“Zerbanoo’s commitment to peace, to young people and to creating a better world is evident from her track record. As the first Asian women in modern British politics elected as a Liberal councillor, her vision led to alternative ways to make a real difference - and she trod that path regardless of the challenges. Today we can see that journey has borne fruit and give thanks for all she stands for.”
Bishop Desmond Tutu,
Nobel Peace Laureate
“Zerbanoo is an extraordinary source of good in the world. Zerbanoo’s clarity of purpose and belief in the possibility of positive change acts like a light shining through excuses and obfuscations; she has an amazing talent for bringing people together in common cause. Her relentless dedication to social justice causes, from anti-slavery to environmental movements, alongside her commitment to inspire the young, sets her apart as someone who reflects on challenges at a global level whilst making a material difference locally.”
Professor Alison Donnell,
Head of School of Literature, Drama, and Creative Writing,
University of East Anglia
“Zerbanoo Gifford’s generous life spans the fields of human rights, politics, writing and philanthropy. She is global in her vision and achievements – from directing Anti-slavery International to establishing a world-class centre for youth empowerment.”
Ratan N. Tata,
Philanthropist and Chairman Emeritus,
Tata Sons
“There is no doubt, with few exceptions, the people who speak for the many communities, tend to represent their own racial, national or religious groups. Zerbanoo belongs to that rare group which has stepped out of their communities to embrace peoples and cultures from all over the world and who work tirelessly to promote tolerance and respect for all who contribute to the wonderful diversity of life.”
Patsy Robertson,
Official Spokesperson for the Commonwealth (1983-1994),
Chair of the Commonwealth Association, Chair of Widows Rights International
“Zerbanoo’s commitment and tireless campaigning for justice and human rights is an inspiration to us all. The ASHA Centre she founded is a symbol of harmony where people of different beliefs and faiths unite in an understanding that we can live in a peaceful world.”
Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar,
The Maharana of Udaipur
“Zerbanoo is a renowned human rights campaigner at the heart of the women’s movement. She has helped to empower women to take their rightful place in the international arena. Zerbanoo’s life story reads as a modern tale of ‘shakti’ power.”
Meera Gandhi,
UN Goodwill Ambassador and CEO,
The Giving Back Foundation
“I marvel at how Zerbanoo’s magnificent vision has been so completely realised at The ASHA Centre. Many people have good ideas and intentions; few are able to truly manifest or achieve them so brilliantly. Zerbanoo has a rare gift of galvanising others with her infectious drive, inexhaustible energy and determination. Not for nothing, her name means ‘Golden Lady’.”
Adrian Locher,
Director,
The ASHA Centre
“When I was the Chair of the Albanian United Nations Association, I spotted Zerbanoo’s international mentoring scheme. She is my mentor. I saw Zerbanoo receive a standing ovation at a talk she gave at NASA. When Zerbanoo speaks, she owns the stage and uses humour to interact with her audience. She does not speak with a script, but she does her homework. Discipline and flexibility are two things she has married together in her public speaking skills. She connects with the heart.”
Ina Gjikondi,
Director,
George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership
“It would be impossible to overexaggerate the importance of Zerbanoo in my life. I first came to The ASHA Centre as a cynical 18-year-old from Wolverhampton, who was in desperate need of a safe space to explore who I was and how I related to the world. Zerbanoo showed me the true power of love and kindness. She took away my self-imposed shackles and introduced me to my limitless potential. She helped me achieve major successes in my career as an international peace development practitioner for the Middle East. I know hundreds of young people who look back at the momentous change and growth in their lives and see Zerbanoo at the very centre.”
Alexander Scott,
International Projects Manager,
Oxford Research Group
“By creating The ASHA Centre, Zerbanoo placed a gem on the world map. The groundbreaking educational work at the Centre renews hope in the future. My journey with ASHA started when I travelled from my home in Estonia to attend an Erasmus+ training course on Music. I immediately realised that this was ‘my home away from home’. I knew that I wanted to help ASHA with its international work. After graduating from university, I did my European Voluntary Service at ASHA, and soon grew into the role of ASHA's Project Manager. It was a blessing to work together with Zerbanoo. She is a force for real change.”
