Mahshid Ferdowsian was born in Persia (Iran) and left home in 1972 for Africa. After living for 14 years in Zambia, she and her family chose Western Australia as their new home. She has lived in Albany since January 1988 and has been actively involved in introducing her rich Persian culture to the community. She has demonstrated cooking at schools and centres, and by invitation at different events where her Persian treats have been very popular. She also taught Persian cooking at the Albany Summer School for several years. She enjoys working with children as an Educator, and has won the Children’s Week award. She has many interests and hobbies, including sewing, handcrafts, gardening and interacting with people. Mahshid was nominated for 2023 Senior Citizen of the Year award for her fundraising and cooking Persian food in support of Albany Hospice.