Iranian Professionals in Washington

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A powerful memoir of medicine, identity, and family secrets from an esteemed OB/GYN. Third Place Books welcomes author and ob-gyn Dr. Mary Fariba Afsari to our Seward Park store for a conversation about her new book Labor: One Woman's Work. Weaving together stories about her grandmother's mysterious death in midcentury Iran and her own modern-day experiences founding a mobile women's health clinic, Dr. Afsari's memoir is a rallying cry for compassionate care and reproductive freedom. Dr. Afsari will be joined in conversation by Dr. Ben DeLisa. This event is free and open to the public. For important updates, RSVP is highly recommended in advance. This event will include a public signing and time for audience Q&A. Sustain our author series by purchasing a copy of the featured book! Tickets: This event is free to attend. For important updates, registration is highly recommended in advance. About Labor: One Woman's Work. . . A powerful memoir of medicine, identity, and family secrets from an esteemed ob-gyn as she unravels her grandmother’s mysterious death while reimagining women’s health care from a mobile clinic—for readers of The Beauty in Breaking and The In-Between. In Labor: One Woman’s Work, Dr. Mary Afsari takes us on a deeply personal and transformative journey through her life as an ob-gyn. Set against the vivid backdrops of Portland, Oregon, and Shiraz, Iran, this powerful memoir intertwines the complexities of her professional life with the hidden truths of her family’s past, exploring the intersection of medicine, identity, and the enduring search for agency. The story begins in the bustling corridors of an Oregon hospital, where Mary dedicates herself wholeheartedly to her patients—often at great personal cost. At the same time, Mary uncovers a long-buried family secret: the tragic story of her grandmother Mehry’s death in 1950s Iran. This revelation propels her on a quest to untangle the threads of her family’s history while confronting the forces that have shaped her identity and her professional mission. As Mary struggles with the oppressive realities of the medical-industrial complex and the growing attacks on women’s reproductive rights, she chooses a path of bold defiance. Inspired by her grandmother’s legacy and her own commitment to compassionate care, she decides to take her work out of the hospital and on the road: she converts an RV into a mobile women’s health clinic. This innovative act allows her to deliver personalized, critical reproductive health care services across the Pacific Northwest, creating community and enduring friendships along the way. “When women don’t have a choice, bad things happen,” Mary writes. Labor is an intimate, immersive personal story, a rallying cry in a post-Roe world, and an inspiring example of what women can do when they do have a choice. Rich with the voices of her patients and the vibrant cultural threads of her Iranian heritage, Mary’s story challenges us to rethink the boundaries of health care and reclaim the autonomy of women’s bodies and lives. With warmth, insight, and humor, Labor ultimately offers a vision of transformation, resilience, and the power of reclaiming one’s path and saving other people’s lives in the process. Mary Fariba Afsari, DO, is a board-certified ob-gyn who founded FemForward Health in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency and also holds a MS in health communication from Tufts University/Emerson College. She is the author of Labor: One Woman’s Work. About Third Place Books Founded in 1998 in Lake Forest Park, Washington, Third Place Books is dedicated to the creation of a community around books and the ideas inside them. With locations in Lake Forest Park and Seattle's Ravenna and Seward Park neighborhoods, Third Place Books is proud to serve the entire Seattle metro area.

Rooted in the Iranian-American experience, the Iranian American Community of Washington represents a dedicated group of individuals committed to envisioning a free and democratic Iran where every citizen can safely pursue their aspirations. Based in Washington, WA, this community-driven organization brings together people who share a vision of a nation built on democratic principles, respect for human rights, and religious tolerance. The organization believes that meaningful change begins with community solidarity and grassroots engagement. Members work collaboratively to support one another while maintaining hope for a future Iran where diverse traditions are honored and individual freedoms are protected. The Iranian American Community of Washington serves as a gathering place for those passionate about social change, offering opportunities for members to connect, share experiences, and contribute to advocacy efforts. By fostering genuine relationships and mutual support, the organization creates a welcoming environment where Iranian Americans can maintain cultural connections while working toward their shared vision. The group's emphasis on celebrating different religious traditions and protecting individual dignity reflects the values that unite its members across Washington state.

Based in Seattle, Washington, the Iranian American Community Alliance represents a grassroots movement to unite, strengthen, and mobilize the Iranian American community while fostering meaningful connections with neighbors throughout the greater Seattle area. Founded on principles of unity, diversity, and solidarity, this non-profit organization transcends religious and political boundaries to create inclusive spaces where Iranian Americans can celebrate their heritage and contribute to their adopted community. The Iranian American Community Alliance has built a reputation for bringing people together through cultural celebrations like the Seattle Iranian Festival, which has grown to become a beloved annual tradition. Beyond cultural events, the organization is deeply committed to mentoring future leaders and recognizing the invaluable experience and wisdom of community elders, creating intergenerational bridges that strengthen social fabric. The organization's approach reflects a genuine desire to serve not only the Iranian American community but also the broader Seattle neighborhood, demonstrating that cultural pride and civic participation go hand in hand. Through volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and community partnerships, the Iranian American Community Alliance invites Seattle residents of all backgrounds to participate in building a more connected and compassionate community. This Seattle-based organization stands as a testament to how immigrant communities can preserve cultural identity while enriching the larger society they call home.