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Shirzanan works to expand access to sport for Muslim women and girls worldwide. We use sports and media to catalyze discussion and advancements in women's rights and gender equality. We produce and disseminate stories - particularly to populations whose governments limit free information and women's rights. Shirzanan is the Persian word for "female heroes" and an apt description of the Muslim female athletes who triumph over cultural, social and religious barriers to excel at sport. We promote them as role models who speak out and stand up against discrimination. To shape a positive narrative around Muslim females and counter stereotypes exacerbated by mainstream media, we train female journalists to cover female athletes and train female athletes as role models and advocates. We uphold the Olympic Charter's statement that "The practice of sport is a human right." Everyone deserves access to sport and its consequent health, academic, economic, social and gender equality.

In the wake of September 11, 2001, a group of Los Angeles media instructors and professionals gathered to discuss the tragedy. They were determined to “go global” and make a major, long-term impact on the world community.The Teen International Media Exchange (TIME) was born, and found a home at the Media Academy at Grover Cleveland High School in Reseda, CA, where two of the founders teach.Today, TIME is a non-profit organization with an explicit mission: to empower the energy of teenagers and the dynamic power of the media to create a peaceful, cooperative world community.