World Zarathushti Chamber Of Commerce

Ongoing
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Commercial Real Estate Investing

Mr. Nadir Dhanani presented a topic on Commercial Real Estate Investing, at a WZCC Houston Chapter event on August 26, 2015. About 30 years ago, Mr. Dhanani started as a cashier at a gas station and worked his way to becoming a very successful real estate investor. He has invested in gas station/fast food combination locations, shopping strips, and commercial buildings, and is currently developing two hotel properties. He provided very detailed insights into different types of commercial real estate investments such as medical facilities, shopping strips, buildings, hotels, land, etc. and he discussed the return on investment that can be expected for the various investments. He also discussed how to obtain bank loans, the business entities that can be set up for partnerships, the typical items that should be included in tenant leases, and the types of expenses that can be incurred by the property owners. He also compared commercial real estate investing to residential property investments and Real Estate Investment Trusts. The presentation was very well received by the attendees with a long Q&A session.

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Talk on Property Market

Talk on Property Market – Mr.Trevor Evans, Vice President Exhibition and Events, Damac Properties.

AN EVENING WHERE ME (MIDDLE EAST) BECAME ‘WE’

AN EVENING WHERE ME (MIDDLE EAST) BECAME ‘WE’ WZCCME arranged a Member’s meeting on 12th February 2016 at the Dubai Creek Club, to introduce the Super Six – the new WZCCME Team. Mr. Alan Gordon (Head of Marketing, Majid Alfuttaim) was invited as a speaker. He amazed the audience by showcasing how Dubai will grow in the next few years and how mega events have played a major role in fueling the growth story of Dubai. RJ Vineet Sharma of Suno 102.4 FM gave an entertaining twist to the evening by taking the audience on a musical journey of 100 years of Bollywood. click here for more details

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Talk Show On Wills & Probate

WZCCME has arranged a Talk Show on 23rd April 2016, at the Park Regis Hotel, Dubai. The topic is WILLS and PROBATE including attestation of WILLS at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a new facility for expatriates.   Senior Advocate Bindu Chettur, Mohamed Salman Advocates and Legal Consultants, Kamkshi Mehlwal, Advocate Supreme Court of India along with two other judges will speak on significant aspects of succession and inheritance laws in the emirate and provide guidance to expatriates  on how they can register their Wills at DIFC.  All members are cordially invited to the meeting from 5.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m, which will be followed by refreshments click here for more details

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A Event On Mental Health

The Houston Chapter of WZCC holds dinner events for its members several times a year featuring distinguished speakers from various disciplines. The speakers are carefully chosen for their expertise in topics that help our members in their profession, business, or personal lives. On March 10, 2016 the Houston Chapter of WZCC presented Dr. Bahadur Sarkari, M.D., a distinguished psychiatrist with a long and successful clinical practice in London and the U.S. Dr. Sarkari is double Board Certified − in Adult Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In his one-hour presentation titled: “All You Wanted to Know About Mental Health But Were Afraid to Ask”, Dr. Sarkari kept the audience totally engaged with fascinating myths, facts, and actual cases of the wide variety of disorders that make up mental illness. In a very well organized talk, Bahadur Sarkari exposed the myths and wrong attitudes people have towards mental disorders. The spectrum of disorders that psychiatrists have to deal with ranges from anxiety, the most common problem, to schizophrenia, the most devastating mental illness. For each of eight different disorders, Dr. Sarkari covered its cardinal features and symptoms, along with the treatment and medications that help alleviate them. Particular attention was paid to Alzheimer’s disease and the special problems that mental health creates in the work place. He presented alarming statistics that highlighted the widespread and serious consequences of mental illness, leading to poor job performance, dysfunctional family life, and sometimes even suicide. Typical cases of mental illness that Dr. Sarkari encountered in his practice often brought humorous and astonishing reactions from the audience. Dr. Sarkari’s presentation was very well received, as evident from the animated discussions and questions that followed. WZCC (Houston) is grateful to Dr. Bahadur Sarkari for taking the time to share his knowledge with our members. “WZCC (Houston) helps members succeed as entrepreneurs and professionals through career enhancement, better financial management, and enrichment of their personal lives.”

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Minutes Of Meeting for WZCC BC Chapter

