IY HAPPY SPACE
The Intriguing Foundation
Vision
Intrigue Yellow® Lifestyle Foundation catalyzes hope and beauty in the world by transforming untold narratives into extraordinary stories and shifting biased views toward global, inclusive diversity. With a minimalist approach that drives maximal impact, IY empowers purposeful living, functional optimism, and resilient emotional well-being through art, science, and human connection, inspiring personal growth and a more harmonious, fulfilled world.
mission
IY designs a lifestyle rooted in humanitarian values, tailored to the needs of modern humanity. We address today’s challenges through wellness, emotional agility, and intellectual intelligence. IY supports independent artists, elevates underrepresented voices, and preserves global cultural heritage beyond libraries and museums—free from political and religious influence—while empowering individuals through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and global mentorship.
Vision
Intrigue Yellow® Lifestyle Foundation catalyzes hope and beauty in the world by transforming untold narratives into extraordinary stories and shifting biased views toward global, inclusive diversity. With a minimalist approach that drives maximal impact, IY empowers purposeful living, functional optimism, and resilient emotional well-being through art, science, and human connection, inspiring personal growth and a more harmonious, fulfilled world.
Mission
IY designs a lifestyle rooted in humanitarian values, tailored to the needs of modern humanity. We address today’s challenges through wellness, emotional agility, and intellectual intelligence. IY supports independent artists, elevates underrepresented voices, and preserves global cultural heritage beyond libraries and museums—free from political and religious influence—while empowering individuals through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and global mentorship.
An innovative Approach
Mentorship leads a path where loyalty is valued and higher levels of learning take place. Every campaign is led by an inspiring mentor who is most capable of telling IY stories in its entirety.
Initiate and Import Entrusting Relations
By changing perspective optimistically looking deeper and asking why, IY encapsulates marginalizations as a cause that could otherwise be a soft power that remedies to redesign a happier lifestyle for all humankinds.
Identify and Design Finer Campaigns
Funds created via project-based start-up format, collaborations, sponsorships, and donations build scholarships for the next generations of creatives.
Activate Entrepreneurial Philanthropy
Initiate and Import Entrusting Relations
Mentorship leads a path where loyalty is valued and higher levels of learning take place. Every campaign is led by an inspiring mentor who is most capable of telling IY stories in its entirety
Identify and Design Finer Campaigns
By changing perspective optimistically looking deeper and asking why, IY encapsulates marginalizations as a cause that could otherwise be a soft power that remedies to redesign a happier lifestyle for all humankinds
Activate Entrepreneurial Philanthropy
Funds created via project-based start-up format, collaborations, sponsorships, and donations build scholarships for the next generations of creatives
The Intriguers Circle
The Intriguers
Circle
IY Altruists, Advisors, Volunteers, & Visionary Collaborators
Mahtab Hariri
Board Director / Creator
Mahtab Hariri Pharm.D. is not your typical pharmacist. She is a modern, multi-cultured visionary in the form of an old soul Persian Apothecarist, who believes finding life remedies for human beings’ maladies and social challenges requires the same process: an insightful self and ‘happy’ emotions. She proposes a creative lifestyle that aligns and balances human beings’ feminine and masculine energies but brings attention to the softer power of female creativity for making a change & closing gaps from self to surroundings. Dr. Mahtab has practiced as a clinical pharmacist, with more than 15 years of experience in academia from the University of Maryland to the University of Illinois colleges of Pharmacy. She was trained as a post-doctorate resident in Ambulatory Medicine and her focus had been on Neurology & Internal Medicine and HIV. She was the pioneer in setting up and trending health initiatives in Comprehensive Pharmaceutical Care Practice in the mid-’90s; as a patient-focused and disease outcome-based pharmacotherapist.
Kristina Farra
Board Director / Marketing
Kristine Farra has been involved in the Real Estate, Lifestyle + Marketing Sector as a top producer for over 10 years and is known for her unsurpassed knowledge of this dynamic market, offering the most comprehensive as well as ultimate custom marketing programs! Kristine has been featured in many publications, broadcast media and is also top 2% Linkedin profile. She received her doctorate from Northwestern University, with an international background maintains a global perspective and speaks 3+ languages. Kristine’s extensive involvement in philanthropic boards and committees, many with a strong emphasis on empowerment, lend itself well to supporting and enhancing exposure and support of The Intrigue Yellow Foundation, it’s programs and causes.
Shawna Rodgers
Board Director / Fundrising
Shawna is a seasoned fundraising professional with demonstrated success in raising millions for universities, healthcare facilities, and other non-profit organizations. Her experience includes managing volunteer leaders, leading staff during organizational change, and non-profit board development.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from University of Maryland and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She is an active volunteer with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), a Faculty Trainer for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and a member of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WŌC).
Shohreh Bakhsheshian
Engagement Committee Co-Chair Wellbeing
Shohreh, a fitness trainer and owner of Os-1 in Dubai, joined on a transformative journey with Intrigue Yellow®️ to unveil the authentic narrative of Pahlevani, an ancient flow beyond exercise from Persia. This collaboration, initiated through the IY’s Human Wellbeing Project in 2022, aims to address its historical underrepresentation due to gender and politics. Rooted in a tradition dating back over 3000 years, the emotional essence behind Pahlevani is being revitalized and integrated into the lifestyle medicine framework, pioneered by Mahtab Hariri, Pharm.D., Co-chair of the Wellness Engagement Committee.
