Ideen Saiedian

Cornell MBA '21

  • About Me
  • Academics
  • Experience
  • Speech & Debate
  • Recognitions & Awards
  • Volunteer & Causes
  • Professional CV
Copyright Ideen Saiedian 2019

Volunteer Activities and Social Causes

Human Rights & Democracy. I am lucky to have been raised by parents who taught me, at an early age, the importance of being socially aware and advocating for the less fortunate and underprivileged. My parents made the incredible sacrifice to flee from the theocratic government in Iran so that my brother and I would have a more promising future in the United States. While I have never been able to visit Iran, being an Iranian-American remains an integral part of my identity, and I never take for granted the freedoms and opportunities I am afforded that many young Iranians can only dream of.

Over the years, I have attended many conferences and gatherings to advocate for a free, democratic, and secular Iran. I spoke at The Free Iran 2018 Summit ahead of the UN General Assembly, a conference that featured fellow young Iranian Americans as well as distinguished guests Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Attorney General Michael Mukasey, and former National Security Advisor James Jones. Most recently, I was a guest speaker at the 2019 Solidarity March in front of the US Department of State.

Here are some clips and pictures from Iranian human rights events I have attended:



Education & Debate. Participating in speech and debate was very important in my life. These organizations I have supported are committed to helping students find their voice and improve critical thinking skills through speech and debate.

Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League - The Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues to support academic debate teams in Los Angeles area public schools.

Women's Debate Institute (WDI) - WDI’s mission is to advocate for and facilitate a more gender-inclusive environment that advances educational and professional opportunities for marginalized gender identities.

Social Causes

  • Human Rights
  • Women's Rights
  • Educational Equity
  • Free Speech
  • Environmental Sustainability