I’m Aryan, and alongside my husband, Abas, and our two wonderful sons, Milad and Navid, we have been proud to call Rolling Hills home since 2017. Originally from Iran, Abas and I met and married in the South Bay 28 years ago, and while the boys were both born here, our Persian heritage remains a vibrant part of our lives. We chose to settle in Rolling Hills because of its tranquility and natural beauty. There’s something magical about the winding roads lined with towering trees, creating a peaceful oasis, a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. What makes this community even more special is the warmth and kindness of our neighbors. It truly feels like an extended family where lifelong friendships are easily made.

Milad, who’s 25 now, graduated from Redondo High School with honors before pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences at UC Irvine. He’s always had a deep interest in sports, starting with flag football, then moving on to varsity football and rugby in high school. While at university, he also started a football club for female students, teaching football techniques, organizing games and exercises, also leading initiatives group efforts to clean up beaches on weekends. In addition, he has a very creative and artistic side, which he explored through paintings, singing, writing songs, and ceramics. These days, his passion is restoring and racing classic Porsche cars, a craft that blends his artistic and mechanical talents.

Navid, 24, graduate of Redondo High School, where he received top honors, including recognition from both the Secretary of Education and the President. He later earned a degree in Environmental Science and Urban Planning from UC Berkeley, graduating with highest honors. Following his graduation, he was selected through the New York Mayor's Office for a prestigious program to gain experience in Housing Authority Agency programs and diplomacy. Currently, he’s studying at Harvard Kennedy School, working toward a master’s in public policy. Navid has always had an artistic and creative side, too — he was always a painter but discovered his passion for theater, dancing, and acting in high school. He also took Chinese language courses at Beijing University and has lived in China for a time, an experience that enriched his perspective on global cultures.

From an early age, both Milad and Navid shared a passion for caring for animals, often volunteering at local animal shelters. This love has grown into a family tradition, with pets playing a central role in their lives. Today, their Doberman, Iris, is affectionately known as the “neighborhood dog,” greeting everyone with boundless energy and affection. Alongside Iris is Velvet, our sweet Persian cat, who adds a touch of grace and charm to our home.

Both boys are compassionate, creative, and culturally curious, blending their academic and artistic passions in ways that inspire us every day. Their determination, curiosity, and kind-hearted nature give us immense hope for their futures. As parents, it’s incredibly rewarding to see their commitment to making the world a better place. Their laughter and jokes always make us happy, and their positivity fuels our optimism and reminds us of the power of passion and purpose.

Being Iranian American, we cherish the blending of two cultures, and we find great joy in celebrating both our Persian roots and the traditions that come with being part of an American family. One of the most important celebrations for us is Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which marks the arrival of Spring. It’s a time to reflect, renew, and set intentions for personal growth. "Nowruz" is over 3,000 years old and carries deep meaning in our lives. It’s a day to look at the past year and recreate what we want in our lives, honor relationships, love and forgive any mistakes made by others, and plan for the year ahead, with an emphasis on peace and mindfulness.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are also important holidays for our family. We love having a large table surrounded by family and friends, sharing a meal, telling stories and jokes, and creating memories. Before the pandemic, we hosted large gatherings of family and friends, and it was always about the joy of togetherness.

Another tradition that’s incredibly important to us is our Sunday family meals. No matter what the week brings, we always come together on Sundays to cook and share a meal. It's a time to slow down, catch up, laugh and really enjoy each other’s company.

Abas and I have each built careers that are deeply fulfilling, and we’ve always tried to follow our passions, whether in our work or personal lives.

Abas a pioneer in renewable energy and electric vehicles has dedicated over 40 years advocating sustainable technology. He’s a registered professional engineer with a PhD and has been a key player in the electric vehicle industry for decades. He worked as the Technical Director at Hughes for the GM EV1 program, the first electric vehicle in the world; and later on, he led projects involving electric and hybrid, fuel cell buses and trucks nationally and internationally since the 1980s, and even the first full electric helicopter for Sikorsky. In addition, he developed the drivetrain to produce electricity via windmill back in the 1980s. His work left a lasting impact in the EV, Hybrid, and Fuel Cell world, and his textbook is currently used globally in universities for future students in the field. He’s now the CEO of Magmotor Technologies, where they develop high-performance magnetics, and servo drives with automation systems. Abas has always been passionate about sustainability, and it’s been inspiring to see how far he’s come in contributing to the transition toward cleaner energy, creative solutions for sustainability and mobility.

I, on the other hand, have had a diverse career. I was an executive in the corporate world as a CFO and VP of Operations with a degree in Business and Coaching before stepping back to focus on my creative side and entrepreneurial work. My heart has always been in art in all its forms — whether that’s painting, ceramics, or photography. It’s through my artwork that I feel I can express deep emotions that words often can’t capture. I also spend my time working with various nonprofits focused on community building and sustainability, practicing mindfulness both locally and internationally.

When it comes to unwinding, we each have our own way of relaxing. For Abas, it’s all about gardening, walking our dog, and cooking — especially when it’s shared with family or friends. “For me, it’s about spending time in nature and in the kitchen,” he says. "Cooking with loved ones makes everything taste better!"

I, on the other hand, find joy in reading, meditating, and taking photographs. I’m always walking around our neighborhood, snapping pictures of what catches my eye, from flowers to scenes that reflect our beautiful surroundings. I also love traveling — especially where the culture, food, and art always leave me inspired.

Traveling also inspires us: countries like Italy's rich culture and art captivate me, while Abas is drawn to the diversity of Asia and South America.

Community is at the heart of our lives. I’ve been involved in many community initiatives, from supporting local art programs to fundraising for education and children’s charities. I served in different programs of Redondo Beach Board of Education, also as an executive board member for the South Coast Botanic Garden and the Palos Verdes Art Center for years. In addition, I was a Director’s Council member at UCLA's Fowler Museum and am currently a Contemporary Council member. Most recently, I’ve been focusing on sustainability, working with our neighbors to find solutions to environmental challenges.

Abas is also deeply committed to giving back, especially when it comes to STEM education and environmental advocacy. He’s volunteered his time as a guest speaker at universities and supported local environmental groups like the Coalition for Clean Air. Both of us feel strongly about educating and empowering others to make a positive impact on our world.

Favorite Things Around Town

Living in Rolling Hills has its own retreat-style perks, and we love to take full advantage of the peaceful surroundings. Abas enjoys taking walks and soaking in the natural beauty of the trails and landscapes, while I love walking around town, snapping pictures of anything that captures my attention.

As for dining and entertainment, I love murder mystery TV shows and attending art gallery and art show events, while Abas enjoys good food from all cultures (as long as it's shared with friends). He equally enjoys comedy and documentary shows.

 

We feel incredibly lucky to be part of this community. Our time in Rolling Hills has been filled with meaningful connections, a beautiful environment, and a deep sense of belonging. Whether it’s through our careers, creative passions, or commitment to giving back, we’ve found our home here in every sense of the word. Living here has been a dream.

Thank you for letting me share our story. We look forward to continuing to build relationships with our neighbors and being part of this wonderful community for years to come.