International bestselling author Ernie Zelinsky once wrote, “Don’t trust in the catalysts that other people in society choose as a career, trust in your own catalysts.” Feeling passionate and inspired by your work is a dream many strive for, but it’s easier said than done. Going where your curiosity leads requires persistence and a willingness to dive in from the deep end. Ariana Lily Nikmanesh ’18 is taking that leap and using her interests and passions to carve her own path.
Nikhmanesh is an Iranian-American woman born and raised in Colorado. Growing up surrounded by sunshine and natural beauty had a profound impact on her and she feels that Colorado is her home no matter where she is in the world. As she grew up, Nikhmanesh faced expectations about her future career. “I think this pattern can be found across cultures, where there is pressure to pursue a field that is perceived as more prestigious and practical for that culture.” Surrounded by stories like these, she found solace in the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita: “It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live someone else's life perfectly.”
When it came time to attend college, the location and diversity of the University of Colorado Denver Business School appealed to Nikmanesh. “I wanted to be somewhere where I could learn from diverse perspectives and be close to the action and opportunities in Denver.” Inspired by an entrepreneurial spirit and wanting to promote more women in the business world, Nikmanesh earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, a minor in Political Science, and a Certificate in Strategic Communications. During her time at university, her curiosity led her to explore different avenues. This experience, combined with her passion for creating positive change, led Nikmanesh to become a Marketing Assistant at Business Career Connections, the Business School representative on the University Council for Student Government, and a Research Assistant for the Business School's Director of Management.
At an event hosted by the University of Colorado Denver, Nikmanesh was introduced to the founders of the National Millennial and Gen Z Community, an organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of millennials and Gen Z and combating generational stereotypes. Nikmanesh jumped on board and soon founded the organization's Denver chapter and became its founding representative, with roles advising high-profile organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and the White House.
As an undergraduate, Nikmanesh had the opportunity to visit Japan as part of the Kakehashi Project and work with the Japanese government and companies. Through this work, he became interested in the intersection of international relations and the business world. “It was wonderful to see the cultural differences between the two countries and to see how people from different cultural backgrounds can work together to find solutions to some of the country's most complex issues.”
“It has been gratifying to witness the cultural differences between our two countries and to see how, despite our different cultural backgrounds, we can work together to find solutions to some of our country's most complex issues.”
Ariana Lily Nikhmanesh
This experience inspired Nikmanesh to pursue a Master of Foreign Service in International Politics and Security from Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service. She graduated with a postgraduate certificate in Gender, Peace, Security and Diplomacy. As with her undergraduate years, Nikmanesh was highly active during her master's degree. She served as a Presidential Fellow at the Center for Presidential and Congressional Studies, a Fellow at the United Nations Graduate Fellows Program, a Graduate Intern at the U.S. Department of State's Office of International Media Engagement, a Fellow at the Global Network Initiative, and a Master of Foreign Service Fellow with the Associate Director of the Master of Foreign Service Program.
But her hard work and dedication came at a price. “As an undergrad, I prioritized work, school and extracurricular activities over my health. Deadlines and academic pressures took precedence, leaving little time for exercise, rest or simply checking in with myself.” As her busy lifestyle was taking a toll on her health, Nikmanesh decided to make a change. She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher certification, which for her is the culmination of personal growth and self-discovery. Not only did Nikmanesh gain a deeper understanding of yoga poses and their philosophy, she also learned how to live a more balanced lifestyle and how to support others in achieving it. She now preaches the importance of promoting and prioritizing mental and physical health. “Whenever I am asked to speak on a panel or engage with students, I try to tell them that nothing is more important than your physical, mental and emotional health – roles, money, GPA, relationships – and that prioritizing your health will allow you to achieve more in other important areas of your life.”
Currently, Nikmanesh serves as a Senior Policy Analyst in Salesforce's Ethical and Humane Use Office, ensuring the company's technology uplifts society and upholds the fundamental human rights of all human beings. Nikmanesh specializes in international human rights due diligence and is also the co-author of Salesforce's first Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use Policy, where she developed and implemented a company-wide ethical use policy designed to ensure ethical use of Salesforce AI applications around the world.
Nikmanesh's mentors and associates at CU Denver have guided her throughout her academic journey and beyond. “I am extremely grateful for the continued support of my mentors at CU Denver. Their belief in my potential, guidance and encouragement have been invaluable to my personal and professional growth. I am fortunate to have had mentors who have played such an important role in my journey after graduation. I would not be where I am today without them, and I am truly grateful for their unwavering support.”
Last year, Nikmanesh co-founded the Center for Asian Pacific American Women's Mentorship Programs (CAPAW Women's Mentorship Program) to pass on the mentorship she once received to the next generation. The program helps develop leadership skills among Asian American women and women of color overall. Because of her work with CAPAW, Nikmanesh was invited to represent the organization at the White House in March 2024 to celebrate Women's History Month. “It's truly an honor and challenging to have been able to help build a platform that supports the advancement of women in various fields.”
Defying expectations and forging new paths isn't easy, but Ariana Lily Nikmanesh is testament to the power of curiosity, exploration and entrepreneurial spirit. From Japan to the White House, she's pursued her passions, built a rewarding career and lived a balanced personal life. She continues to help others on their journeys, speaking to current students at the University of Colorado Denver about the importance of mental and physical health and encouraging those around her through mentorship. In every way, Nikmanesh embodies the spirit of the lifelong Lynx.
