The recent World Zoroastrian Youth Leadership Forum (WZYLF), held last month at the ASHA Centre in England, highlighted the enduring impact of mentorship within the Zoroastrian community, particularly through the efforts of founder Zerbanoo Gifford. The event brought together young Zoroastrians from diverse backgrounds, aiming to foster leadership, deepen cultural connection, and promote community engagement.
The ASHA Centre, established by Gifford, has long served as a hub for cultural and spiritual exchange, bridging Parsis and Iranian Zoroastrians as well as individuals from various faiths. Gifford’s vision, which has been instrumental in shaping WZYLF, centers on empowering young leaders by encouraging them to take responsibility and bring purposeful change to their communities. This vision was realized with the leadership of Sanaya Master, who helped translate the idea into a forum for collective learning and relationship-building.
Participants and observers alike praised Gifford’s ability to inspire cross-cultural understanding and resilience rooted in Zoroastrian principles. Shirin Mazdeyasna, a New York-based trauma therapist who attended the forum, described encountering Gifford’s work as a turning point, noting the founder’s unique capacity to connect personal experience with broader social challenges. Their conversation during the forum reflected Gifford’s systemic approach to addressing issues such as violence against women, focusing not only on healing but also on prevention through interfaith collaboration and community involvement.
Social entrepreneur and academic Manouchehr Shamsrizi from Germany characterized Gifford as a leader who combines action with impact, often personally sacrificing while empowering others to engage in meaningful work. Similarly, Sarvar Zainabad, a senior medical director in North America, emphasized the inspirational nature of Gifford’s story for younger Zoroastrians striving to balance integrity and resilience in their own lives.
The ASHA Centre’s environment was also a point of note, with participants highlighting its welcoming and motivating atmosphere. Toronto-based chef Prochi Gazder described it as “heaven on earth,” crediting Gifford’s hospitality and influence. Arzan Sam Wadia, a prominent figure in Zoroastrian advocacy, acknowledged Gifford’s rare ability to envision ambitious goals and realize them, particularly emphasizing her decades-long commitment to interfaith dialogue, women’s empowerment, and community leadership.
Underpinning Gifford’s work is a distinctly Zoroastrian ethic that views faith as active engagement—embodied by responsibility, service, and courage in addressing societal challenges. The legacy of the ASHA Centre and WZYLF extends beyond physical spaces or programs, reflected in the ongoing ripple effects of mentorship and leadership cultivation among young Zoroastrians worldwide.
The forum’s success and Gifford’s influence illustrate a broader commitment within the community to nurture connections across generations and cultures. This approach, rooted in both tradition and progressive action, continues to shape the future trajectory of Zoroastrian youth leadership globally.