Her Story
About Nazanin
Nazanin Farhad serves as Business Liaison Director at Easter Seals of Southern California, where she has worked since February 2024. In this role, she bridges healthcare operations, clinical services, and information technology systems while supporting leadership across service lines and championing technological innovations. With over 23 years in nonprofit healthcare and disability services, she previously served as a manager business analyst for more than eight years at the same organization. Farhad holds a bachelor's degree in school health and community health along with a teaching credential. She later earned an MBA in management, leadership, and information technology, followed by a doctorate in education and organizational leadership in 2023. A first-generation immigrant, she attributes her success to personal perseverance and a drive to give back to society through integrity and service in the nonprofit sector. She is a member of Golden Key International and previously received the Values in Action Excellence Recognition at St. Joseph's Health.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nazanin
01What do you attribute your success to?
Being a first-generation immigrant with that drive, knowing that the sky's the limit and opportunities are available, pursuing goals with personal perseverance based on my upbringing and sacrifices my family made.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be fearless, brave, bold, respectful, tenacious. Know what you want, don't be indecisive, be a leader within your boundaries, break the glass ceiling, present yourself as the CEO you want to be.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: Being a female minority in leadership, often the only woman on a team of 16 men. Opportunities: Endless if strategic, in the right place with right people, showing purpose to impact the organization, society and community.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and service, along with the mission and values of nonprofit organizations.
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