Now the executive director of the World Innovations Network, Mojgan Momeni (MSLIS '09) credits her iSchool experience with leading her to discover her true passion—creating an innovative and entrepreneurial network model for global collaboration.
Where do you work, and what is your role?
I am a co-founder and executive director at World Innovations Network (WIN), a 501c (3) nonprofit located in the San Francisco Bay Area that partners with the University of California, Berkeley AMENA Center for Entrepreneurship and Development to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
What do you like best about your job?
I love the opportunity to positively impact young lives through mentorship, hands-on training, and exposure to real-world entrepreneurial projects with our team at WIN. Seeing students transform their attitudes, confidence, and academic success is gratifying.
What do you see as the most critical impact of your work?
Training the next generation of leaders and problem solvers, our mission revolves around developing and training youth. We are committed to equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to navigate the complexities of the contemporary world and come out as proactive contributors to positive change. We strive to instill a sense of social responsibility through innovative and immersive programs. Our approach emphasizes theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring that the youth we nurture become architects of meaningful solutions.
How did the iSchool at Illinois help you get to where you are today?
The iSchool at the University of Illinois has shaped my professional journey, equipping me with a versatile skill set that has proven invaluable in navigating diverse career opportunities. One of the standout features of an iSchool education is the School's commitment to preparing students for a wide array of paths. This adaptability has been a cornerstone of my success.
From my early days at the University of Illinois, working as a teaching assistant for the Persian language program in the linguistics department and later as a visiting assistant professor engaging in academic research and creating content as guides, to working with various healthcare IT startups in California, the comprehensive education I received at the iSchool laid a solid foundation. The exposure to diverse perspectives, facilitated by exceptional professors, colleagues, and classmates, has been pivotal. It has broadened my understanding of the information sciences and honed my ability to collaborate and thrive in different work environments.
The experience at iSchool eventually led me to discover my true passion—creating an innovative and entrepreneurial network model for global collaboration by working on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with my team of academics and Silicon Valley's top executives. The iSchool's commitment to fostering innovation and connecting with exceptional individuals has without a doubt significantly shaped my career trajectory.
What advice would you like to share with iSchool students?
Embrace your imagination (an extraordinary gift), be ambitious and resilient, and dream confidently.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy painting and sketching. When the weather is good, I like to go sailing. I'm also training for my pilot license at a local flight school, which has been my dream since grade school.