Amir was born in Esfahan, Iran and lived there until he was nine. In 2002, his family moved to North Potomac, Maryland, where they continue to live today. After moving to America, his father knew that it would not be easy, but hoped to give his family the opportunity to live the “American dream.” His father instilled the importance of hard work, perseverance and leadership in Amir and his sister from a very young age.
After graduating from high school, Amir attended Pennsylvania State University where he took on numerous leadership and volunteer roles. During his time at Penn State, Amir was deeply involved in the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, where students, volunteers and fans join together to raise funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. In 2013, their efforts raised over $12 million! Amir continues to participate in the fight against pediatric cancer by donating to the Four Diamonds Funds and supporting the Penn State community. Amir is currently completing his degree in Business Administration at the University of Maryland. Amir is an avid soccer player and played through high school and college. He currently coaches a girl’s volleyball team.
Prior to joining 50CAN, Amir served as the office administrator at Chesterbrook Academy. Before that, he worked in the classroom as a teacher. Amir is passionate about the work of 50CAN since he is eager to keep making a difference in the field of education.
I aspire to be like my parents, Masoumeh Zeinali and Saeid Tabrizi. Here’s why:
Moving is never easy. It consists of many goodbyes and forces you to adapt to untold changes. Now imagine how hard it would be if you had to move from one country to another, from one continent to another. Knowing all of those challenges, my parents did not hesitate when given the chance to move from Iran to the United States just so I could have a better education. They left most of their family and friends, their jobs and their home behind and decided to start from scratch all over again. My parents worked very hard night and day and made an immense amount of sacrifices. Because of those sacrifices, I owe it to them—and myself—to follow my dreams and goals and make them proud.
I get to make a change that is bigger than myself. Each day is never the same, which means that each day brings new challenges and new opportunities to make a difference.
I am the product of Montgomery County public schools. From elementary school through high school graduation, there was always a difference in the quality of education that I was fortunate enough to receive compared to my club soccer teammates. They lived only five miles away but our education was very different. My sister is currently in the public education system, and I want to make sure she gets the best education possible.
Board games. I get especially frustrated when it comes to word games like Scrabble.
This image reminds me of the sacrifice my parents made for my sister and I. This picture represents opportunity and success, and reminds me to never give up and always work hard.