DATE: 24th April, 2016 TIME: 1:30 to 4:30 PM LOCATION: Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr, 6900 Halifax Street, BURNABY, BC V5B 2R5 We thank ZSBC B of D & Trustees of Arbab Rostam Guiv Foundation BC for use of the facilities. ATTENDEES: Total 22, including Speakers (M) = Members Dr. Farah Shroff (SPEAKER) (M) Murzban Eruch Chinvala (SPEAKER) Lorelei Tolosa (SPEAKER) (M) Nevill Bhagat (M) Fariborz Rahnamoon (M) Firdosh Mehta (M) Behramsha Mizan (M) Rostam Sasani (M) Arian Sasani (M) Kayras Irani (M) Homi Italia (M) Perviz Madon (M) Pesi Balsara (M) Percy Billimoria (M) Aubtin Yazdgardian (M) Farah Mistry (M) Kerman Kasad (M) Ruzbeh Lalkaka (M) Kersasp Bharucha And other non-members. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 pm and chaired by Firdosh Mehta. Firdosh recapped the previous meeting issues and invited younger members Kayras Irani, Aubtin Yazdgardian and Farah Mistry, to introduce and present gifts of appreciation to the speakers. 1:45 PM Presentation by Dr. Farah Shroff, PhD. Dr Shroff, is the principal of Shroff Consulting, and a part time faculty member at the UBC Department of Family Practice and School of Population and Public Health. She is also a teacher of yoga, dance and other movement arts. Her passions are about making the world a healthier place and her consulting and teaching emphasize the limitless possibilities for mind-body wellness. She has recently started a project to improve infant and maternal health in India. Farah’s Consulting firm has worked in the area of public health, social and educational issues, focusing on research, writing, facilitation, training and more. She gave us an overview of her early days growing up in a Parsi Colony in Mumbai. She talked about how Shroff Consulting emerged around the time of birth of her son Zubin, and how working from home as a mother helped care for her children, as well as consulting and part time university professor. We heard about the benefits of being self-employed and the rewards of self-marketing, as well as how to cope with the challenges of the feast and famine days in life. She discussed her latest ventures into real estate investing and shared how opportunities can be found. She talked about the applications of various Social Media, such as LinkedIn and others, and how they can be utilized in her work from home. 2:30 PM    Refreshments – Tea/Coffee, Pop, Spanakopitas, Chicken Nuggets, Cake and Coconut macroons. Rashna Mehta looked after the procuring and preparation of the refreshments. 2:45 PM    Presentation by Murzban Eruch Chinvala Murzban’s power point presentation was on “Mortgages – An insider’s viewpoint & all you need to know about it”. He provided insights on how one can save money and avoid making costly mistakes on our biggest debt, usually in homes. Being a mortgage professional with Dominion Lending Centers’ Clear Trust Mortgages, with access to various sources of funding from big banks, monolines and private lenders, Murzban explained the pros & cons of various funds. Murzban was Finance Controller of Canada’s largest private post-secondary education group before migrating to Canada, Murzban was Head of Finance & Member of the Board of Directors of GlobeOp Financial Services (I) Pvt. Ltd., a leading fund administrator co-headquartered out of London & New York, having USD 190 billion of assets globally. Prior to that he was Head of Finance for Yahoo in India having been employed with the company since its initial stages. He was also instrumental in playing a lead role in the incorporation and registration of Yahoo’s global Software Development Center in Bangalore, India. Murzban explained how he became a licensed mortgage broker with certification from University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business. In addition, he is a Commerce graduate, has an MBA with specialization in finance from Australia and is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He presented various scenarios of mortgage funding with charts and some hands-on activities, weighing different parameters applicable to mortgage funds. 3:45 PM Presentation by Ms. Lorelei Tolosa Her background has been in the entertainment and film industry where she spent 10 years as a production coordinator. An event led her to go the entrepreneurial route, a decision she’s very happy to have taken. Lorelei shared her story about her journey as an independent distributor of a personal franchise system in areas of whole-food nutrition and wellness, which is being marketed in 60 countries and discussed opportunities available to our members wishing to pursue this either full-time or on a part-time basis and create residual income. She helped us understand the over-all health benefits of using a unique plant based product from South East Asia and many other parts of the world. Brochures and her cards we made available to all. As an independent distributor, Lorelei’s business excelled quickly qualifying her for the award program in just a few months. She gave us an insight into her role as a major leader and trainer, building and supporting distribution teams globally. There were 5 new memberships added for FY 2016 at this meeting, to bring the TOTAL so far to 16 Individual + 1 Student. We would appreciate some Corporate memberships also. The following will be the newly elected Board of BC Chapter for 2016: Homi Italia Fariborz Rahnamoon Perviz Madon Firdosh Mehta Percy Billimoria Nevill Bhagat And the following will continue as the executive for 2016: Fariborz Rahnamoon (Chairman) Homi Italia (Treasurer) Firdosh Mehta (Secretary & Program Coordinator) Firdosh informed those present about the upcoming WZCC North American AGM, on 29 APR 2016, in Michigan, in conjunction with FEZANA AGM. Chapter Chair Fariborz Rahnamoon is scheduled to attend. Further details available next meeting. 4:45 PM    Firdosh thanked the Speakers and all who attended for their support. The meeting was adjourned and attendees were requested to further partake of the refreshments served, and encouraged to engage in networking. Fee Structure for 2016 year is : Corporate (Business, with 2 individual members)…. $ 50 Individual  (1 each)……………………………………………..$ 25 Student (1 each) …….…………………………$ 10 This was our second meeting for 2016. The next meeting is scheduled for 5 June 2016. Minutes Prepared by: Firdosh Mehta Date: 27 April 2016   Here are some photos of the meeting which we hope you will

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An update on what is happening in the real estate markets across Canada and some highlights about the market in the Greater Vancouver area

