Posts Tagged ‘philanthropy’

A Birthday Balancing Act, An Incredibly Inspiring Year

September 11th, 2018 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

As my next birth year begins today on September 11, I feel healthier, happier and more confident than ever. I believe that we all can achieve equilibrium when we embrace the fullness of our physical, emotional and spiritual lives. Like every individual, I have had my fair share of challenges, and like every family, my […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Education, Human Rights, Leaders
Tagged With:: birthday, bita milanian, charity, philanthropy

The Freedom Sculpture – A Shared Dream

June 22nd, 2017 by Bita Milanian - 6 Comments

With Fourth of July, Independence Day (United States) just around the corner, I can’t help but think about our nation’s visionary founders, and the many great leaders who have followed in their footsteps, dedicated to not only preserving but also improving upon the vision set forth by our founders. As a former refugee and immigrant […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Education, Human Rights, Leaders, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: be the change, bita milanian, cecil balmond, charity, cyrus cylinder, cyrus the great, eric garcetti, farhang foundation, human rights, Iran, los angeles, non-profit, philanthropy, Storytelling, the freedom sculpture

On International Nurses Day, We Celebrate the “Angels with the Stethoscope”

May 12th, 2017 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

Nurses come into our lives and families at the most important and tender times. What would we do without them? Today, around the world, we are celebrating International Nurses Day, on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, and today in New York City, at the United Nations, our friend and inspiration, Deb O’Hara Ruscowski, a RN, […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Healthcare, Leaders, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: be the change, bita milanian, charity, children, doctors, Humanitarianism, international nurses day, non-profit, nurses, philanthropy, technology, telemedicine, united nation, Women, women right

When Humanity Prevails: Prime Minister Trudeau to Welcome Malala to Canada

April 9th, 2017 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

As a citizen of the world, I consider many countries my home! As a naturalized American citizen, forced to flee Iran as a young girl, and a grateful refugee who found support in Germany, then the U.S.; I am also often in Canada, where beloved members of my family live. While I am deeply […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Education, Leaders, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: be the change, bita milanian, canada, empowerment, human rights, Humanitarianism, Iran, justin trudeau, malala foundation, Malala Yousafzai, philanthropy, refugees, syrian refugees, usa, women right

Restoring Faith While Restoring Faces

October 23rd, 2016 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

Face Forward Mends the Lives of Victims of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking and Other Cruel Acts of Crime It is impossible for those of us who live in loving relationships and families, who have the resources to lead comfortable lives, to imagine the pain and suffering of children and adults who are beaten, burned and […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Education, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: abuse, be the change, bita milanian, bthechange, charity, children, deborah alessi, domestic violence, education, face forward, go purple, goodness, human trafficking, non-profit, philanthropy, sharone stone, shohreh aghdashloo, Women

Where There Is Tragedy We Can Bring HOPE

September 11th, 2016 by Bita Milanian - 2 Comments

What Happened on September 11 Has Inspired Millions to Never Give Up or Lose Hope, Even Under the Most Difficult Circumstances I was born on September 11 and feel honored each year to have the opportunity to look back on what happened on that day in 2001, not because of what the terrorists destroyed, but because […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Leaders, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: 9/11, be the change, bthechange, charity, children, global, ground zero, Humanitarianism, new york, new york says thank you foundation, philanthropy, stars of hope

Shining a Light Through Music and Dance: Education Is Not a Crime

September 8th, 2016 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

Iranian Baha’is Have a Human Right to Advance Through Study While Practicing Their Faith Education Is Not A Crime; a campaign that raises awareness of human rights abuses in Iran, is committed to protecting the rights of young people who have been barred from studying due to their beliefs, and encourages universities worldwide to admit […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Education, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: baha'i, be the change, bthechange, charity, goodness, harlem, human rights, Iran, Iranian, maziar bahari, nazanin boniadi, non-profit, not a crime, philanthropy, shanbehzadeh, shirin ebadi

