Sakineh Mostafavi Redjali

Dr. Sakineh (Simin) Mostafavi Redjali, a pioneering Iranian-American psychologist, educator, and advocate for women’s advancement, died on October 15, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 91.

Born on June 22, 1934, in Tehran, Iran, Dr. Redjali was among the first Iranian women to pursue advanced studies abroad. She earned a Ph.D. in Education and Clinical Psychology with highest honors from Heidelberg University in Germany and completed postdoctoral research at the University of London.

Returning to Iran in the 1960s, she became the first woman to attain the highest professorial rank at the National University of Iran, where she taught psychology. She later founded and served as president of Shemiran College, training generations of teachers and shaping national education policy. As Secretary General of the Women’s Organization of Iran from 1969 to 1971, she helped establish a nationwide network of family welfare centers offering social services, literacy programs, and vocational training to women and children.

Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Dr. Redjali immigrated to the United States, where she continued her distinguished career in education and mental health. From 1979 to 1992, she directed the Child Development Center and Adult Training Center in Lynchburg, Va., overseeing programs for children and adults with developmental and educational needs. She later served as research director at the same institution and held clinical and faculty positions with the Medical College of Richmond, the University of Virginia, and the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute.

Dr. Redjali authored numerous scholarly works and a memoir, A Symphony of Life: Triumph of Education over Adversity (2013), chronicling her life’s journey through war, revolution, and cultural change. Her legacy continues through a scholarship established in her name at George Mason University to support future educators.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Said Khadiri; her daughter, Gita Khadiri; her son, Reza Khadiri; her son-in-law, Fred Khoroushi; and two grandchildren, Cameron and Sophia Khoroushi.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Redjali and Dr. Khadiri Graduate Endowed Scholarship at the George Mason University Foundation: https://advancement.gmu.edu/26ED3

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 26th, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at National Funeral Home, located at 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.

Immediately following, a graveside service will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at National Memorial Park, also at 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.

Family and friends are warmly invited to a Celebration of Life gathering from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 8513 Capo Court, Vienna, Virginia 22182, to honor and remember a beautiful life well lived.