Soraya Sarah and Younes (z"l, of blessed memory) Nazarian, 2015

OUR FOUNDERS

Younes (z"l, of blessed memory) and Soraya Sarah viewed themselves as vigilant stewards of a moral inheritancepassed down from their parents. They aspired to carry that legacy forward by sharing both values and resources for the benefit of future generations. Their deep commitment to philanthropy was shaped by personal experiences, beginning with their humble origins and the challenges they faced in Iran, which helped define their lives and purpose.

In 2000, Younes and Soraya Sarah Nazarian founded the Younes & Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation in Los Angeles, California. Then, in 2003, they expanded their philanthropic reach by establishing a regional office in Tel Aviv, Israel, known as the Ima Foundation.

The Younes & Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation is driven by the core belief that supporting education is one of the most powerful catalysts for societal change. Its early giving focused on educational initiatives spanning academics, public policy, community programs, and the arts.

Over time, the Foundation broadened its mission to address other pressing societal challenges, including advancing mental health and well-being, empowering women and girls, and combating antisemitism through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

Across all of its work, the Foundation remains committed to planting seeds, building bridges, and empowering pioneering thinkers and institutions to create lasting impact for today’s global community and future generations.

Together, Younes and Soraya Sarah Nazarian served as beacons to their family and the broader community, offering guidance, wisdom, and inspiration through both their achievements and the challenges they overcame. Their legacy continues to guide the Foundation's work today.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Foundation is governed by its Board of Trustees, who provide strategic oversight, guide grantmaking, and steward the family’s philanthropic legacy.

YOUNES NAZARIAN (z”l, of blessed memory)
Founder

SORAYA SARAH NAZARIAN
Founder and Trustee

DR. SHARON NAZARIAN
President and Trustee

DAVID NAZARIAN
Chief Financial Officer and Trustee

SHULAMIT NAZARIAN
Trustee

SAM NAZARIAN
Trustee

ANGELLA NAZARIAN
Trustee

EMINA NAZARIAN
Trustee

NEXT GEN ADVISORY BOARD

In keeping with the Nazarian family’s tradition of planting seeds to create meaningful change, Younes (z"l, of blessed memory) and Soraya Sarah Nazarian established the Next Gen Advisory Board, made up of their grandchildren, theFoundation’s third generation of leaders.

The Next Gen Advisory Board reflects a commitment to cultivating future stewards of philanthropy by combining hands-on grantmaking with leadership development. Through active engagement, members deepen their understanding of community needs, nonprofit impact, and the responsibilities of thoughtful giving.

Each member is entrusted with an annual discretionary allocation and conducts independent research to identify organizations and initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s focus areas. Recommendations are presented to the Board of Trustees for review, mirroring the Foundation’s formal grantmaking process.

By encouraging curiosity, accountability, and purpose-driven leadership, the Next Gen Advisory Board plays an integral role in sustaining the Nazarian legacy and empowering the next generation to lead with intention, insight, and impact.