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Who We Are
The Founder
Djavad Mowafaghian
Dr. Djavad Mowafaghian fostered a legacy of kindness, generosity, and service through his eponymous Foundation.
After building a contracting company in Iran, Dr. Mowafaghian immigrated to Canada and dedicated himself to improving the lives of others. Over nearly three decades, he became one of British Columbia’s most respected and influential philanthropists. His contributions have advanced groundbreaking research, helped establish vital health-care infrastructure, expanded educational opportunities, and strengthened countless community organizations.
In recognition of his extraordinary service, Dr. Mowafaghian received numerous honours, including appointment to the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Dalai Lama Humanitarian Award, and honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.
The Board
Hamid Eshghi
President
Hamid has served as President of the Mowafaghian Foundation since its founding in 2003. He oversees the Foundation’s grant making initiatives, supporting a diverse range of charities and institutions across Canada.
Guided by the Foundation’s commitment to create meaningful and lasting impact, Hamid is particularly passionate about advancing children’s health and expanding access to education. He holds a master’s degree in architecture.
Vahid Eshghi
Vice-President
Vahid joined the Foundation in 2007 after immigrating to Canada from Iran. Trained as an architect, he has combined his technical design expertise with a lifelong commitment to social impact.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Vahid led the construction of 26 schools in some of Iran’s most underserved communities that serve over 22,000 students annually. As Vice-President, Vahid continues to support initiatives that expand educational opportunities and strengthen B.C. communities.
Margaret Thomson
Treasurer
Margaret has served as Treasurer since the Mowafaghian Foundation was founded in 2003. A strategic and community-minded leader, she oversees the Foundation’s financial management and governance practices.
Margaret works closely with the rest of the Board to ensure the Foundation’s resources are managed responsibility and in support of the Foundation’s charitable mission. Margaret holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Abby Eshghi
General Counsel & Secretary
Abby joined the Foundation in 2025 as general counsel, bringing more than a decade of legal experience in Canada and the United States. Following appellate judicial clerkships in New York and Massachusetts, Abby served as an Assistant Attorney General with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, where she prosecuted civil and criminal matters.
After returning to Vancouver, Abby practiced law at two leading litigation boutique firms before turning her attention to philanthropy. She now pursues her deep commitment to social justice and public service through her work with the Foundation.