A passionate and engaging presenter and speaker, Arash brings a nuanced perspective to discussions on diversity, class, ethnicity, ability, and equity. As an immigrant child and asylum seeker growing up in multiple countries, and as an adult speaking five languages and working many years internationally, Arash is no stranger to cross-cultural experiences. Suffering a life-changing injury in 2012 turned his world upside down, but Arash has continued challenging conventions and pushing for paradigm shifts, especially within the American healthcare system and in conversations about disability and minority representation. He attributes his Northern California upbringing not only for his passion for advocacy and raising the voices of the most marginalized people, but also for his love of food, the outdoors, cooking and gardening – activities he still cherishes today.