Rooted Southern California
About Us
Welcome, we're Rooted Southern California
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization for public benefit, currently based in Irvine, CA, serving all parts of Southern California. Our Mission is help new Southern Californians navigate their new home and as our name suggests, create new roots. Our goals are to Provide support and a safe space for immigrants to find or create a community, with a focus on addressing the specific needs of immigrants in Southern California. Fill a critical gap in services for immigrants by providing access to mental health services, support networks, and community-building opportunities. Build stronger communities by fostering inclusion and a more cohesive and supportive society. Promote well-being by offering mental health support, cultural integration programs, and resources for immigrants to improve their overall quality of life. Empower individuals by providing programs and services that enhance skills, build confidence, and help immigrants thrive in their new community.
Meet Our Team
Lara Shahabi
President and Director
Lara Shahabi is the founder of Rooted Southern California, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering immigrants through community-building, mental health services, and cultural integration programs. As a 2024 graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Lara holds a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, where she developed a deep understanding of human societies and cultures, which she now applies to her work with immigrants in Southern California. Lara’s academic journey has been shaped by a passion for understanding the complexities of human experiences, particularly the challenges faced by immigrant communities. Her studies at UCLA, combined with hands-on work in the community, have fueled her desire to create spaces where individuals feel supported, seen, and connected. She believes that access to mental health services, community networks, and resources are essential for individuals to thrive and contribute to society in meaningful ways. In addition to her work with Rooted Southern California, Lara is an aspiring physician, with plans to pursue medical school in the near future. Her goal is to combine her background in anthropology with her medical aspirations to provide holistic care to underserved communities, bridging the gap between healthcare and social support systems. Through Rooted Southern California, Lara aims to create an inclusive environment where immigrants can not only navigate the challenges they face but also feel empowered to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. Her dedication to community welfare, mental health, and education drives the organization's mission to foster stronger, more cohesive communities across Southern California
Niki Aftabi
Director
As a Southern California native and a student of Criminology, Law, and Society at the University of California, Irvine, she possesses a deep understanding of the systemic challenges immigrant communities face. Her academic background shapes her approach to advocacy, equipping her with the knowledge to drive meaningful change.
Beyond her work with Rooted Southern California, Niki is a small business owner with extensive experience in community service. Her entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to social impact enable her to develop innovative solutions that address the needs of immigrant populations. Through her leadership, Niki advances the organization’s mission to foster inclusion, strengthen community connections, and create opportunities for individuals to thrive.
Kimiya Karimi
Director
Kimiya Karimi graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is currently applying to dental schools to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a dentist.
Over the years, Kimiya has been deeply involved in volunteer initiatives, including her work with the Lucent Dental Foundation in Pomona, California, where she helped provide free dental care, resources, and oral health education to underserved communities. Her background in psychology has allowed her to work closely with minority and underserved populations, both during her undergraduate studies and through various outreach events.
As someone with many cousins, aunts, and uncles who immigrated from Iran, Kimiya has witnessed firsthand the challenges of adjusting to a new country. This inspired her to dedicate her free time to researching resources for newcomers and organizing events that foster confidence and connection, particularly for non-native speakers.
With experience as a dental assistant, Kimiya has met many patients whose stories reinforced the need for a nonprofit like Rooted Southern California. Her extensive volunteer work with organizations such as the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Food Bank, and the Pre-Dental Society at Cal Poly Pomona has further strengthened her commitment to service. Kimiya brings a wealth of experience and leadership that will help ensure immigrants and minorities feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to build a fulfilling life in Southern California, one that feels as close to home as possible.