Board of Directors

Ellie Abbasi

Ellie moved to the United States in 2001, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, and MBA from the University of California, Irvine. She has dedicated her professional career to the healthcare industry, with a current focus on Oncology.

As a process-oriented professional, Ellie oversees the commercial operations of her division, where she excels in enhancing efficiency and fostering team synergy.

In July 2023, Ellie joined OCIACC and immediately fell in love with its mission and commitment to the community. She is passionate about leveraging her skills to help others. Ellie believes in the power of individual contribution to community betterment, and exemplifies this through her involvement in various initiatives, making a tangible difference in the lives of those around her.

Outside of work, Ellie enjoys hiking, gathering with family and friends as well as traveling the world with her husband and 2 boys to further demonstrate her well-rounded character and dedication to a balanced lifestyle.

Shirin Behzadi

Shirin Behzadi is a highly successful entrepreneur in the franchising industry.  She has been the Chief Executive Officer of Home Franchise Concepts (HFC), one of the largest franchise businesses in the home space.  Shirin oversaw the growth of HFC’s sales with more than 1700 franchisees.  Under her leadership, the system wide sales of the company grew significantly with double digit top and bottom line growth year over year.

Shirin is a visionary leader, entrepreneur and brand builder.  During her twenty-year tenure with HFC, she transformed and professionalized HFC into what is considered today the top-selling family of direct-to-consumer brands.

Today, Shirin is a board member and an advisor to several companies, helping them plan and achieve their desired growth.  Shirin has garnered coverage in print and broadcast outlets for her achievements, and has been recognized by EY as Entrepreneur of the Year and a recipient of the Innovation Award by Franchise.com

Mona Hemmati Bahri

Mona is an outgoing and energetic person who wants to do the best in all that she does.  She is currently employed at ADT Commercial, where she designs and sells security systems for businesses.  Mona has been a volunteer with OCIACC for more than four years. Her involvement with the various events has helped her grow her network as a new immigrant.  In Iran, she founded Mermaid Fashion House, where she had her own line of clothing for ten years.  Mona has continued her love for art here, and when she has free time, she designs and makes candles under Mona’s Candles.  Mona thrives to always be a better version of herself.