Nazli Parvizi

President at Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD)

Nazli Parvizi is the President of the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD), located in Brooklyn, New York. She has held this position since December 2020, leading the only museum in the United States dedicated to exploring food and drink as a lens to understand various cultural and societal aspects.1 3

Background and Education

Nazli Parvizi has a strong background in food anthropology, having graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University, with a degree in this field and a minor in Biology. Her early experiences include working in a tea shop, which sparked her passion for the culinary arts. She co-founded a catering company, Night Kitchen Brooklyn, shortly after her graduation.2 3

Career Path

Before her role at MOFAD, Parvizi had a notable career in public service. She became the youngest agency head in New York City history when she was appointed to lead the Mayor's Volunteer Center under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. She later served as the Commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, overseeing community relations across the city. Her work has spanned various sectors, including consulting on Hurricane Sandy recovery and engaging in nonprofit governance and community outreach.2 3

Personal Life

Parvizi is an immigrant, having escaped from Iran with her family in 1981 following the Iranian revolution. She has expressed a deep connection to food and culture, often reflecting on her heritage and personal experiences in her work.2 3

Overall, Nazli Parvizi's leadership at MOFAD is characterized by her commitment to using food as a means to foster understanding and dialogue within communities.

Experience

President at Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) (December 2020 - Present)

Stakeholder Engagement Manager at NazParv Consulting (July 2019 - June 2022), Community and Partner Engagement at Bloomberg2020 (December 2019 - March 2020), Freelance Producer at KQED (December 2018 - December 2019), Senior Advisor at DalyGonzalez (August 2016 - August 2018), Resiliency Solutions Team at CB&I (July 2015 - January 2017), Commissioner at NYC Mayor's Community Affairs Unit (2007 - December 2013), Director of Brooklyn Sandy Recovery Efforts at NYC Mayor's Office (October 2012 - September 2013), Executive Director at NYC Mayor's Volunteer Center (October 2002 - May 2009)