Shohreh, a fitness trainer and owner of Os-1 in Dubai, joined on a transformative journey with Intrigue Yellow®️to unveil the authentic narrative of Pahlevani, an ancient flow beyond exercise from Persia. This collaboration, initiated through the IY’s Human Wellbeing Project in 2022, aims to address its historical underrepresentation due to gender and politics. Rooted in a tradition dating back over 3000 years, the emotional essence behind Pahlevani is being revitalized and integrated into the lifestyle medicine framework, pioneered by Mahtab Hariri, Pharm.D., Co-chair of the Wellness Engagement Committee.
Behzad Bolour
Expression Committee Co-Chair Media
Behzad Bolour won the National Award for Fine Arts in Iranian High Schools and studied Iranian traditional music. Behzad left Iran in 1983 (he says on his Instagram page that he ran away) and turned to fashion design, interior design, and murals, and recorded a traditional Persian album, which in 1990 paved the way for him in producing music and youth programs, performing, and producing BBC Persian Radio opened and then prepared the entertainment magazine “Rooze Haftom”.[2]
His “Boose Tarikh” program, or “Kiss History”, has been nominated for numerous awards for BBC World Service, as well as his other programs. He has appeared in a series of animated films in the role of a stallion and has directed the BBC zigzag illustrated story project.
Shirene Rifai
Empowerment Committee Co-Chair Fashion
Shirene Rifai, a fashion entrepreneur and luxury consultant, leverages her expertise to guide brands to success in the global market. With over 18 years of experience, she has spearheaded the luxury fashion scene in the Levant through publications and strategic partnerships with renowned brands like Chopard and Bulgari. Recognized as a top influencer in the Middle East, she also champions social causes as a UNHCR Civil Society Member and founder of Jordan Fashion Week. Her latest initiative, “Born Again,” promotes environmental sustainability in fashion.
Notable Partners and Past Members :
Lucien LaGrange (2019)
Roshanak Rahnama (2019)
Shirene Rifai (2019)
Raha Didevar (2019)
Michael Aram (2019)
Faranak Vossoughi (2019)
Mahin Serry (2019)
Gisue Hariri (2019)
Marit Bohbot (2019)
Shadi Hariri (2019)
Rita Garry (2019)
Mary Beth Malone (2020)
Niaz Parvaresh (2020)
Roshanak Yousefian (2020)
Arian Khoroushi (2021)
Whitney Reynolds (2022)
Stephanette Walker (2022)
Jaafar Rouzati (2023)
Navid Madani (2021-2024)
Notable Partners and Past Members :
Lucien LaGrange (2019)
Roshanak Rahnama (2019)
Shirene Rifai (2019)
Raha Didevar (2019)
Michael Aram (2019)
Faranak Vossoughi (2019)
Mahin Serry (2019)
Gisue Hariri (2019)
Marit Bohbot (2019)
Shadi Hariri (2019)
Rita Garry (2019)
Mary Beth Malone (2020)
Niaz Parvaresh (2020)
Roshanak Yousefian (2020)
Arian Khoroushi (2021)
Whitney Reynolds (2022)
Stephanette Walker (2022)
Jaafar Rouzati (2023)
Navid Madani (2021-2024)
بنی آدم اعضایِ یکدیگرند که در آفرینش ز یک گوهرند
Human beings are parts of one whole body In creation are from one gem, and source
Human beings are parts of one whole body
In creation are from one gem, and source
Sa’adi Shirazi Persian Poet 13th Century at the entrance of United Nations
IY Sphere of Impacts
The Book Art Exchange
The Intrigue Yellow® Foundation partnered with the Art Institute of Chicago, specifically the Ryerson and Burnham Libraries of Special Collections, to expand access to the museum’s research materials. As part of this collaboration, IY donated a signed copy of Farah Pahlavi’s book, “Iran Modern: The Empress of Art,” published by Assouline. This initiative showcases the contributions of women in public service to the arts and highlights Iran’s inaccessible art collection, underscoring the mission of IY.
A Pandemic Project
Eight months after IY’s inception, we launched an initiative to support women-owned small businesses during the pandemic. The yellow mask theme and Happy Mask project combined photo and illustrative arts, fostering connections through entrepreneurial philanthropy.
Seniors Matter
During the pandemic quarantine, our initiative aimed to bring joy to local seniors by delivering yellow roses and nutritious meals, prepared by local Restaurants in Chicago, to the Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre.
Earthquake
The June 20, 1990, Rudbar, Iran earthquake was catastrophic. Led by the then-president of Rutgers University’s Iranian Student Club, now the founder of Intrigue Yellow®, $40,000 was raised to build a school in the affected region. Now, 34 years later, we hope to fund its renovation.
Fire
In April 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris suffered a devastating fire. Shortly before the inception of The Intrigue Yellow® Foundation in April 2023, funds were promptly sent by the foundation to support the rebuilding efforts of this historic landmark.
War
On Earth Day 2022, despite unexpected challenges, the foundation held its first virtual event to launch the “More Music No War” campaign, emphasizing the importance of nurturing children with music. The proceeds from the event were donated to aid the victims of the war.
Humanitarian Business Beyond Philanthropy
Contributions to styling life “well and wise” using human and natural intelligence are what matter most at Intrigue Yellow®. The non-profit foundation welcomes selected financial, intellectual, or professional donations to fulfill its philanthropic mission of designing this lifestyle. Intrigue Yellow® Inc., the connected for-profit entity, engages in joint ventures that exclusively support the foundation’s humanitarian goals. This includes providing mentorship, internships, and scholarships for scholars, with a focus on supporting under-discovered talents and women’s initiatives.
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