Hope and Equality: Dignity, Well-being, and Support for All.

About Us

"Hope and Equality"

is a nonprofit organization led by a group of passionate and committed volunteers—psychologists, educators, legal advocates, digital professionals, and community organizers—working together to promote mental health, prevent suicide through education, and advocate for gender equality.

 Born from lived experiences and a shared belief in the power of compassion and justice, our mission is to foster a world where emotional well-being is a right for all, where stigma no longer silences those in pain, and where gender-based discrimination is actively dismantled through awareness and action. 

We believe that healing and hope are collective endeavors. By offering educational programs, supporting individuals and families, and engaging in public advocacy, we strive to create a more just and empathetic society—one conversation, one story, and one step at a time.

Whether you’re a student, parent, professional, survivor, or advocate, your voice matters here.

Our executive team, consisting of psychologists, civil activists, medical and legal experts and information technology professionals lead the creation of our programs and ensures that every initiative aligns with Hope and Equality mission and values.

We are also in the process of forming an advisory board to support our long-term impact.

You are warmly invited to join this journey. Whether by starting a conversation about mental health and equality in your circle, volunteering with us, or supporting our initiatives, you can be part of building a future rooted in hope, dignity, and equality for all.

Counseling Services

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Therapy Sessions

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Mindfulness Programs

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Our Value

Hope and Equality

does not belong to any one person—it belongs to every individual who dreams of a more inclusive, mentally healthy, and equal world.

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Our Story

Whether you’re a student, parent, professional, survivor, or advocate, your voice matters here.

Our executive team, consisting of psychologists, civil activists, medical and legal experts and information technology professionals lead the creation of our programs and ensures that every initiative aligns with Hope and Equality mission and values.

We are also in the process of forming an advisory board to support our long-term impact.

You are warmly invited to join this journey. Whether by starting a conversation about mental health and equality in your circle, volunteering with us, or supporting our initiatives, you can be part of building a future rooted in hope, dignity, and equality for all.

Mission

To promote mental well-being, prevent suicide, and advocate for gender equality through education, support services, awareness campaigns, and empowerment.

Vision

A world where mental health is prioritized, suicide is preventable, and every individual, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect and has equal rights and opportunities.

Objectives & Goals

Mental Health Promotion

• Provide accessible and inclusive mental health education
• Offer free or low-cost counseling and coaching services
• Reduce stigma around seeking help through public awareness and open dialogue

Suicide Prevention Education

• Educate communities about suicide prevention and crisis management/awareness
• Develop informative resources and host training sessions for awareness
• Share tools and strategies to support vulnerable populations through education

Gender Equality Advocacy

• Advocate against gender-based discrimination through campaigns and education
• Support survivors of gender-based violence with resources and community care
• Collaborate with policymakers to advance equal rights and social justice

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Our Team

Laleh Mehrad

Founder & Board Member

Dr. Mehrad holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. She is a counselor, international speaker, author, researcher, gender equality advocate, mental health advocate, and hypnotherapist with over 35 years of experience in psychology, personal development, and relationships. She founded Hope and Equality to promote mental health, equality, and access to compassionate and professional support, creating a space for awareness, empowerment, and community.

Mehdi Jamshidi

Finance Director & Financial Representative

Mehdi Jamshidi is a CPA with extensive experience in accounting, finance, and financial management. At Hope and Equality, he oversees the organization’s financial operations and brings his professional expertise alongside a longstanding commitment to charitable work and social responsibility.

Ava Haghighi

Legal Advisor

Ava Haghighi is an attorney and NYU graduate committed to advancing justice and protecting individual rights. With a particular focus on supporting those who have experienced social and psychological hardship, she brings legal expertise and a compassionate, human-centered perspective to Hope and Equality’s mission of promoting justice and equal opportunity.

Azi Fini

Public Relations Director & Board Member

Azi Fini brings years of experience managing diverse organizations and a broad professional network to her role at Hope and Equality. She focuses on building partnerships and expanding the organization’s reach while supporting mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and gender equality. She is also fluent in German.

Mojgan Salari​

Communications & Resource Development Director & Board Member

Mojgan Salari has years of experience in nonprofit organizations, specializing in communications, fundraising, and grant writing. She leverages her management and relationship-building skills to develop new opportunities, build partnerships, and expand the organization’s impact.

Ensiyeh Harbi

Mental Health Director & Board Member

Dr. Harbi holds a Ph.D. in Health Psychology and is a psychotherapist, educator, researcher, and specialist in oncology. She has extensive experience in mental health and supporting women and immigrant communities. At Hope and Equality, she leads mental health initiatives focused on equitable access to support, vulnerable populations, and building individual and community resilience.

Volunteers & Staff

We are building a passionate team of volunteers dedicated to providing psychological support, coaching, educational webinars and seminars, as well as contributing to content creation, outreach, event planning, and community services.

Our volunteers play a vital role in expanding access to mental health education and fostering a culture of hope, empathy, and equality.