NIPOC Board of Directors

Partou Nikpour is a retired software developer with more than 22 years of experience in designing and implementing software solutions for third-party benefits administration. Throughout her career, she contributed to complex, large-scale projects for Fortune 100 companies—including Disney, Hilton, Kaiser, McKesson, and Mattel—as well as public-sector clients such as the County of Orange. Her work spanned the full project lifecycle, from requirements analysis through implementation, with particular expertise in employee benefits systems, including health plans, 401(k), and pension programs. As President of NIPOC, Partou brings her extensive technical background, analytical mindset, and collaborative leadership style to support the organization’s strategic initiatives and operational goals. She is actively engaged in advancing community involvement, strengthening organizational processes, and promoting cultural awareness in support of Iranian-American professionals and entrepreneurs. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Partou enjoys hiking, biking, and singing.

Dr. Maryam Roodneshin holds a Ph.D. in Architectural, Building Construction and Urbanism Technology. She is an architect and urban planning researcher with extensive international academic and professional experience.
Throughout her career, Dr. Roodneshin has led multidisciplinary projects, coordinated international research collaborations, and managed complex planning and design initiatives. Her leadership experience encompasses strategic planning, project management, organizational development, and the successful coordination of diverse professional teams.
Before relocating to the United States, Dr. Roodneshin lived and worked in Iran and Spain, where she completed her doctoral studies and further developed her international perspective on architecture and urban development.
As Vice President of NIPOC, Dr. Roodneshin is dedicated to strengthening professional networks, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, and advancing initiatives that promote education, leadership, and meaningful community engagement.

Maryam, an accountant with over 20 years of experience driving financial clarity and operational efficiency across both private and public sectors. Her expertise spans financial record management, policy development, and strategic financial analysis. She takes pride in implementing streamlined accounting processes that improve accuracy, enhance compliance, and empower leadership with clear, actionable insights.
Throughout her career, She has helped organizations strengthen their financial foundations and make informed decisions by transforming complex data into meaningful, growth-driven narratives. She is deeply committed to continuous improvement and integrity in every aspect of financial reporting.

Babak Khatibloo has been a NIPOC member since 1991, serving in various positions, most notably past president and Career Committee Chair. Babak is a graduate of Petroleum University of Technology in Abadan and Columbia University in New York. Babak is a registered professional engineer and founder of PE-Mechanical. Babak is an experienced Mechanical engineer specializing in services for buildings. More specifically, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Gas piping, and Plumbing Designs. Babak is married and the family has been living in Irvine since 1990.

Dr. Marjan Rogers recently retired after a distinguished 35-year career in dentistry, including more than 20 years practicing in California. She spent much of her professional career in Oceanside, where she served as the senior partner of a successful dental practice.
Throughout her career, she earned a reputation for clinical excellence, compassionate patient care, and professional leadership.
With an international background that spans Iran, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Dr. Rogeres brings a global perspective while maintaining a deep appreciation for her Iranian heritage and culture.
Community service has been a defining part of her life. Over the years, she has served as both a volunteer and founder of numerous charitable initiatives. Her work has included providing dental care through humanitarian organizations, supporting newly arrived immigrants through Tiyya, leading the Atlanta chapter of Health for Humanity, organizing fundraising efforts for organizations such as ISCC, Charity: Water, Anna’s Angels, and the ALS Challenge, and participating in dental outreach missions to Tijuana, Mexico, providing care for orphaned children.
Having supported and participated in NIPOC’s programs and events over the years, Dr. Rogers is honored to serve on the Board of Directors and looks forward to working alongside her fellow board members to further the organization’s mission and strengthen the Iranian American community.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she enjoys painting, playing the piano, chess, hiking, pickle ball, and traveling.

Ziba Behnam is a seasoned sales executive with over 30 years of experience in the compressed industrial and specialty gas industry. With 20 years of sales leadership, she brings a wealth of business acumen, complemented by an MBA in Marketing and Executive Management. Throughout her career, Ziba has led and managed multiple sales teams, overseeing profit and loss statements and driving strategic contract negotiations. She was tasked with turning around underperforming teams in specific market segments. Her leadership contributed significantly to business growth and operational excellence. Currently, Ziba serves as a board member for Radiant Future, the first domestic violence agency in Orange County dedicated to preventing domestic violence and human trafficking through support services and advocacy. Ziba moved to California in 1979 and has called it home ever since. She resides in Coto De Caza with her husband, Mark. She is the proud mother of two: Roxana, a UCSB alumna (Class of 2006), and Eric, a UC Irvine alumnus (Class of 2011). Ziba holds an MBA in Marketing and Executive Management (summa cum laude) from the University of La Verne, CA, as well as an MBA in Human Resources Management.

Shahrokh sean Sohi graduated from Sharif University with a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and moved to the United States in 1994. He joined NIPOC in 1995 and has been an active volunteer for Mehregan and NIPOC ever since. With a background in construction engineering, he is the founder and owner of a construction engineering company. Shahrokh has served on the NIPOC Board of Directors four times, contributing to the organization’s growth and mission.