DAY:   Sunday 11th September,  2016  TIME:   1:00 to 5:00 PM LOCATION:   Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr,                                       6900 Halifax Ave.  BURNABY, BC V5B 2R5 We thank ZSBC Board of Directors & Trustees of Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar e Mehr BC.   PROGRAM:   Please email fdjmehta@shaw.ca  or call 604-544-8983, and confirm attendance by Friday 26th AUGUST, 2016.   1:00 PM     Arrive and Register   1:30 PM     Presentation  by:    Mr. Andrew Peck                        Andrew Peck is President-Elect of CREA for 2016 having served on the Board of Directors for the past six years.  Andrew is a fourth-generation British Columbian who has spent his entire career as a REALTOR® in the Metro Vancouver area. First licensed in 1983, Andrew became a managing broker in 1987. In 1996, he merged several companies to form Royal Pacific Realty Group – serving Metro Vancouver. Andrew is now the broker owner, vice-president and general manager, overseeing over 1,200 licensed REALTORS® and a staff of 30. Since 2001, Andrew has been a part of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, first becoming a director, serving on task forces and committees, then vice-president in 2003 and president in 2004.  In 2007, Andrew was elected president of the BC Real Estate Association. Andrew enjoys assisting Boards with progressive governance, teaching leadership courses for CREA and mentoring YPN members.   Topic :  “An update on what is happening in the real estate markets across Canada and some highlights about the market in the Greater Vancouver area.”                                           2:30  to 2:45  PM   Q/A, Discussions   2:45  PM    Refreshments – Tea/Coffee         No charge for refreshments   3:15  PM     Presentation  by:  Mr.  Rob Gawthrop, CFP, CLU, EPC Gawthrop Financial Group Inc. Customplan Financial Advisors Inc.   Topic:   Important Financial and Life Lessons learned from “The Richest Man In Babylon”   Taking some of the valuable lessons from the best-selling book “The Richest Man In Babylon” by George Clason, Rob will discuss and explain how the right knowledge, guidance and actions along with personal determination, can help you develop sound financial plans for your business, yourself and your family.   Rob will also explain the importance of systematic savings, asset accumulation, access to capital, minimizing taxation, protecting what you have, and leaving a legacy.   4:15  to 4:30  PM   Q/A, Discussions   4:30  PM     Vote of Thanks. Speaker appreciation.   4:45  PM     Future program announcements and speaker selections   5:00  PM     Adjourn meeting   Current Board members of WZCC Vancouver BC Chapter for 2016 Fariborz Rahnamoon  Chair Homi Italia  Treasurer Firdosh Mehta  Secretary & Program Coordinator Perviz Madon Percy Billimoria Nevill Bhagat   Even if you cannot make it to the meeting, we would like your response to Firdosh Mehta by email: fdjmehta@shaw.ca  or call 604-544-8983   Please let us know: Would you be willing to become a Member of this Chapter? Would you be willing to work on the board or a committee of this Chapter?   For more information on WZCC Chamber…….. visit  www.wzcc.net Thank you for your interest in WZCC. Firdosh Mehta WZCC BC Chapter Secretary & Program Coordinator

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Successful Even if in the Worst of Times

Pradeep Anand is no stranger to the Houston Business and Cultural Scene. He also happens to have many friends from our Zoroastrian Community. For over 30 years, he has helped executives at more than 60 industrial and technology companies develop strategies and tactics that swiftly accelerate revenue and margin growth. His work experience ranges from High-Tech to No-Tech industries: in Oil & Gas, Engineering, manufacturing, Software, Technology and Services. He has published many papers on Oil & Gas, Career Development, Outsourcing, Business Growth/Marketing, India, etc. Pradeep is President and founder of Seeta Resources, Adjunct Faculty at Rice University MBA program; Mentor to Startups/NextGen Employees, etc. He is an Alumni of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and also the author of the book An Indian in Cowboy Country with stories from an Immigrant’s life that many of us are so close to. WZCC Houston Chapter invites you to attend this very interesting talk. Click here for more information

