Elaine Daneshrad: Breaking Down Barriers as an Iranian Jewish Woman
By pursuing her career in fashion, Daneshrad feels she has become a sort of “leader of the pack," demonstrating to Iranian Jewish youths with culturally unorthodox career goals that they can achieve success regardless of their professional aspirations. Some Iranian Jewish youths have even contacted Daneshrad directly for advice and guidance. She described that in one instance, “[an Iranian Jewish girl] who goes to USC reached out to me because…she felt very lost because she wants to do something in fashion but her parents do not approve. After the phone [conversation], she felt like there was someone, finally, that understood her and made her feel better about herself.” Although unconventional ambitions might not initially measure up to community standards, Daneshrad emphasized that young people’s perseverance and confidence may be the keys to gradually changing the community’s perceptions of traditionally acceptable professions.
In February of 2017, Daneshrad was chosen as a featured panelist at the Eretz Cultural Center’s “Women in Power: Pursuing Passion in Profession” event in Los Angeles. There, she spoke alongside other influential women in the Iranian Jewish community who have established successful careers in unique fields. Co-panelists included plastic surgeon, Dr. Sheila Nazarian, and attorney and cantorial soloist, Jackie Rafii. Although initially unsure about the audience’s reaction, Daneshrad was happy to find that attendees understood and appreciated the fact that she had transcended the cultural boundaries of the Iranian Jewish community and set a precedent for future generations to follow suit. She further noted, “Iranian parents came up to me afterwards and said what I was doing was inspiring and that they loved it.”
With respect to the Iranian Jewish community’s impact on her life, Daneshrad says that the community has instilled qualities in her that can be seen as strengths in her career. She perceives the community as being very “hardworking [and] determined,” and this mentality has been rooted within her from a young age up until the present day.
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