Bita Daryabari to Receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor

Pars Equality Center is proud to announce that Bita Daryabari, Founder & Executive Director, has been selected by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations as a recipient of the 2012 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Ms. Daryabari was selected for this award because she represents the very essence of the American way of life, having greatly contributed to our national identity while preserving the distinct values and heritage of her ancestors.

“The Ellis Island Medal of Honor has been aptly named, for the Island is a symbol of the diversity of our nation’s people - a people whose genius, culture, artistry and thought have been joined to form a single mosaic of many cultures and ancestral backgrounds,” said Ms. Daryabari. “This award is particularly meaningful to me because it is an acknowledgment of the spirit, hard work and values of our ancestors…those who took the ‘American Dream’ from just a hope, and made it a reality.”

Ms. Daryabari will be honored with the medal on May 12 at a ceremony on Ellis Island in New York. Please join Pars’ board and staff in congratulating Bita on this well-deserved honor recognizing her contributions and achievements.