Leyla Shams leads the educational platform Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation, where she specializes in heritage language acquisition and Iranian cultural studies. She produces the Growing Up Irooni podcast series, featuring long-form interviews with notable figures such as author Kaveh Akbar and comedian Neema Naz to explore diaspora identity. Her curriculum utilizes the Natural Method to teach conversational Farsi, moving away from formal academic structures to focus on social nuances like Ta'arof. Shams recently developed a rigorous multi-part analysis of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh and Hafez’s poetry, collaborating with scholars like Dr. Omid Arabian to bridge ancient literature with modern learners. Her work extends into structured seasonal intensives known as Camp Chai, which provide immersive linguistic training. By integrating high-quality video tutorials with digital resources like Persian Word Power cards, she provides a comprehensive resource for those seeking to reconnect with their roots through literature, etiquette, and casual conversation.