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WZCC BC Chapter Meeting Notes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING DATE: 11th SEPT, 2016 TIME: 1:00 to 5:00 PM LOCATION: Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr, 6900 Halifax Street, BURNABY, BC V5B 2R5 We thank ZSBC B of D & Trustees of Arbab Rostam Guiv Foundation for use of the facilities. ATTENDEES: Total 42 including Speakers The meeting was called to order at 1:30 pm and chaired by Firdosh Mehta. He updated members of past meeting issues and thanked everyone for the unusually large turnout. Meeting started with a Presentation by: Mr. Andrew Peck Firdosh thanked Piroj Amrolia for introducing the speaker to WZCC. He proceeded to introduce the speaker. Piroj Amrolia gave us a background on her professional connections and knowing Andrew for many years. Andrew Peck is President-Elect of CREA for 2016, having served on the Board of Directors for the past six years.  Andrew is a fourth-generation British Columbian who has spent his entire career as a REALTOR® in the Metro Vancouver area. First licensed in 1983, Andrew became a managing broker in 1987. In 1996, he merged several companies to form Royal Pacific Realty Group – serving Metro Vancouver. Andrew is now the broker owner, vice-president and general manager, overseeing over 1,200 licensed REALTORS® and a staff of 30. Since 2001, Andrew has been a part of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, first becoming a director, then vice-president in 2003 and president in 2004.  In 2007, Andrew was elected president of the BC Real Estate Association. Andrew gave us an update on what is happening in the real estate markets across Canada with some highlights about the market in the Greater Vancouver area. He explained the system of Realtors’ testing and exams and the recent withdrawal of Professional Status of realtors for neglect in self-regulation and member discipline. He also explained the issues of market pressures due to large influx of “Foreign Buyers”, that is those who do not have residency status for Income Tax purposes. This has led to the implementation of a new tax on those buyers. He also discussed some agencies who indulged in Flipping of not just the properties, but the sales agreements to multiple tiers of buyers without the additional gain to sellers, with increased profiteering by Sales Agents. Firdosh summarized the talk and offered a Vote of Thanks to Andrew as a token of our appreciation. Refreshments were served to all of Tea/Coffee, Pop, Samosas, Jalaybees & assorted fruits. We are very thankful to Piroj Amrolia for bringing Sandwiches and Cake. The meeting continued with a presentation by: Mr. Rob Gawthrop, CFP, CLU, EPC of Gawthrop Financial Group Inc. and Customplan Financial Advisors Inc. Firdosh introduced the speaker with an exhibit of the book to be discussed. Topic: Important Financial and Life Lessons learned from “The Richest Man In Babylon” Taking some of the valuable lessons from this best-selling book “The Richest Man In Babylon” by George S. Clason, Rob explained how the right knowledge, guidance and actions along with personal determination, can help you develop sound financial plans for your business, yourself and your family. He stressed on what the book promoted as the discipline of SAVING and then making wise investments with those savings. Rob did this by explaining the importance of systematic savings, asset accumulation, access to capital, minimizing taxation, protecting what you have, and leaving a legacy for your family and causes that were dear to you. He guides his clients towards successful financial decisions. Rob also introduced and briefly reviewed his new book titled, “PAY CHEQUES & PLAY CHEQUES: RETIREMENT INCOME SOLUTIONS FOR CANADIANS.” He proceeded to give that book to Homi as appreciation for introducing him to WZCC. Homi requested that the book should be included in the ZSBC Library for all to read. Thanks a lot, Homi.   Firdosh summarized the talk with insight into one of the unusual investments mentioned in the book that involved the simple knowledge of heat transfer as imperative understanding for that investment. He highly recommended that all should read this book. He offered a Vote of Thanks to Rob with a Speaker appreciation gift. Firdosh thanked the Speakers and all who attended. The attendees were requested to further partake of the refreshments and encouraged to engage in networking. With no other business to discuss, the Meeting was adjourned at 5 PM. We request those who have not paid membership fees for 2016 year yet, to please do so. We welcome new members and request others to join. We would like to offer our thanks to Aubtin and Kayras for their assistance in audio-visual equipment set up and taking some photos. We have an excellent speaker lined up for the next meeting on 20 NOVEMBER 2016. Please note this meeting will also be our Chapter AGM. Announcement to follow. Minutes Prepared by: Firdosh Mehta Date: 24 SEPT 2016

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WZCC VANCOUVER BC CHAPTER MEETING