Maris Meos,
Creative Producer
“As a young Muslim Bangladeshi from Birmingham, Zerbanoo gave me a home and gave me a reason to hope again. When I appeared at The ASHA Centre unsure what to do in life, I was encouraged to be part of the kitchen team learning the art of hospitality. I was the Volunteer Coordinator at The ASHA Centre. Zerbanoo believes in me and has given me the foundation to build my life on. She says I am wonderful. She is wonderful.”
Faisal Miah,
Volunteer Coordinator.
“I met Mrs Gifford while studying opera at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Rather than practice on my own, she encouraged me to sing in front of those who had never experienced inspirational music. After RAM, I was given a place at the Cardiff International Academy of Voice where I could study with famous singers, coaches and conductors. But I had no money. Mrs Gifford helped me convince my Chinese community to fund my scholarship while she paid for my accommodation. Today I have a happy family, a good job and also my own summer opera festival in Tuscany.”
Sally Li,
Opera Singer
“I arrived from Kenya in a foreign land; all would have been nothing had Zerbanoo not taken me in and afforded me a wonderful education at Coventry University to read Maths. For me, Zerbanoo has been the epitome of strength and humility. She encouraged me to try to represent Kenya at the Olympics, throwing the javelin and even bought me my javelin, so I had no excuse not to practice. Zerbanoo is a mother and mentor to so many young people from around the world.”
Cyprian Onderi,
Corporal, British Army
“My growing into a more beautiful and loving person has a lot to do with the existence of The ASHA Centre. It allowed me to start a journey of self-knowledge, self-development and gave me an opportunity to take up Biodynamic Agriculture. I will always be grateful to Zerbanoo for envisioning and creating such an inclusive, joyful and sustainable place. Being at The ASHA Centre was one of the happiest and most transformative periods of my life.”
Maria Madalena Vaz,
Biodynamic Gardener
“As a 17-year old Scholar at Charterhouse School, I could not afford to go home to India during holidays Zerbanoo welcomed me to stay at ASHA. These ‘breaks’ would play a significant role in the development of my mindset. One summer Zerbanoo, who knew I was passionate about Aeronautics, organised for me to work at Kearsley Airways. There I learnt about overhauling and repairing aircraft parts. It all helped me win a place at Imperial College London. I still come back to ASHA for breaks and even gave a master class on self-understanding which Zerbanoo called the first of the TEJ-talks.”
Tejasva Malhotra,
Undergraduate,
Imperial College London
“Zerbanoo is the only person I know who stopped an international flight from taking off from London Heathrow Airport with a New Zealander who was being unjustly deported. For me, Zerbanoo represents the uncrushable spirit that preserves moral order and righteousness in a chaotic world.”
Sanaya Master,
Organiser of World Zoroastrian Youth Leaders Forum
“In the Western Balkans, we admire women like Zerbanoo. We call them spiritual warriors. In times of moral collapse when the society is not designed to suit the human spirit, Zerbanoo had the courage and vision to create the wonderful ASHA Centre, a place that will change the world, not by revolution but evolution. I have seen Zerbanoo bring together young people from all the countries from Former Yugoslavia to heal their wounds and encourage them to work together for a stronger Balkans as part of the European family.”
Stefan Đurasović,
Political Analyst
“Zerbanoo embodies the Z Factor – Zoroastrian zeal at its zenith. She lives by the triumvirate of her Zoroastrian faith: Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds, empowering and inspiring people everywhere. Zerbanoo is unique, she is unstoppable, and is a glamorous role model!”
Shernaaz Engineer,
Editor Zoroastrian Weekly, Jam-e-jamshed
“Zerbanoo is purrrrfect!”
Smoky,
Director of Rat Catching,
The ASHA Centre