A New Light Shines in Nepal

August 10th, 2016 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

We never know where innovation will rise, and for what meaningful purposes. This week, I learned about a project being led by a young 22-year old engineer name Madindra Aryal in Katmandu, Nepal who witnessed the devastating earthquake there and was inspired to invent a solar-powered panel able to light streets, homes and charge mobile […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Global Warming, Social Responsibility, Technology
Tagged With:: apps, be the change, bthechange, earthquake, empowerment, goodness, Gratitude, indeiagogo, nepal, philanthropy, solar, solar power

Kindness, Compassion & Rock & Roll

July 29th, 2016 by Bita Milanian - 1 Comment

Let’s Give Girls in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Other Countries Guitars That Can Inspire Kids Everywhere What started out for the renowned rock guitarist Lanny Cordola as a single trip to Kabul, Afghanistan, to meet and comfort a family that lost two young daughters in a tragic suicide bombing, has turned into a mission to teach girls […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Education, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: afghanistan, be the change, bthechange, charity, children, empowerment, full house, human rights, Humanitarianism, lanny cordola, music, philanthropy, power of music, rock and roll

Steaming Forward: The Future Looks Bright with the Windward School Beneath These Global Scholars’ Wings

May 28th, 2016 by Bita Milanian - 1 Comment

After emerging as a movement in the last decade, Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) programs are starting to graduate children who have evolved into impressive young adults – and our future will be in their very capable hands and hearts.Photo: WindwardSchool.org On Friday, the Windward School’s Class of 2016 graduated, moving forward as responsible, well informed and inspired […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Education, Leaders, Social Responsibility, STEAM, Technology
Tagged With:: apps, art, azita ashofteh, be the change, bita milanian, bthechange, children, education, empowerment, engineering, geroge washington university, Iran, Johns Hopkins, keon vafaee, non-profit, pasha vafaee, philanthropy, science, seena vafaee, steam, STEM, tavangarian, technology, TED Talk, TEDtalk, tedx, Tedx Foggy Bottom, windward school

Reza Pakravan’s Long and Winding, Energetic and Inspiring Road: Join Him On His Journey

May 18th, 2016 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

Some human’s journeys are more personal than others. For my friend Reza Pakravan, his life’s journey is personal and passionate as he continues to race around the world living his best life, while drawing attention to some of the world’s greatest challenges. In March 2011, Reza set the world record for the fastest crossing of […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Enviornment, Global Warming, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: africa, be the change, bthechange, capetown, caspian sea, charity, children, global, Humanitarianism, Iran, Iranian, madagascar, non-profit, Persian, philanthropy, reza pakravan, TED Talk, TEDtalk, Transamazonica, Women

It’s Personal: Brandy’s Story

February 5th, 2016 by Bita Milanian - 3 Comments

Sometimes life throws challenges at us we simply cannot understand. Then a light comes on and a single individual recognizes the gift that adversity delivers, and has a crystal clear sense of their purpose. Such is the case with a woman I admire so deeply. Her story is personal, and so is mine. Brandy McFadden […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: be the change, bthechange, Change, children, education, empowerment, epilepsy, goodness, healthcare, Humanitarianism, non-profit, philanthropy, seizure, Women

Happy Graduation To The Amazing Young Women In Afghanistan : A Great Day To Give

December 1st, 2015 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

It’s a good, busy day today, reflecting on and sharing my thoughts and love with so many amazing social entrepreneurs who are benefiting from the great work the team at Giving Tuesday has been doing over the last few years to bring awareness to the joy that comes from giving. I’ve never been a fan […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Leaders, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: afghanistan, be the change, bthechange, charity, children, education, empowerment, global, Hassina Sherjan, human rights, non-profit, philanthropy, Women

Octaves of Consciousness

November 16th, 2015 by Bita Milanian - 1 Comment

It is no secret that I am keenly interested in innovation across a variety of fields. Innovation is the result of passion, determination, and a great deal of hard work. At its best, innovation – whether in the field of technology, economics, or social justice – leads to the betterment of lives. When I think […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Leaders, Technology
Tagged With:: amirvokshoor, brain, Change, charity, education, empowerment, healthcare, Humanitarianism, music, neurology, neuroscience, philanthropy, telemedicine

