A National Iranian-American Civic Network

Uniting a community. Building the next generation of leaders.

Cyrus Alliance connects Iranian-Americans across the United States—students, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and community leaders—to strengthen civic engagement, advance leadership, and expand our representation in American public life.

50States, one network
5Communities we unite
1Shared set of founding values
Our Mission

A vibrant national network, rooted in shared principles.

Our mission is to unite Iranian-Americans across the United States by fostering meaningful connections among students, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and community leaders. We are committed to strengthening civic engagement, advancing leadership development, and building a vibrant national network that empowers Iranian-Americans to contribute to the prosperity, democratic institutions, and founding principles of the United States.

We support the universal values of freedom, human dignity, human rights, and self-determination for the people of Iran while encouraging active participation in American civic life. Through education, mentorship, advocacy, and community building, we seek to cultivate the next generation of Iranian-American leaders and expand the community's representation in public service, government, academia, business, and Congress.

What We Do

Four ways we move the community forward.

Education, mentorship, advocacy, and community building—working together to turn shared heritage into shared impact.

Connect

We build a coast-to-coast network linking students, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and community leaders—so no member of our community has to build their path alone.

Lead

Through mentorship and leadership development, we cultivate the next generation of Iranian-American leaders and prepare them to serve in every arena of American life.

Engage

We encourage active participation in American civic life—voting, public service, and community leadership—strengthening the democratic institutions that protect us all.

Advocate

We champion freedom, human dignity, and human rights, and we work to expand our community's representation in government, academia, business, and Congress.

Why "Cyrus"

A name that carries the world's oldest charter of human rights.

We take our name from Cyrus the Great, whose ancient cylinder is widely regarded as one of history's earliest declarations of human dignity and tolerance. It is a heritage that belongs to every Iranian—and a value that belongs to all humanity.

From an ancient charter of human dignity to a modern community of civic leaders.

That legacy is the bridge at the heart of our work: honoring Persian heritage while embracing the founding principles of the United States, and standing for freedom and self-determination for the people of Iran.

What We Stand For

Universal values, civic responsibility.

I

Freedom

Liberty as the foundation of a flourishing society.

II

Human Dignity

The inherent worth of every person, everywhere.

III

Human Rights

Rights that are universal, indivisible, and inalienable.

IV

Self-Determination

The right of the Iranian people to shape their own future.

Who We Are

One community, many callings.

Wherever you are on your path, there is a place for you in the Alliance.

Students Professionals Entrepreneurs Academics Community Leaders
Schools In Our Network

A growing presence on campuses nationwide.

Our community is taking root at universities across the country, connecting Iranian-American students with mentors, leaders, and one another.

Yale University

New Haven, CT
Students

UCLA

Los Angeles, CA
Students

USC

Los Angeles, CA
Students

UC Davis

Davis, CA
Students
Board & Leadership

The people building the Alliance.

MD
Founder

Milad Davaran

Founder of Cyrus Alliance, working to unite Iranian-Americans nationwide and cultivate the next generation of community leaders.

Education

  • Yale University B.A. in Political Science, Certificate in Human Rights (expected May 2028)
  • Saddleback College A.A.-T in Political Science
  • A.A. in Liberal Studies
  • A.A. in General Studies: Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • A.A. in General Studies: Interdisciplinary Studies
  • General Education Certification: IGETC
DK
Lead Mentor

Daniel Khalessi

Lead Mentor to Cyrus Alliance, guiding the network's students with experience across law, global affairs, and public service.

Education

  • Stanford Law School Doctor of Law (J.D.); first Iranian-American President of the Stanford Law Review
  • Yale University M.A., Global Affairs, Grand Strategy
  • Yenching Academy of Peking University Master's Degree, Economics & Management (Yenching Scholar, 1st Cohort)
  • Stanford University B.A., International Relations, Honors from the Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC)
Get Involved

Join a national movement.

Whether you want to become a member, mentor the next generation, host an event in your city, or simply stay connected—we'd love to hear from you.