News
FEZANA BESTOWS THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO DR. DOLLY DASTOOR AT THE 18TH NAZC 2024
Published on January 04, 2025
The Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary and enduring contributions to the Zoroastrian community and society at large.
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Dr. Dolly Dastoor is the recipient of the FEZANA Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary contributions to the global Zoroastrian community, interfaith leadership, and advancements in clinical psychology and dementia research. |
Dr. Dolly Dastoor’s Background
Since immigrating to Canada in 1973, Dr. Dastoor has uplifted her community and achieved groundbreaking professional success. She has made significant contributions to the Zoroastrian community. As President of the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec (1978-85), she strengthened community ties and championed cultural initiatives. She co-chaired the 7th World Zoroastrian Congress in Houston in 2000, uniting Zoroastrians globally. As Chair of FEZANA’s Academic Scholarship Committee and Chief Editor of the FEZANA Journal since 2005, she has documented and celebrated Zoroastrian achievements worldwide. Her interfaith leadership includes being one of only two Zoroastrians elected as a Trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Her philanthropy includes funding youth scholarships and initiatives to preserve Zoroastrian heritage.
Professionally, Dr. Dastoor has excelled as a Clinical Psychologist at Douglas Hospital, earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Concordia University, Montreal. As Clinical-Administrative Manager of the Dementia Program at the Douglas Institute, she led a team of over 50 professionals and developed the innovative Hierarchic Dementia Scale, now widely used in dementia assessment. She has published extensively, lectured globally on Alzheimer’s disease, and founded the Alzheimer Society of Montreal, introducing innovations in patient care and caregiver support.
Dr. Dastoor’s advocacy for women as International Chair of Zonta’s Status of Women Committee and her role at the UN Commission on the Status of Women further reflect her dedication to empowerment. Her achievements, including the Outstanding Zarathushti Award (1994) and recognition as one of the “25 Distinguished Zoroastrians Who Made a Difference” (2012), continue to inspire generations to strive for excellence and remain rooted in their heritage.
Dr. Dolly Dastoor deserves every bit of this prestigious award and more as she works tirelessly for interfaith harmony and empowerment of women and girls. A heartfelt congratulations to MCW Past President Dr. Dolly Dastoor on this great achievement! You make us all proud!