A love letter to America

November 1st, 2015 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

Pari Forood is the first generation Iranian-American author of the true-life novel, The Gates of Light, published in May 2015. After graduating from Vassar College, she was the Press Secretary to Congressman Hamilton Fish, Jr. in Washington, D.C. where she was inspired to write her book about the issue of immigration, both as a policy […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Leaders, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: bethechange, bthechange, Change, education, empowerment, human rights, Humanitarianism, Iran, Iranian, non-profit, pari forood, Persian, philanthropy, Women, women right

The Definition of Family at a Time of Love, Loss and Lofty Goals

September 19th, 2015 by Bita Milanian - 2 Comments

For my friends Sultan and Kate Meghji, 2015 has been year of joy, achievement and sudden loss. Even as they were preparing to introduce their family foundation, inspired by decades of service by earlier generations in India, Africa, and North America – they got the news that their father, genetics pioneer Dr. Moez Meghji, passed away […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Social Responsibility, Technology
Tagged With:: africa, be the change, bthechange, charity, children, education, empowerment, global, Humanitarianism, non-profit, philanthropy, science, sultan mghiji, tanzania, technology

For The Children: Please Join Me In Supporting Syrian Refugees

September 11th, 2015 by Bita Milanian - 17 Comments

Today, I celebrate my first birthday as a grandmother. Our grandson, Hudson, was born earlier this summer and when I held him in my arms, I knew my life was changed forever. Life is so precious – a miracle! When I, along with millions of others, saw the image of little Alan Kurdi washed up […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: be the change, children, diaspora, immigration, Iran, middle east, NGO, nonprofit, philanthropy, refugees, syria, syrian, united nation, war

Ebola Warrior Dr. Pardis Sabeti

April 23rd, 2015 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

With the devastating effects that Ebola has had in West Africa, I am glad to know there are scientific pioneers out there like Dr. Pardis Sabeti leading the charge against this fight and proud to profile her in my ongoing series sharing the accomplishments of inspiring people. Dr. Sabeti led a team that went to […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change
Tagged With:: africa, bthechange, children, ebola, Humanitarianism, music, musician, nigeria, pardis sabeti, philanthropy, public health, rock, science, technology

Luce & Love

March 4th, 2015 by Bita Milanian - 1 Comment

I’m in Barcelona today, and was unable to attend The J. Luce Foundation’s annual gratitude event that was held last Thursday, February 26th. I was recently introduced to Jim Luce, founder of the Foundation, last fall by a mutual friend, and spent time with him where he is based in New York City. Jim came […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures, Leaders, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: charity, children, empowerment, global, human rights, Humanitarianism, Jim Luce, philanthropy

Box and Value Creation in the Truest Sense of the Word

January 27th, 2015 by Bita Milanian - 2 Comments

I’ve been following Box for a while now, as part of my marketing role at GENBAND. We also deliver collaboration tools to large enterprises (different from Box – we focus on real time communications between human beings using voice, video and messaging). But the idea is the same – how can we give people in […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Leaders, Social Responsibility
Tagged With:: aaron levie, AIDS, box, boxers, csr, culture, goodness, IPO, Karen Appleton, non-profit, OTT, philanthropy, Real Time Communications, technology, wall street, WebRTC, Women

Reflecting Back, Looking Forward

December 31st, 2014 by Bita Milanian - Leave a Comment

2014 has been a year of tremendous change, challenge and collective progress across many dimensions in my life, and today I am especially full of gratitude for a growing circle of friends and colleagues. As part of my professional journey and choice to re-enter the “corporate” world and as part of my life’s plan to […]

#StrongerThanFear- Empowering Girls’ Education Globally: Malala Yousafzai’s Mission

October 25th, 2014 by Bita Milanian - 2 Comments

Malala Yousafzai captured the world’s attention and respect when she survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in Pakistan while she was riding the bus to school on October 10, 2012. She amazingly survived and the international outcry that followed helped to bring further attention to her cause. Malala and her […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Cultures
Tagged With:: afghanistan, africa, be the change, Change, charity, education, global, human rights, Humanitarianism, india, internationall, Iran, kenya, malala, malala fund, nigeria, pakistan, philanthropy, Women, women right