MINUTES OF THE MEETING DATE: SUNDAY 11th June, 2017 TIME: 2:00 TO 3:00 PM LOCATION: Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar-e-Mehr, 6900 Halifax Street, Burnaby, BC. WZCC Directors thank ZSBC Board of Directors and Arbab Rostam Guiv Foundation for the use of facilities. ATTENDEES: Total 22 including the speaker. The meeting was called to order at 2:10 pm. Kayras Irani introduced the speaker Mrs. Fi Dastoor Since a young age Fi Dastoor has volunteered for a variety of projects and activities. Fi has been associated with CYBF (Canadian Youth Business Foundation) since 2003. CYBF is now called Futurepreneur. She was introduced to CYBF via CESO (Canadian Executive Service Organization) which she joined in 1988. Her career spans over thirty years in the technology industry. In the latter years she has her own business – Dastoor Consulting doing a variety of projects from the medical industry to the technology industry. Fi was associated with the telecommunications industry for many years. With Futurepreneur Fi has mentored quite a few young entrepreneurs who went on to run their own successful businesses. Her other volunteer activities include being an Ambassador to the Vancouver Opera and assisting them in any office/technology related work. Details of presentation on Mentorship: -What is a mentor, how does one become a mentor and what is involved in mentoring young business entrepreneurs A mentor is a person who has expertise in a specific field and enjoys assisting someone with their venture in this specific field.  A mentor is also a person who enjoys helping young entrepreneurs (age range 18 to 35 years) with their business.  Businesses, for example, could range from fitness studios, events planner, restaurant, ballet studio, setting up shops, setting up a daycare, starting freelance work etc.  Getting in touch with Futurepreneur and submitting a resume is the first steps involved in becoming a business mentor. – What are the steps involved for a mentor with Futurepreneur (business mentor) After an interview with Futurepreneur a seminar is arranged as introduction and what is expected of a mentor.  The seminar can be done on-line at one’s own pace and time. Most mentors have to have some business knowledge and basic accounting experience.  If a mentor does not have experience in certain areas that is required for a specific business, Futurepreneur will try and find a person who has the expertise and is available to assist.  This is a volunteer position and the time devoted to any project is mutually agreed upon by the mentor and mentee. – How does a mentor and protégé (mentee) negotiate a good fit When the on-line course is completed, Staff at Futurepreneur will then set up the mentor with a mentee who is starting up a business. A mentor can also be asked to help an existing business in progress.  The mentor will then set up an initial meeting with the mentee at a mutually convenient date. If both parties – the mentor and mentee – feel there is a good fit and they could work together, the mentor contacts Futurepreneur to say there is a good fit with the mentee.  If it is not a good fit another mentee will be found for the mentor to assist in setting up of the business. Government of Canada provides a loan of $15,000 without interest for two years to mentee. – What is involved for the mentor to keep in touch with the mentee Minimum time required of a mentor to help a mentee is approximately 10 hours per month for a term of two years.  In some cases more time per month maybe required and in other cases less time is required.  Contact with a mentee can be done via email, phone or face to face meetings. Every three months a report is submitted by both the mentor and mentee showing any updates, time spent and achievement to date with regard to the business. – What constitute a successful business operation Futurepreneur deems a business successful if it is still in operation after two years and also when the loan of $15K is paid back. The loan is usually paid back when the business shows a profit and the owner of the business is able to make a minimum payment. – The term and length a mentor is associated with a mentee Two years is the duration a mentor has to assist and help a mentee with their respective business. In order to assist with the business a mentor maybe asked for any type of involvement that is required to make the business a success.  A mentor should advise and direct a mentee in the direction towards making the business a success especially if it appears that the business is going off the rails or not following the business plan. – Wrapping up a contract between mentor and mentee. Just before two years, the mentor is alerted by Futurepreneur to inform that the contract is coming to an end.  The mentor may be asked to submit a final report regarding the business and whether is shows signs of being a success and if the mentee can manage on their own. The mentor is then asked if they wish to start another project with a new mentee or take a little break. The session ended with discussions, and question and answer session at 2:50 pm. Aubtin Yazdgardian offered a vote of thanks to Mrs. Fi Dastoor and presented her a book as a token of appreciation. Refreshments were served. Minutes Prepared by: Homi Italia Date: 15 June 2017

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Trivia Night organized by WZCC Middle East Chapter

The WZCC Middle East Chapter held its edutainment event - "Trivia Night" on October, 29th 2017. An event befitting the WZCC portfolio, it was held at the Mercure Gold Hotel with an attendance of over 50 people. The evening started with the ever popular Children’s Quiz, where our young leaders of tomorrow dazzled all in attendance with their skill and knowledge, answering a variety of General Knowledge, Multiple Choice and Audio Visual Questions. Starting the proceeding Cyrus Debara welcomed all the guests and set the pace for the evening - laying out the rules and quiz method. The young children assembled in teams and the Quiz was curated and hosted by WZCC Youth Team - Jasmine Tavadia and Urvaksh Tantra. Throughout the half hour contest, it was often found the youngsters knew more answers then the adults in the room ! The enthusiasm of the kids was simply amazing, and the winning team "Team Braniacs" consisting of Rayaan Irani, Tiyan Debara, Roxanne Dubash all received educational books courtesy of Mr. Porus Guzder. The main event of the evening was the always competitive Adult’s Quiz. Featuring 9 teams of 4 members each battling each other over 5 varied rounds, such as “Guess Who” and “The Zoro Crossword”, drama and entertainment was never far. The final round where teams got to select their preferred category questions with double bonus points was ever engaging. Movie themed posters, community specific questions and world politics were all brought into play across the rounds. At the end of the evening - "Team G - Ghelsappa Parsis" comprising Charmaine Taraporvala, Marzban Pithawalla, Daraius Antia and Jimmy Dadrewala won the quiz contest by a narrow margin to the runners up - "The A Team" consisting of Khushru Khandhadia, Mozard Antia, Kaizad Pithawalla and Goolnaz Debara. The spot prizes for the round of Trivia open to the audience, was won by Keki Tavadia, Anaissa Irani, Roshni Taraporvala & Wahbeez Wankadia. The typical parsi spirit and bonhomie was on display through out the night, and not only was it a treat for the participating adults, but all the audience members too were cheering on their loved ones.  The winners received a Cash prize and gifts vouchers and were felicitated on stage by Mrs. Dolly Tavadia. As always, no event is complete without a scrumptious dinner, which was enjoyed by one and all. Just before the evening was rounded off, an exciting video presentation of the world famous Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum was shown to the members as it is one of the next planned activities for the WZCC-ME chapter towards education and cultural enrichment. With this promise of more entertaining and enjoyable events in the near future, Cyrus, Porus Guzder (President of WZCC-ME) and Firdaus Irani (Chapter Chair - WZCCME) thanked all the members and appreciated the efforts of the youth committee and its key members (Jasmine and Urvaksh) for managing this event.  

