Phenomenex CEO, Fasha (Farshad) Mahjoor, Receives the Ellis Island Medal of Honor

On Saturday, May 11th, Phenomenex CEO Fasha Mahjoor was presented with an Ellis Island Medal of Honor, “which ranks among [the United States’] most prestigious awards”, during a dramatic and patriotic ceremony held in the historic Great Hall on Ellis Island in New York Harbor where immigrants were once welcomed. Mahjoor was amongst other distinguished medalists, past and present, all of whom have made a significant and lasting impact on humanity. Previous winners include 6 United States presidents, Nobel Prize winners and leaders in the fields of science, medicine, industry, the arts, sports, government, and the armed forces.

Each year, the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) honors leaders who; dedicate their lives to helping others, preserve and celebrate the values of their ancestry group, strive for tolerance and acceptance, and who share their personal and professional gifts for the benefit of humanity. Over 10,000 people are nominated for the award each year, and only 98 medalists were chosen to receive it in Saturday’s ceremony. Both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate officially recognize the Ellis Island Medals of Honor, and each year the recipients are read into the Congressional Record.

NECO recognized Mahjoor not only for building a socially responsible international business, Phenomenex, whose scientific products improve the health and well-being of humans, animals, and plants, but especially for his dedication to multitudes of humanitarian efforts throughout the United States and the world. Being passionately committed to philanthropy, Mahjoor and his companies were publically recognized for their support of Superstorm Sandy disaster relief efforts by the American Red Cross. Mahjoor also recently rappelled/abseiled over 1,000 feet of the Shard skyscraper in London to raise funds for The Outward Bound Trust educational charity and sponsored the making of over 200,000 meals for starving children in developing countries at its companies in the United States and Italy.

“I am very humbled to have received this honor alongside such an extraordinary and distinguished group of honorees,” Mahjoor remarked after the ceremony. “What a selfless and inspirational group of people who understand how meaningful and important it is to help those less fortunate and to give back. It pleases me greatly that in my lifetime I’ve had the opportunity to make a difference in the world, even if in a very small way.”

Through hands-on efforts and donations, Mahjoor and his companies around the world continue to work closely with many charitable organizations like the Farhang Foundation, Feed My Starving Children, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Sannihita Orphanage, Cheer for Children, Stop Hunger Now and more. Giving back is part and parcel to the mission statement that Mahjoor set forth when building his business over 30 years ago that still stands firm today: “…it is our responsibility and foremost mission to promote the growth, prosperity, and well-being of those we serve – our customers, our employees, and humanity.”