Letter from the Chairman

Dear friends,

I hope you had a delightful Norooz and your spring is off to a good start. We are doing well and adjusting to the new challenging environment with resolve and results.  PARSA CF is nearing one million dollars in grants given since its inception in 2006!  We thank everyone who’s been a part of this civic journey.

We are delighted that PARSA CF’s Executive Director, Abdi Soltani, as been appointed the new Executive Director of the ACLU of Northern California.  This is not only a huge accomplishment for Abdi, but also a gigantic step forward for all Iranians worldwide.  ACLU’s mission is to defend and advance civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans and in so doing, it pushes the boundaries of freedom and equality everywhere in the world.  We hope Abdi’s new role will inspire an entire generation of young Iranians to consider careers in the social sector and encourage all of us toward more civic curiosity, duty and action.  Please read more about Abdi’s move here.

We excitedly announce Showleh Tolbert as the new Executive Director at PARSA CF.  She comes to us from Girls Inc. in Orange County, California where she led development efforts for three years.  Girls Inc.'s major programs address math and science education, pregnancy and drug abuse prevention, media literacy, economic literacy, adolescent health, violence prevention, and sports participation. Showleh brings enormous energy, compassion and expertise to her role and is looking forward to applying her boundless enthusiasm to furthering Persian philanthropy and volunteerism – with all of your help, of course.

In this special issue of the PARSA CF newsletter we turn our attention to the 8,000 Iranian-American doctors who are making great strides through advances in medicine, surgery and research. This issue highlights leaders in the field who have not only excelled professionally, but also served their community selflessly.
 
We begin with Neda Farzan, a medical student and volunteer who has made community service an integral part of her life. She has touched the lives of underserved populations in the urban U.S., Middle East, Africa and Iran. Farzan will receive her M.D. this year but has already traveled the world to provide medical care and research to those in need.
 
While Utah does not have a large Iranian-American population, they have been a force for good in the Rocky Mountain state through Maliheh Clinic, led by Dr. Mansoor Emam. Initially funded by the Semnani Foundation, the clinic has helped over 30,000 Utahans to date. No one is turned away, thanks to Emam’s staff of volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists and social workers.
 
The Iranian American Medical Association provides not only networking opportunities for those in the field, but also scholarships and much-needed medical aid. IAMA was quick to provide medical assistance to those devastated by the Bam earthquake and is now building a free clinic in Bam to perpetuate their support. Through convening and sharing each other’s expertise, IAMA pools the resources of a thriving community and uses this strength to help others.
 
To offer our gratitude for our good fortunes, we can all serve and volunteer. Please see the PARSA CF University article at the end of the newsletter for unique and strategic ways of offering medical expertise while exploring a new country 

As always, we look forward to your feedback and input.  Please let us know of people who should receive this newsletter, your nominations for PARSA CF’s annual awards and good deeds that we should highlight on PARSA CF’s website.

Warm Regards,

Noosheen Hashemi
Founder and Chairman