies; The Middle East Journal; Critique: Middle East Critique
Hobbies/Sports:
Gardening, Playing the Piano, Sewing, Cooking, Writing
Education Degrees:
Master of Arts in English Literature, University of Virginia
Affiliations Awards:
League of Women Voters of Virginia; Association for Middle East Women’s Studies, University of California, LA; Women's Center, University of Virginia; FOCUS Women's Resource Center; The Middle East Institute, League of Women Voters; American Association of Retired Persons; American Association of University Women
Children's Names:
Vaheed, David, Jahan, Sima
Work History:
Children's Service Center (1954-1956)
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was publishing her autobiography, ‘The Dance of the Rose and the Nightingale,’ through Syracuse University Press.
Charity:
American Near East Refugee Aid; CARE for the Child; International Rescue Committee; Oxfam International; Holy Land Treasures; Women for Women International; United Way International
Number Of Years In Profession:
36
Number Of Years In Current Position:
36
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her multicultural upbringing.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because of her desire to enhance the status of women in the Muslim world.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Ramazani, through her autobiography, entitled ‘The Dance of the Rose and the Nightingale,’ describes Iran in the early stages of modernization under the reigns of Reza Shah and Muhammad Reza Shah. She narrates the tensions brought on by rapid modernization, as well as the accommodations that inevitably follow. In this book, she paints a canvas of Iran's exceptional history of blending multiple cultures into a rich tapestry of poetry, music and dance. In addition, her personal background gave her special insights into the complex tug and pull between tradition and modernity as societies go through dramatic changes brought on by rapid modernization. She was born in England, but raised in Iran. She is the daughter of an English-Christian mother and an Iranian-Zoroastrian father, and granddaughter of Arbab Kaykhosrow, a well-known historical figure. Ms. Ramazani has been able to bring to her writings and lectures as an understanding of the difficulties encountered by underdeveloped countries in their transition from tradition to modernity. In her book, 'Persian Cooking: A table of Exotic Delights,’ she not only provides recipes, but also much information about Persian culture. A revised, updated version of this book will be published in 2009. Since then, she has been writing and lecturing, as well as teaching ballet and dance-exercise classes. She has lectured throughout the world and across the United States. Ms. Ramazani has published articles in The Middle East Journal, The Journal of South Asian and Middle East Studies, International Insight, Critique: Critical Middle Eastern Studies, Levant, Middle East Insight, and Iran Times International. She has lectured on behalf of USAID in Europe and the Middle East, including Israel, Germany and Pakistan.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Lecturing on Women and Islamic Culture, Freelancing, Conducting Ballet and Dance-Exercise Classes
Awards/Honors:
Honoree, Encyclopedia Iranica (2009)