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Leadership in Times of Adversity

As we navigate this global pandemic and worldwide re-openings of industry & small business, our aim is to give industry leaders & owner-operators, the extra tools necessary to succeed in times of adversity

An Introduction to Entrepreneurship

Dear Member/Patron, The WZCC Toronto Chapter hosts “An Introduction to Entrepreneurship” designed for our youth. Want your children to have terrific career and entrepreneurial opportunities? Arming them right from their formative years will go a long way in building up their abilities to shine tomorrow. We have a series of workshops and sessions designed for our youth from ages, 7 to 11 and from 11 to 15 with creative, hands on, enrichment workshops designed to get them leading in the future. We start with our two sessions, with an introduction to entrepreneurship on Saturday mornings, 24th and 31st October, 2020, from 11:30am each for one hour. Do register here for both days.  

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Our Second Workshop on Entrepreneurship…

Entrepreneurial Inspiration &  Must Have Skills   WZCC Toronto and Global Youngpreneurs concluding workshop on introduction to entrepreneurship focused on understanding more in-depth about entrepreneurship and attracting customers.   As an inspirational example, we had Malcolm Mehta, a 16 year-old social entrepreneur, studying UK and now in USA who started a football league in a village in India. This made participants realize that age is no hindrance to achieving one’s dreams. Seeing someone so close to their years being successful gives our participants incentive to begin their own entrepreneurial journey.   In conjunction with the theme of the session, tips on getting customers was discussed. These ranged from understanding wants and needs to adding unique elements to the product/service, to attracting customers via discounts and freebies. This was followed by an activity which tested their business and marketing skills.   The second activity was related to logical problem solving, as it is a must-have skill for entrepreneurs. The youth were placed in an escape room situation, where they had to solve three puzzles which would then lead them to a code and the escape key. It was a fun and challenging set of quizzes which not only tested their abilities, but their mettle too.   Before ending the workshop, we recounted the tale of Walt Disney, and how he established Disney and all its different ventures.   The two-part sessions covered the gist of various areas under entrepreneurship. However, the main aim was to engage our youth with an entrepreneurial mindset, focus on skills that would help them in the future, and also to enjoy learning.   The Toronto chapter and Global Youngpreneurs will continue giving wings to young dreams and making them a reality.

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Our First Workshop on Introduction To Entrepreneurship

Global Youngpreneurs held their first virtual  Introduction to Entrepreneurship workshop for our youth between the ages of 11 to 15.   In a rapidly changing world, we recognize that the most important skills are logical and creative thinking abilities, and soft skills and these remain overlooked in our regular education system. WZCC Toronto Chapter worked with Global Youngpreneurs to help develop this entrepreneurial mindset in our youth.   Our first session (out of the two-part series) focused on developing a “business” through experiential learning. The participants were given an activity and tasked with creating a product/service, along with the name of the company, the logo and the slogan. Explanation of  an entrepreneur, giving examples of different products and services and also real-world logos and slogans helped to make the concept of the activity clearer. Right from Royal Bank of Canada, to Nike, the participants were made to understand how the logos and slogans of such companies corresponded to the product or service they offered. In return, the young participants came up with ideas such as a coffee-flavored soft drinks, to a dog walking service for the elderly, with slogans such as “Too good to be true” and “Fancy footwork for four-legged friends.”   The second activity was a small team building survival challenge and each team was “stranded” in a particular situation (on an island/on the moon) and each team had to pick few items which would help them survive. This activity successfully tested not only their ability to work in teams – including listening skills, reasoning skills, and co-operation, but also logical and creative problem solving.   Next they worked on building of entrepreneurial traits such as leadership, team work, delegation of work, and promotion. Participants were asked to come up with ideas for running a food or drink stall while working in teams, thus inculcating aspects of soft skills. Each team came up with an idea for their own food stall, the location, how to sell their product, and also the tasks that each team member would perform.   Attentiveness, enthusiasm, excitement and participation  was maintained throughout and we couldn’t be more happier with the result.   Every participant was pushed to think on their feet, explore their potential, and most importantly, learn and have fun!

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Karan Sethna is an enthusiastic member of the event planning group, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for creating memorable experiences. With a strong background in leadership roles within student organizations, Karan has successfully managed budgets, coordinated activities, and collaborated with multicultural teams on diverse events.

Known for his adaptability and attention to detail, he excels at organizing creative projects and ensuring smooth operationsin dynamic environments. Karan is excited to leverage his skills and work with the team to make this event truly outstanding.
Delna Patel, a chocolatier and pastry chef from Pune, India, now based in Toronto, is competing on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. She joins 11 bakers in fast-paced, holiday-themed challenges judged by Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, and Carla Hall, aiming for the $25,000 prize and the title of Holiday Baking Champion.

