Immigrating to the United States from Iran at five years old, Nellie Pournader faced some cultural challenges and bullying growing up.

Through the transition, Nellie leaned on her family heavily for support. They taught her to be strong and determined and most importantly, to never stop embracing her Iranian heritage and culture.

Nellie consistently makes traditional Iranian dishes for her Iranian husband and their two children, such as Bademjoon and Dami Gojeh Farangi to instill her love of Iranian culture with her family.