Meet Hooman “Mo” Tavakolian: Athlete, Diplomat, Humanitarian, Leader
Hooman “Mo” Tavakolian is a dynamic figure who seamlessly merges sport, diplomacy, and philanthropy. From his early days as a standout wrestler to becoming a global advocate for peace through sport, Hooman’s journey exemplifies resilience, purpose, and transformation. Born in Iran and raised in Long Island, New York from the age of nine, he has built a legacy rooted in excellence, service, and humanity.
A former NCAA Division I and III wrestler, Hooman competed at Hofstra University and Hunter College, where he earned All-Conference and New York Collegiate All-State honors. He also served as Assistant Coach at Hunter College and later became a two-time Veterans National Champion. His academic achievements are equally impressive, holding a BA in Psychology from Hunter College, an MBA from Long Island University, and a Master of Science in Law from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
Professionally, Hooman has carved a niche as a Chief Compliance Officer at a global hedge fund based in New York and London. However, it is his contributions to the global wrestling community and humanitarian causes that truly define him.
Hooman currently serves as an ambassador to wrestling, acting as a liaison between USA Wrestling, United World Wrestling (UWW), and international federations, including Iran. In 2017, during the Trump administration’s travel ban, he played a pivotal role in reversing a decision by the Iranian Ministry of Sport, allowing Team USA to participate in the Freestyle World Cup in Iran. For this action, Tavak Partners, his sports diplomacy and consulting firm, was nominated for the Peace & Sports Diplomatic Action of the Year Award.
He has served on UWW’s Sports for All Commission, UWW Asia Development, and the USA Wrestling International Relations Committee. In 2019, he became a consultant to UWW Americas and joined the board of Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, a premier U.S. wrestling club that has produced multiple World and Olympic medalists.
Championing Philanthropy through Sport
Hooman founded Hoomanities, Inc., a non-profit committed to sport and gender equality. Through this platform, he empowers female athletes, particularly in the Middle East, and promotes inclusion and opportunity through wrestling. In the wake of a deadly ISIS bombing of a wrestling gym in Kabul, Afghanistan, Hooman launched a campaign to rebuild the gym. With the support of USA Wrestling and private donors, the facility was restored by December 2018.
He is also the visionary behind the Become Your Own Dream Scholarship Fund, supporting underprivileged youth through sports, and has helped build wrestling gyms and deliver equipment to children across impoverished areas of the world.
In collaboration with Olympic champion Rasoul Khadem, Hooman supported the construction of two schools in the border region of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, while also supplying essential goods during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author and Advocate
In Spring 2021, Hooman published Hooman’s Hope, an inspirational book chronicling his journey from Iran to the U.S., highlighting his struggles and triumphs. The proceeds from the book are directed toward youth development through sports.
Living the Dream
USA Wrestling proudly welcomed Hooman Tavakolian as a Steward for the Living the Dream Medal Fund (LDMF) in 2023. The LDMF awards bonuses to Olympic and World Championship medalists, and Hooman’s involvement exemplifies his commitment to supporting athletes striving for excellence on the world stage.
“Hooman has been a true leader in wrestling and beyond,” said Rich Bender, Executive Director of USA Wrestling. “His contributions elevate the sport and inspire future generations.”
Recognitions and Testimonials
In April 2017, Hooman was inducted into the Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was also a finalist for the 2017 World Peace & Sports Diplomatic Action of the Year award.
Jordan Burroughs, Olympic and World Champion, aptly captures Hooman’s impact:
“Hooman has mastered the art of diplomacy, and I am grateful to consider him a friend. The poise and elegance that he displays are characteristics that I desire in my own life. You are treasured by the people of Iran and the people of America alike… You are a great man, and you have made other men greater.”
Connect with Hooman
Website: www.hoomantavakolian.com
Instagram: @hoomanities
X (Twitter): @hoomanities
LinkedIn: Hoomanities on LinkedIn
From wrestling mats to world diplomacy, Hooman Tavakolian continues to shape lives, promote peace, and uplift humanity one cause at a time.
