Sima Ladjevardian is a lawyer, a mother of two, a breast cancer survivor and a community and political activist. After leaving political upheaval and revolution, Ladjevardian’s family arrived in the United States. Through her journey as an immigrant, she saw first-hand the power and promise this country can provide. She has since worked extensively to ensure hardworking families have the opportunities to strive and be healthy. She was one of the first Iranian-American major party nominees for Congress. She ran in the 2020 Democratic primary election for U.S. House Texas District 2 on providing affordable access to health care for all. She was named among Houston’s Most Influential Women 2020-2021.
Ladjevardian was appointed as regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, serving as HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra’s representative responsible for guiding and coordinating HHS policy initiatives as they related to state, local and tribal governments in Region 6 covering Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, as well as 68 federally recognized tribal nations.
Ladjevardian is chair of the National Women’s Business Council, a non-partisan federal advisory committee to the President, the U.S. Congress and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. She also is a trustee of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and has served on many boards in the past including the Center for Public Policy and Priorities.
Ladjevardian holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from UCLA and a juris doctorate degree from Hastings College of Law. She is fluent in French, Farsi and Spanish.
Nombramiento original: Agosto de 2023