Panel Objective
Iran’s new generation, from students and activists inside the country to young Iranians shaping policy and media abroad, is now the driving force of the struggle for freedom. This panel highlights how Gen-Z courage, digital organizing, and global advocacy are reshaping Iran’s political future and preparing the groundwork for a democratic transition.
Panel Participants
Mohammadreza Hesami is a senior medical dosimetrist at the U.S. Oncology Network, where he plays a vital role in designing and optimizing radiation treatment plans for cancer patients. Mohammadreza holds a master’s degree in medical dosimetry from Southern Illinois University, where he gained advanced expertise in radiation physics, anatomy, and treatment planning systems. With years of clinical experience, he is recognized for his meticulous approach, technical proficiency, and commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovation and teamwork. His work reflects a deep dedication to advancing the quality and precision of cancer treatment in modern radiation oncology.
Mahrana Mohammadi is a J.D. Candidate at Penn State Dickinson Law, Class of 2027. Serving as Secretary for the Middle Eastern and South Asian Student Association as well as the Christian Law Community, she helps promote dialogue, inclusivity, and faith-based engagement among her peers. In addition to her leadership roles, Mahrana contributes to the academic and professional development of fellow students as a Student Ambassador for Thomson Reuters Westlaw, assisting with legal research and technology training. She also represents the law school as an Admissions Ambassador, welcoming prospective students and sharing insights into the academic and community life at Dickinson Law.
Ryan Nasir is a Research and Development Intern and Computer Science student based in San Diego, California. With a strong foundation in programming and cybersecurity fundamentals, he is passionate about designing secure, scalable systems that address real-world challenges. Ryan’s technical curiosity is complemented by his deep interest in national security and policy on Iran. He has been actively involved in briefing Members of Congress on critical issues related to national security, policy, and Iran, combining his analytical skills with a commitment to public service and informed decision-making.
Seena Saiedian is a J.D. Candidate at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he is a Karsh-Dillard Scholar, an editor on the Virginia Law Review, and Symposium Chair for the Federalist Society. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.S. in Business Administration and minor in Computer Science. Prior to law school, Seena had a career as a private equity analyst at an investment firm. An avid advocate for the pro-democracy movement in Iran, Seena has regularly spoken at international human rights conferences and has written extensively about U.S.-Iran policy and the pathway to regime change in Iran by the Iranian people. His writing has appeared in national publications including the National Interest, the Federalist, and Townhall.
Nicole Shariati is a cybersecurity consultant based in Denver, Colorado. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management and Computer Science from Georgia Tech. Nicole works with organizations to assess risks, implement security solutions, and strengthen their overall cybersecurity strategy.
Washington, DC - Saturday, November 15, 2025
