Dr. Fariba Enteshari - Founder & Executive Director

Fariba Enteshari, EdD, Founder and Executive Director of Rumi Educational Center is an international educator, specializing in Rumi. Through her years of teaching Rumi to a wide variety of students, she has researched the beneficial and healing effects of Rumi’s poetry on the lives of her students. Born in Iran, she is fluent in Rumi’s native language and culture, allowing her to share with you the original melody and cadences of his language. Her diverse background will help the participants draw from many cultural and religious traditions, while developing their own personal voice for growth. 

To read more about Dr. Fariba Enteshari, click here.

Taryna Hollinger - Associate Director

Taryna has been working with the Rumi Educational Center since 2019. Initially seeking to gain more experience in the nonprofit world through an internship, Taryna’s role quickly grew as she worked more closely with Dr. Enteshari and contributed to the development of the organization. Taryna manages our day to day operations, coordinates publicity, and provides all administrative support to Dr. Enteshari and the organization. Graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a double major in Global Studies and Spanish, Taryna now lives and works in Spain while fulfilling her duties as Associate Director.

Kiana Ranjbaran - Programs Intern

Rumi’s poetry has been a part of Kiana’s life for many years – connecting her to her Persian heritage. Kiana is working closely with Dr. Enteshari to create a Rumi e-course. She has also taken over writing the Rumi in the World section of our Monthly Newsletter. Kiana is currently studying Biopsychology at UC Santa Barbara with the plan to continue her education in depth psychology and mythological studies. She hopes to use this knowledge in either clinical practice or to progress research and teach others. She chose an internship with REC because it will allow her to share Rumi's wisdom and love with the community, and to form a deeper relationship with it herself.

To read Kiana’s words in our Newsletter’s Rumi in the World section click below.

Minyi Jiang - Publicity Intern

Minyi first learned about Rumi through a historical lens, then found his poetry through the Rumi Educational Center. Her interest in Rumi sprung from her interest in international relations, specifically between the Middle East, the U.S. and China. Minyi manages the Rumi Educational Center LinkedIn is involved in marketing research, helping to promote the center and its mission. Her role in the center has helped her to understand the inner workings of a non-prophet as well as learn more about Middle Eastern culture and history. She is currently studying Statistics and Middle Eastern Studies as a third year at UCSB, and hopes to continue her studies of the Middle East through her Graduate Education & potential travels. Through Rumi, Minyi has gained insight on her relationship with herself, others, and the environment.