Meet Our Contributors

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  • is an Iranian-American woman, currently living in England. She was born in Tehran, grew up in northern California, and later moved to the Los Angeles area. Before leaving the US, she practiced dental hygiene in Beverly Hills and was a USC School of Dentistry faculty member. Though she has lived in seven different countries to date, Alix says Tony Bennet had it right when he said "I left my heart in San Francisco."

Black and white photograph of a woman with long, wavy hair, looking at the camera with a slight smile, wearing a dark top. Text beneath the photo reads "Allison Phelan" and "SAG."

  • She is originally from Vancouver, BC, and was awarded a scholarship to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, which is located in Los Angeles, California. Allyson performed in several theatrical productions, TV shows, and films after graduation. She created, produced, and hosted a magazine-style show for the WB called Clubbin’, which focused on entertainment, nightlife, and special events. In February 2012, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. All bets on a tv show were off. Now a survivor/thriver Allyson gratefully gives back by living a purpose-driven life and helping others do the same. 

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  • Sophie is a law student at Pepperdine Law School. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Pepperdine University. Her aspirations include becoming a victims’ rights lawyer for victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment. In her free time, Sophie tries to learn new languages and is currently fluent in Italian, and she is also working on French.

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  • Claire Brothers is a dedicated professional with a degree in political science and a strong passion for civic engagement, social justice, and community-centered advocacy. A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Claire brings a unique combination of legislative insight, grassroots organizing experience, and nonprofit leadership to her work.

    She currently serves on the Executive Board for Guardians of Our Democracy. In this role, Claire leads community outreach, facilitates partnerships, coordinates regional engagement efforts in the Midwest, and manages a team focused on amplifying voter protection.

    Claire’s professional journey has been shaped by her experience in state-level politics, including her role as a Legislative Intern at the Colorado House of Representatives and as a Campaign Field Manager for a Colorado State Senate race. Her work in these roles has deepened her understanding of policy, constituent advocacy, and the power of local engagement.

    Beyond her professional roles, Claire actively contributes to Past Present Future Co., a women-led blog. She has also volunteered with a local Rotary club for over a decade and previously supported veteran healthcare initiatives at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.

    Claire is committed to building stronger, more inclusive communities through policy, education, and service.

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  • Rumi Natanzi will be a fourth-year undergraduate student in August at the University of Colorado, Boulder, continuing studies in Leadership and Community Engagement, Ethnic Studies, and Geography. Invariably rooted in human rights and justice considerations, a drive to constantly examine entities in an intersectional, critical way propels her activist, academic, and personal goals. As an Iranian-American individual, comprehending the social, cultural, and political history and happenings within Iran in a critical way that considers the imperial imposition of the U.S. and others in the West is integral to furthering her all-consuming inquiries, both in the general trajectory of her life and in her academic works. In the women-led, historic revolution in Iran for the pursuit of holistic human rights and the establishment of secular democracy, scrutiny of this kind is essential in recognizing our diasporic positionality while utilizing the plethora of resources, perspectives, and knowledge at our disposal. She is beyond grateful for the opportunity to share her views and writings through this platform.

 

 “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

— Margaret Mead