Inspired by baking with her mother, Delna trained at George Brown College in Toronto and École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie in France. After working in patisseries across India, Canada, and France, she launched Choc Oh! Toronto in 2020, creating artisanal handmade chocolates. Her products are available on Etsy, Hudson’s at Billy Bishop Airport, and select shops across Ontario.

Through her creativity and passion, Delna continues to spread sweetness across North America.
Shayaan is an enthusiastic marketing professional with a strong foundation in commerce. Having completed his bachelor’s in commerce in India, Shayaan’s academic background includes key areas like marketing, advertising, and business strategies. Currently, he is furthering his marketing expertise by studying at Humber College.

Shayaan is passionate about leveraging his skills to make a positive impact, and he is eager to contribute as a valuable member of the team. His goal is to help create an unforgettable experience at the upcoming Toronto conclave, ensuring its success through his dedication and innovative ideas.
Delna Printer is a skilled marketing and content professional with over four years of experience. She has worked with Canadian non-profits like CNIB and the Heart & Stroke Foundation, creating impactful campaigns to amplify their missions.

Previously, Delna served as a Communications Specialist at a top PR agency, managing high-profile clients like Amazon Prime Video and The Times Group. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives and driving strategies that resonate across diverse audiences.

Zenia is an accomplished wellness coach with five years of experience empowering clients around the world, including in India, the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia, to lead healthier, more balanced lives. Through personalized coaching and holistic approaches, Zenia has helped countless individuals transform their physical, mental, and
emotional well-being.

With a background spanning nine years in the service industry, including five years in retail and another five years in social media, Zenia has leveraged her diverse skill set to build a successful wellness business in Toronto from the
ground up, starting with no external support. Her business thrives on a deep understanding of customer needs and an unwavering commitment to helping others achieve their fullest potential. Zenia’s mission is both ambitious and inspiring: she aims to establish 100 profitable breakfast clubs and create a community of 10,000 people across Ontario, all focused on cultivating healthy lifestyles and achieving their optimal shape. With a strong belief in the power of community and wellness, Zenia is dedicated to helping individuals unlock their best selves.

Fravash has been a passionate leader and active contributor to the Zoroastrian community. From 2019 to 2024, he served as Chair of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO) Youth Committee, where he played a pivotal role in organizing youth initiatives and fostering a sense of community among young Zarathushtis. Currently, he serves as Co-Chair of the Zoroastrian Youth of North America (ZYNA), continuing his mission to connect and empower the next generation of Zoroastrians across the continent.

Fravash holds a degree in International Business from Toronto Metropolitan University and has entrepreneurial experience as the founder of Fravi Sauce, a business he successfully launched and managed. He now works alongside his family at Pearl Knstructions Inc., their home renovation business, where he applies his business acumen and hands-on expertise. Fravash’s dedication to both his professional endeavors and his community reflects his drive to build meaningful connections and create lasting impact.

Araash Chothia, based in Toronto, Canada, is pursuing his Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Marketing.

Passionate about storytelling and community engagement,

Araash serves as the Newsletter Editor for the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO), where he highlights the stories of inspiring local Zoroastrians and keeps members informed through monthly publications. His dedication to preserving and sharing Zoroastrian heritage is evident in his work, which fosters a sense of connection and pride within the community.

In addition to his editorial role, Araash is an active member of the ZSO Youth Committee and the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) – Toronto Chapter. A natural connector, he enjoys meaningful conversations and delving
into topics that spark his curiosity, such as politics, business, nature, and religion. Araash’s enthusiasm for learning and his commitment to his community reflect his drive to make a positive impact.

Mehrzaad Mogrelia is a dedicated and multi-talented professional known for his exceptional ability to bring diverse elements together seamlessly. With a sharp focus on detail and a knack for problem-solving, Mehrzaad excels in organizing complex projects and ensuring every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Mehrzaad is the goto person for coordinating efforts and delivering results, no matter the challenge. His collaborative spirit, precision, and ability to adapt make him an invaluable asset in any endeavor, consistently turning visions into reality.

Hormazd is a seasoned Corporate and Investment Banker with over 20 years of experience. He founded MergerDomo, an M&A and PE platform, to support Indian SMEs in raising growth capital or exploring sell-off opportunities. In 2020, he presented MergerDomo at the Tiger’s Den in Lonavala and won for its innovative approach.

Based in Pune, Hormazd is committed to transforming the financial landscape for Indian SMEs, leveraging his expertise to bridge the gap between businesses and investors. His work reflects a dedication to fostering growth and creating
value in the corporate finance space.

Yazdi Tantra is a Chartered Accountant turned tech consultant, entrepreneur, and trainer. He combines his expertise in finance and technology to deliver innovative solutions and develop projects that push technological
boundaries.

Deeply committed to the global Zoroastrian community, Yazdi has promoted and managed several websites to foster stronger connections worldwide. As a trainer, he shares his knowledge to empower others, embodying his vision of a connected and thriving Zoroastrian community through the fusion of tradition and modernity.

