Sima Ladjevardian

I'm Sima Ladjevardian, an attorney, entrepreneur, and civic leader with experience across government, business, philanthropy, and community sectors. I chaired the National Women’s Business Council, advising national leaders on women's entrepreneurship, and served as Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services covering five states and 68 tribes.

My family fled political upheaval in Iran in the 1970s, leading me to pursue education at UCLA and UC Hastings College of the Law. I'm co-founder and president of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Institute, a nonprofit that advances women’s economic power, and I serve on the boards of Harris Health System and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. I've raised over $100 million to support nonprofit and civic causes. As a cancer survivor, I have worked closely with healthcare advocacy groups and have led businesses in natural stone and manufacturing.