We are extremely proud to announce that our Executive Director, Milad Yazdanpanah, is being awarded the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service. Milad’s years of dedication, service & selflessness are being recognized and we are thrilled to congratulate him on this amazing honor. CBS reporter Sharon Chin came to What Now America to create a video about Milad and the organization.  If you missed the airing, please check out the article and video.  

In 2008 Milad started What Now America with a conviction and passion to do something positive in his community and make a difference. With no funds and no location, he rolled up his sleeves and started reaching out to funders and community members, researching what was most needed in West Oakland. As a result of that groundwork, Milad and a group of professionals created the successful What Now America program that has kept its doors open every single Saturday for 5 years, in large part due to his enduring devotion. He has developed a key position of trust with the youth and their families and made What Now America a valued member of the Oakland community. A well-deserved congratulations to Milad!