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
OBJECTIVE : Goal Setting through the game of football. Mixed teams of 17 players. First game played with goal posts; second with posts Debrief : Can we play football without goal posts ? So then how can we go through life without goals ? Session two on Goal Setting : Interactive, participants fifilled in goal sheets and became conscious of the need for written goals. Members shared their long-term dn short-term goals. Wrap-up : Goal Setting is an important aspect for a professional/entrepreneur. Additionally : Ruby Kamdin made a presentation on her NGO – One Billion Literates. : Kashmira Bose displayed and sold her products of eco-friendly bags. A very enterprising morning
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.
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.
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!
We in the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) – Chicago Chapter invite you to attend our upcoming event “Laughter Yoga at Work Makes Business Sense” on May 19 @ 7pm US Central Time, during which we will hear from Certified Laughter Coach Tanaz Bamboat about how Laughter Yoga can help increase productivity, promote team-building, and improve workplace environments. Contact WZCC.Chicago@gmail.com with any questions. Zoom Link: Https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2356601995 ; Password: WZCC; Meeting ID: 235 660 1995
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.
After the meet and greet session, the AGM proceedings continued seamlessly. Guest speaker for the evening : Farida Irani who talked about Bowen Therapy – A holistic health plan The session closed with a talk by Dilshad Jalnawala
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.
KHURSHEED N. KHURODY
Ms. Khursheed Khurody’s background and education spans four countries and several disciplines. Raised and educated in the U.K., and the U.S.A, Ms. Khurody completed her schooling at Stowe in England and her formal higher education at Harvard University.
Together with her academic education, both in the humanities and in the sciences, she has a strong background in the western performing arts and several prizes and awards to her credit, in western classical music.
While representing Harvard Alumni in India, Ms. Khurody seeded the Harvard Club of Mumbai.
Presently, Ms. Khurody works with The School of Inspired Leadership (SOIL) and SOIL School of Business Design: (SSOBD) – Coaching and mentoring students in the Post Graduate Diploma programme in Management (PGDM), integrating management, design thinking, and the liberal arts while emphasizing experiential learning through live projects, internships and global exposure.
She has also just joined Mr. Ravi Kant in his venture, Leading from the Back (LfB), as an Advisor to his leadership development initiative and strategic imperative for building resilient, adaptive, and high-performing organisations.
In addition, Ms. Khurody sits on several Social Purpose and Non-Profit Boards, while working as a Strategic Advisor & Consultant to both Domestic and Global NGOs, shaping organisational design, architecture, strategy, partnerships, culture, & governance.
Ms. Khurody is also presently country Chair of the Shivia Livelihoods Foundation – an international non-profit organisation, head-quartered in London – working for the poorest of the poor in India, through its livelihood development programmes.
With increasing relevance, Ms. Khurody believes, that the humanities & liberal arts fashion leaders who are organic, passionate and vitally relevant. For example, she says, “The parallels between music and management are astounding.”
In her spare time, she enjoys, trekking through mountains and forests. She loves the outdoors and enjoys swimming and riding. She also has a deep love of reading, writing, history, poetry and philosophy.
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.
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.
