MALS Alum, Neda Nobari Endows the Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies at SFSU

San Francisco State University has received a $5 million gift from alumna and Iranian-American philanthropist Neda Nobari to establish the Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies (CIDS).

Nobari emigrated from Iran to the United States in 1978 at the age of 15. She graduated from SF State in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in computer science and earned a master's degree in liberal studies from Dartmouth College in 2015. Her graduate research at Dartmouth focused on the intersection of diaspora and cultural identity of Iranian-American women. From 1985 to 2006, Nobari served as the director and vice chair of bebe stores, Inc. After transitioning away from the for-profit sector, she established the Neda Nobari Foundation. As founder and president, Nobari guides the private foundation in supporting organizations and initiatives associated with the arts, film and education in service of social justice and cultural awareness. In addition to her philanthropic support, Nobari also serves on the board of directors of the San Francisco State University Foundation. 

Read the full article on San Francisco Sate University's website.