Migrating to the United States in July 1991, Bomi Patel has become a dedicated community leader and successful entrepreneur. He currently serves as President of the Zarthushti Anjuman of Northern California and has previously held key roles as Global Vice President of WZCC and President of FEZANA, fostering collaboration and cultural awareness within the Zoroastrian community.

In 2013, Bomi founded BB Travel Experts LLC, a travel agency specializing in cruises, global tours, and travel services, earning a reputation for exceptional service. His journey reflects a passion for leadership, service, and entrepreneurial excellence.

Khushru Rustom Chothia has been in the construction industry since 1997, specializing in building custom homes and delivering exceptional finishing work. With over 25 years of experience, he has earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, bringing his clients’ visions to life with precision and care.

A committed community member, Khushru has volunteered with the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario (ZSO) for more than 25 years. His dedication to preserving Zoroastrian heritage and supporting community initiatives highlights his passion for giving back and making a meaningful impact.

Dr. Zubin Sethna is an Associate Professor of Marketing, managing a £15 million postgraduate portfolio and bringing 22 years of industry experience to his teaching. An awardwinning entrepreneur, he has founded five businesses and advises organizations globally through Baresman Consulting.

His research on marketing and entrepreneurship is reflected in his PhD and books, Entrepreneurial Marketing and Consumer Behavior.

He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship and is a keynote speaker at leading institutions, including IIMA.

Arzan Sam Wadia is a distinguished architect and community leader, originally from Bombay, India, who now runs a successful architecture and technology practice in New York City. A graduate in Urban Design and Architecture, he blends innovation with design excellence in his work. Arzan has held prominent roles in the Zoroastrian community, including as the immediate Past President of FEZANA and Co-Chair of the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress in 2022. He has also contributed to major events like the North American Zoroastrian Congress and the World Zoroastrian Youth Congress, as well as youth leadership
forums in the UK.

As Program Director of the Zoroastrian Return to Roots Program since 2013, Arzan has inspired young Zarathushtis to reconnect with their heritage. He co-founded the Zarathushti Entrepreneurship Development Foundation and is the founding editor of Parsi Khabar, a leading online platform for global Parsi news. Outside of his professional and community endeavors, Arzan enjoys riding his motorcycle through New York City, embracing the simple joys of life.

Meherwan Dara Wadia, PMP, is a dynamic professionalwho seamlessly balances creativity and technical expertise.Based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Meherwan is askilled DJ and photographer, known for his ability to capture moments and craft memorable experiences. His passion for the arts is complemented by his professionalism, making him a sought-after creative talent in the region.

In addition to his creative pursuits, Meherwan serves as a Senior Program Manager at TCS Canada Inc., where he plays a pivotal role in driving growth and transformation for Canada’s financial institutions and public sectororganizations. Specializing in cloud computing, cybersecurity, financial crime prevention, and AI/ML initiatives, he leverages his technical acumen and leadership skills to deliver impactful results. Meherwan’s unique blend of artistry and technological expertise positions him as a versatile and innovative leader in both his professional and creative endeavors.
Mahyar serves as the Treasurer of the Toronto Chapter of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) and is the President and Owner of Sobel & Company, Professional Corporation, Chartered Professional Accountants. With a specialization in accounting, tax, and advisory services for small and mid-sized businesses, Mahyar brings decades of expertise to his clients, helping them achieve financial clarity and growth.

Having lived in the Toronto area for over 45 years, Mahyar is deeply rooted in the community and is committed to supporting local businesses and fostering economic development.
Cyrus is a seasoned entrepreneur with 27 years of experience, successfully managing multiple SHELL gas stations with the support of a skilled team. His dedication to excellence has been key to building a thriving business.

An avid aviator, Cyrus earned his pilot’s license 32 years ago and enjoys every opportunity to take to the skies. His love for flying reflects his adventurous spirit and passion for exploration.

A dedicated volunteer, Cyrus is deeply involved in the Zoroastrian community, assisting seniors with transportation and other needs. As Chapter Chair of the World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce (WZCC), he fosters connections and supports newcomers to Canada, reflecting his commitment to community building and inclusivity.
Dilnavaz is a trailblazing entrepreneur and educator with a career spanning decades. She launched India’s first corporate magazine for women in 1987, paving the way for a platform that celebrated and empowered women in the workplace. In the 1990s, Dilnavaz successfully ran multiple businesses across diverse industries, showcasing her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. She also contributed to academia as a professor at Xavier’s Institute of Communication and the Bombay College of Journalism. Recognized for her outstanding achievements.

Dilnavaz was honored by FICCI in 1997 as one of India’s 50 outstanding women achievers. She was featured in their prestigious coffee table book, A Business of Her Own. A certified holistic wellness coach and professional mental health counselor, Dilnavaz is deeply committed to helping individuals thrive. In 2021, she co-founded Global Youngpreneurs, an initiative aimed at equipping young adults with essential life skills and guiding them to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
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