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.”
WZCC – Houston Chapter hosted a Career Conversation session at the Z Camp Texas 2016 held on July 29-31, 2016 at the Zarathushti Heritage and Culture Center in Houston. Participants from various parts of the state of Texas were in attendance. The interactive session was specially designed to help high school and college level students. It was very well received and was a big success. Three speakers, Dr. Benafsha Irani, Ms. Anahita Nariman and Ms. Mitra Khambatta shared their educational and professional experiences with the enthusiastic audience. Dr. Benafsha Irani practices Family Medicine in Houston, Ms. Anahita Nariman practices Corporate Law and Litigation and Ms. Mitra Khambatta is a practicing accountant. The youth got some good learning from the three young professionals on staying committed to their dreams, open to change and studying smart. After the discussion, youth teams presented their views on medical practices of the future, ideas ranging from hologram emergency medicine to bio-engineered orthopedic solutions. WZCC – Houston Chapter is very thankful to the three speakers for providing firsthand information to the young and eager audience and looks forward to hosting another session next year at the Z Camp Texas 2017.
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
WZCC invites you to Houston to participate in an interesting program on Thursday, April 27, 2017 (A day before the FEZANA AGM), designed for business people, entrepreneurs, professionals and anybody with interest in business, finance, industry, etc. Youth is particularly encouraged to attend. PROGRAM: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm – Visit a Zarathushti owned industrial facility, Coating Industries Inc. – Cll that provides serious corrosion protection for substrate to shipbuilders, chemical companies, major oil companies and industrial plants. We will also visit their adjacent J R Manufacturing facility, a fabricating plant for piping, skids and packages. (Light refreshment included Advanced reservation required. Cost: FREE 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm – Panel discussion on financial sources for starting a new business with speakers from academic and financial institutions – Talk on how to grow your business (topic to be finalized) For more information: Rustom Engineer rustom47@hotmail.com
the Houston area, the areas where rental income and property appreciation could be maximized, how to “run your investment like a business”, real estate do’s and don’ts, the importance of running credit and criminal background checks on tenants, and the risks associated with real estate investment. The next two speakers were Mr. Pankaj Arora and Mr. Kersi Engineer, and they discussed the purchase, refurbishment and sale of residential properties. Mr. Arora has been “flipping” homes for the past five years, whereas Mr. Engineer has been a successful real estate investor in Texas and Nevada for the past 30 years. They discussed how to purchase the “right” property (which is very important), obtaining financing, contracting strategies for home refurbishment, risks associated with such investments, and typical returns that can be expected. They also provided some valuable insights such as the need for being hands on and stay on top of the tasks being performed by contractors, the need for having relationships with contractors and vendors to obtain low prices for services/materials, why it is difficult to maximize return on investment if you are flipping homes on a part time basis, and how buyers focus on the quality of refurbishment of kitchens and master bedrooms. The seminar was very well received and the number of attendees was amongst the highest at a WZCC-Houston event. The attendees not only had several questions for the speakers after their presentations, but they also stayed after the event was over to have one-on-one conversations with the speakers.
WZCC – Houston Chapter Event On October 24, 2019, a joint event with North American Mobed Council (NAMC) was organized at the newly opened Shahi Darbar Restaurant. Ervad Dr. Parvez Bajan spoke on Philanthropy – The Best Virtue According to Zoroastrianism. Ervad Bajan is a sixth-generation priest and serves as head priest of the Seth B. M. Mevawala Fire Temple, Mumbai, which has been managed by his family since the enthronement of the fire in 1851. Ervad Bajan at the age of 65, earned a doctorate in a rare subject, Avesta-Pahlavi, the language of the Zoroastrian scriptures. With the courtesy of NAMC, Ervad Bajan was on a lecture tour starting in Chicago, then Houston and ending with 3 talks in Southern California. Ervad Bajan addressed an audience numbering 40+ including businessmen and professionals, about the virtues of philanthropy. He gave some examples from Zarathushti prayers that emphasize the importance of charity in our daily lives. Quote: “……May charity overcome greediness….. etc.” He also pointed out what our basic prayer clearly spells out that “He who gives assistance to the poor acknowledges the kingdom of God.” Ervad Bajan went on to deliver two more lectures at the Bhandara Atash Kadeh in Houston over the weekend. WZCC- Houston Chapter thanks NAMC for making this event possible.
