Mehrsa is a member of the Mormon faith. The story, however, is not as straightforward as it appears. Mehrsa was born in Iran and migrated to the United States when she was nine years old.

She recalls being worried about their ability to enter America because they were Muslim when anti-Iranian prejudice was rampant in American culture.

After coming to Los Angeles, the Baradaran family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) (LDS).

On the other hand, other church members were eager to contribute furniture and other essentials when they moved to Las Vegas with nothing the following year.