Dr Hussein Ahdieh was born and raised in Nayriz, Iran. He is a sixth-generation Bahá'í, his ancestors figuring among the first in Nayriz to accept the Bábi and later Bahá'í Faith. Hussein immigrated to the United States as a young man. Like many immigrants seeking a better life in America, he worked and attended college in the New York area. Hussein eventually completed a Masters Degree in European Intellectual History and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts.

Dr Ahdieh has had a distinguished career in education in New York. His proudest achievement is to contribute to the establishment of Harlem Preparatory School⏤a world-renowned charter high school for disadvantaged students as its Assistant Headmaster. The school is credited with helping numerous people to rise from poverty to a better life. Dr Ahdieh also served as Director of Educational Programs at Fordham University.

Hussein has been a resident of New York City for all of his adult life.

Hillary Chapman is a writer, songwriter, teacher, and guitarist. He is a fourth generation American Bahá'í who is the grandson of Hand of the Cause Leroy loas, who worked closely with Shoghi Effendi and Rúḥíyyih Khánum. He holds degrees from Haverford College, the University of Pennsylvania, and a diploma from the University of Paris.