The Nowruz Commission

On Wednesday, March 19 2008, President George W. Bush, and First Lady Laura Bush hosted the first ever Nowruz celebration at The White House. Guests at this event represented people of many cultures who recognize and celebrate Nowruz around the world. Among the guests were then newly arrived Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Erlan Idrissov accompanied by his wife Nurilla, as well as the highest ranking Iranian American in the United States Government, The Honorable Bijan R. Kian and his wife Gissou. Ambassador Idrissov and Director Kian talked about the formation of a multi ethnic commission with representation from all countries who recognize and celebrate Nowruz. The purpose of the Commission was to keep this time tested, revered, universal tradition alive and to educate the greater communities in the United States about the significance of Nowruz and the Spirit of Spring. Two years later on January 26, 2010 Ambassador Idrissov and The Honorable Bijan Kian together with Mr. Nasser Kazeminy, chairman of the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations at Ellis Island co-founded The Nowruz Commission. Gissou volunteered to lead the effort to organize the Commission. She immediately challenged herself by setting a seemingly impossible task: parallel to organizing the Commission, plan and execute an inauguration before the the arrival of the First Day of Spring. Nowruz was only fifty days away! Gissou reached out to Anousheh Ansari, a leader in the business community and a unique Iranian American Space Ambassador. Next, she reached out to Robert Babayi, a capable and accomplished Iranian American lawyer and together, they formed the initial board of the Commission. Nasser Kazeminy led the organization as its founding Chairman, Robert became the General Counsel, and Gissou and Anousheh served as board members. The board appointed Gissou as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission. The miracle of Spring helped Gissou and her friends make it happen in less than two months! Nowruz Commission held its inaugural event at the Thomas Jefferson building of Library of Congress on March 17th, 2010!