Designing A Better World, One Non-Profit at a Time: My Friend Lauren Towle

September 28th, 2014 by Bita Milanian - 2 Comments

In my ongoing series profiling leaders I admire, I am delighted to show more than I am telling in this post – sharing the beautiful, visual design Lauren Towle has been contributing to non-profits since she graduated from college. I met Lauren through a dear friend nearly ten years ago, and was so impressed with […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Leaders
Tagged With:: afghanistan, american, art, artist, be the change, charity, design, global, graphics, kabul, lauren towle, new york, non-profit, Persian, philanthropy

From International Telecom Pioneer to Global Humanitarian, Bita Daryabari Connects Hearts & Minds

September 5th, 2014 by Bita Milanian - 3 Comments

Bita Daryabari is a woman I have admired for many years, both in my vocation (in the communications industry), as well as avocation (in supporting the advancement of Persian arts and culture). Her work speaks louder than her words, though she is a woman of letters, and in 2008 created the Bita Daryabari Endowment in […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Leaders
Tagged With:: afghanistan, art, artists, bita daryabari, Change, charity, economy, empowerment, global, human rights, Humanitarianism, immigrants, Iran, non-profit, Persian, philanthropy, Telecom, Women, women right

Why Be Good, When You Can Be Great? LIG: Being Good & Great – Summer of Service 2014 Dinner with Dr. Sadural

August 7th, 2014 by Bita Milanian - 7 Comments

The last two weeks have been incredibly busy, exhausting and inspiring! Thanks for following me half way around the world and back, where in NYC last night, our Summer of Service interns had the honor of meeting the LIG Global Foundation team at the warm and beautiful Gabriel’s restaurant near Lincoln Center. The room was beautiful, […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Leaders
Tagged With:: africa, be the change, Change, charity, children, doctors, Dominican republic, GENBAND, global, haiti, healthcare, Humanitarianism, india, lig global foundation, peru, philanthropy, Philippines, samsung, south sudan, sudan, tanzania, telemedicine, uganda

Companies, Cultures & Leaders I Admire: Judy Shapiro & Her Engaging Networks

July 17th, 2014 by Bita Milanian - 2 Comments

Last week in New York, I had the great pleasure to meet Judy Shapiro, otherwise known as “Judy Consumer,” and currently founder and CEO of engageSimply. Within minutes, I felt her great energy, and found myself fascinated with her vision for “Engagement Networks” which she is building many of on – or should I say […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Leaders, Real Time Communications Innovations
Tagged With:: charity, collaberation, Eden, edennetworks, empowerment, engagesimply, global, Joe Torre, judy shapiro, kandy, new york, philanthropy, Real Time Communications, Safe at Home Foundation, technology, WebRTC, Women

Leave Your Mark

May 28th, 2014 by Bita Milanian - 7 Comments

I am full of gratitude today because I have had the honor to transition recently from one dream job to another. For those of you who know me for years, or for my entire life, you know how much leaving the communications industry to help build Farhang Foundation meant to me, personally, professionally and spiritually. […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Leaders
Tagged With:: Change, charity, empowerment, farhang foundation, GENBAND, global, Gratitude, Iran, new york, new york says thanks, non-profit, Persian, philanthropy

Companies, Cultures & Leaders I Admire: Hassina Sherjan and The Delicate Balance in Afghanistan

May 16th, 2014 by Bita Milanian - 3 Comments

While I have never met Hassina Sherjan, I feel I know her as a sister through a friend of mine who met her in Kabul, Afghanistan a few years ago. I am honored to share her story with you as the second in a series on people who don’t only wish for change, but are […]

Filed Under:: Be the Change, Companies, Cultures, Leaders
Tagged With:: afghanistan, Change, charity, Hassina Sherjan, Humanitarianism, Persian, philanthropy