The World Zoroastrian Chamber of Commerce – Houston Chapter conducted a very successful webinar on April 10 on the “Impact of COVID-19 on your Health and Taxes”. The session was attended by over 75 people and the attendees greatly appreciated the very timely discussion on the impacts of this pandemic to our daily lives. Mitra Khumbatta, CPA and Kershaw Khumbatta, CPA started the session by presenting highlights about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act and how they impact individuals and businesses. Details were provided about stimulus checks for individuals and how the amounts could vary based on income, and benefits available from the Texas Workforce Commission for unemployed or furloughed individuals. Next, the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance Program provided by the US Small Business Administration were discussed. The participants found these highlights to be very beneficial as there are many aspects to the stimulus package that apply in varying ways. The second part of the webinar was presented by Dr. Sorab Italia and he provided facts about COVID-19 and addressed the many fallacies that are being circulated on social media. He discussed the common symptoms of the virus (with fever being a very common symptom), where to get tested for the virus, the timings of test results depending on where you get tested, the different strains of the virus that have occurred in the past, how patients with the virus are presently being treated, the protective masks and gloves that could be worn, the typical age and personal health of the persons that are severely affected by the virus, the anticipated timing of the virus peaking in the Houston area, and the benefits of getting the flu vaccine even though that will not help with this virus. He also stated a vaccine will be the eventual answer to battle this virus, but it will probably not be available for another year. In addition, Dr. Italia also dispelled rumors about the many home remedies that can supposedly fight the virus. An extensive Q&A session was conducted after the speaker presentations and the meeting participants asked dozens of questions about COVID-19’s health and tax implications. It was evident by the significant number of questions and deep interaction that this webinar was extremely well received by our community.
Plant Visit WZCC North American Regional Meeting on April 27, 2017, started with a tour of Coating Industries, Inc. and J.R. Manufacturing, L.P. owned by our local fellow Zarathushtis and WZCC members, Mrs. Aban Rustomji and her son Mr. Arish Rustomji. Over 50 participants from across USA and Canada were present.
Plant Visit WZCC North American Regional Meeting on April 27, 2017, started with a tour of Coating Industries, Inc. and J.R. Manufacturing, L.P. owned by our local fellow Zarathushtis and WZCC members, Mrs. Aban Rustomji and her son Mr. Arish Rustomji. Over 50 participants from across USA and Canada were present.
The Houston Chapter of WZCC and ZAH are delighted to invite you to a talk on “What You Eat and How You Eat Could be Killing You…and what you can do to stop it!” Dr. Rasi Wickramasinghe, is a Stanford and Johns Hopkins educated Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Specialist. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardio Vascular Medicine, Intervention Cardiology and Echocardiography. His clinical interests are heart disease prevention, minimally invasive treatment of coronary artery disease, minimally invasive heart valve replacement, heart disease management, etc. He is a very entertaining speaker, blending humor and knowledge Attending this presentation probably will be the most important decision you will ever make if you are truly concerned about your health and have felt helpless to do something about it. It could well turn out to be the Turning Point in your Life! FRIDAY, September 14, 2018 (No Charge) at Zarathushti Heritage & Cultural Center Light Refreshments 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Talk 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM Q & A 8:15 PM – 8:30 PM ClickHere for the flyer and RSVP ASAP for headcount. Hoping to see you all, WZCC & ZAH
On October 24, 2019, a joint event with North American Mobed Council (NAMC) was organized at the newly opened Shahi Darbar Restaurant. Ervad Dr. Parvez Bajan spoke on Philanthropy – The Best Virtue According to Zoroastrianism. Ervad Bajan is a sixth-generation priest and serves as head priest of the Seth B. M. Mevawala Fire Temple, Mumbai, which has been managed by his family since the enthronement of the fire in 1851. Ervad Bajan at the age of 65, earned a doctorate in a rare subject, Avesta-Pahlavi, the language of the Zoroastrian scriptures. With the courtesy of NAMC, Ervad Bajan was on a lecture tour starting in Chicago, then Houston and ending with 3 talks in Southern California. Ervad Bajan addressed an audience numbering 40+ including businessmen and professionals, about the virtues of philanthropy. He gave some examples from Zarathushti prayers that emphasize the importance of charity in our daily lives. Quote: “……May charity overcome greediness….. etc.” He also pointed out what our basic prayer clearly spells out that “He who gives assistance to the poor acknowledges the kingdom of God.” Ervad Bajan went on to deliver two more lectures at the Bhandara Atash Kadeh in Houston over the weekend. WZCC- Houston Chapter thanks NAMC for making this event possible.
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.