Hoda & Shervin started ARC for the community they wished they'd had.

Two immigrants who know what it means to rebuild a life far from home, and how much lighter it feels with a table full of people who get it. Food, wellness, and honest conversation are how they bring everyone back together.

We came to the US separately, Shervin 24 years ago, Hoda two years later, not knowing each other yet. Twenty years ago, we met at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where we were both working on our Ph.D.s in Mathematical Modeling. We fell in love, started dating, and three years later we got married right there in Ann Arbor. Since then: careers in science and tech, two boys, a few moves around the country, and finally settling in Seattle.

Twenty years of building a life together has taught us this: the degrees and job titles are nice, but what carries you through is family, good friends, and people you can call when you're stuck. Like a lot of immigrants, we've had to figure things out as we went... careers, money, marriage, raising kids in a culture different from the one we grew up in, staying healthy, trying side businesses, and learning how to put down roots in new soil without letting go of the ancient ones we came from.

Ancient Roots Circle came out of that experience. It's a community for Persians anywhere in the world to swap ideas, share what's worked (and what hasn't), and support each other. We're not experts and we don't have all the answers, but we've made enough mistakes over two decades to have learned a few things worth passing on. Mostly, we want this to be a place where people can make real friendships, celebrate our culture, and build good lives without having to figure it all out alone.

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Hoda Parvin is a technology executive, AI leader, nutrition coach, fitness educator, and the co-founder of Ancient Roots Circle.

With a Ph.D. in Mathematical Modeling from University of Michigan and more than 15 years of experience building AI-powered products at companies including Amazon and Walmart, Hoda has always been passionate about solving complex problems. Today, that same passion extends beyond technology to helping people build healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

Having built a career and a home in a new country, Hoda understands that thriving abroad is about more than professional success. Through career coaching, evidence-based nutrition, fitness education, and meaningful conversations, she enjoys helping others grow with confidence while building strong communities and lasting friendships.

At Ancient Roots Circle, Hoda brings together science, wellness, and community to help members succeed in every aspect of life while staying connected to their Persian roots.

Shervin Beygi is a scientist, lifelong home cook, history enthusiast, music lover, and the co-founder of Ancient Roots Circle.

Originally trained as a mathematical modeler, Shervin approaches cooking the same way he approaches science, with curiosity, experimentation, and a desire to understand how things work. His passion for cooking began at the age of eight, and instead of teaching recipes to memorize, he teaches the why behind ingredients, techniques, and flavors so people can cook with creativity and confidence.

When he's not in the kitchen, you'll likely find him exploring Persian and world history, listening to music, or diving into conversations about culture and ideas. At Ancient Roots Circle, he loves bringing people together to learn, share stories, celebrate traditions, and build meaningful connections that make a new country feel like home.