A Night of Community Connection

On the evening of May 10, 2025, ‘A More Balanced World’ proudly hosted its inaugural Partner Appreciation Reception at the UCLA Faculty Club — an evening dedicated to celebrating the individuals and organizations whose steadfast support makes our mission possible.

A Night of Community Connection was more than a celebration; it was a heartfelt tribute to the power of collaboration, the generosity of our partners, and the transformative stories that fuel our shared purpose.  Through a thoughtfully curated program of music, film, personal testimony, and gratitude, the evening both honored our past accomplishments and offered a glimpse into our vision for the future.

The night began with a moving visual presentation, highlighting the lives impacted by our work, set against a playlist that created a warm and reflective atmosphere.  Guests were welcomed with light food and refreshments, encouraging conversation and connection before the program began.

The formal program opened with remarks from the enchanting performer, Ziba Shirazi, followed by a short documentary and powerful testimonies from individuals whose lives have been touched by A More Balanced World.  

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed live musical performances by Sara & Maz, heartfelt video messages from key partners, including Fiona Almeida, Ziafat Saeedi, and Eve Namusisi, Executive Directors of ‘Small Acts for Sustainability’, ‘Kaaj Education’, and ‘Mable Namugga Foundation’, respectively, and thoughtful reflections from Bobby Nabili and Mandy Fazeli of ‘A More Balanced World’.

A special spotlight was given to the vital role of community partners, such as the Center for Empowering Refugees & Immigrants in Oakland, California — a shining example of shared impact and mission-aligned collaboration.

The evening concluded on a high note with a soul-stirring rendition of “What a Wonderful World”, leaving guests inspired by the collective spirit and shared commitment to building a more just and balanced world.