Fareaba Moradiahani is a 2022-2023 master’s-level fellow alumna with the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems. Fareaba received a master of science in marriage and family therapy (MFT) from Northwestern University and a bachelor of science in sociology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2016. Currently, Fareaba serves as a relationship and sex therapist in the Chicago area.
When reflecting on how the MFP has enriched her academic and professional career, Fareaba shared that she has been provided opportunities for professional growth and development and has gained a sense of confidence she may not have had before joining. She stated, “The MFP has connected me with so many fellows (doctoral and master’s) and presenters in such an empowering way. The speakers have really resonated with me, and I have kept them in the back of my mind for when I could ask them to come present again someday. It also allowed me to get comfortable in spaces when I am presenting, as I realized I can grow just as much as the leaders in the room have.”
Fareaba was initially drawn to the MFP because the fellowship mission aligned with her goals of serving minority populations. She shared, “I am heavily interested in studying and advocating for marginalized populations, and I am committed to fostering an inclusive space and affirmative practice of relational diversity. I knew that applying to the program would provide me with the tools to do so.”
Fareaba shared that her time in her MFP program has gone far beyond building her professional and educational skillset and that through the program, she has gained a sense of identity, community, and belonging. She went on to say, “Being in the MFP has empowered me to take on more leadership roles and provide more information and resources to others in the community. This fellowship has helped me align my identities of being Queer, Iranian, and an MFT and speak on my values in professional spaces. I appreciated the encouragement to continue in my academic work and desire to work with minority populations.”