A Legacy of Leadership
Dr. Sharona Nazarian
In every community, there are individuals whose leadership is guided not only by responsibility but by compassion, purpose, and a deep commitment to the people they serve. In the iconic city of Beverly Hills, a place recognized worldwide for its beauty, culture, and influence, Mayor Sharona Nazarian embodies a leadership style rooted in empathy, inclusivity, and service.
In this special April feature, The Eden Magazine sits down with Mayor Nazarian inside the historic halls of Beverly Hills City Hall to explore the journey that shaped her path to public service. As the first Iranian-American woman elected to the Beverly Hills City Council and now serving as Mayor, Nazarian represents a powerful example of how cultural heritage, perseverance, and a commitment to community can shape meaningful leadership.
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Her story is one of resilience, service, and deep connection to the people she represents. From championing inclusivity and cultural understanding to supporting local businesses, education, and community well-being, Mayor Nazarian’s work reflects a belief that cities thrive when compassion and collaboration guide decision-making.
Mayor Nazarian discussed with us the values that shaped her path, the lessons she carries as a leader, and the vision she holds for the future of Beverly Hills. At its heart, her message is simple yet powerful: when leadership is guided by compassion and respect for humanity, communities flourish.
Your journey to becoming the Mayor of Beverly Hills is inspiring. What personal values have guided your leadership and commitment to serving the community?
When I was campaigning for City Council, I knocked on 3,100 doors before I ever sat on the dais. I walked every neighborhood, spoke to residents in single-family homes and multifamily buildings, and listened to what our community wanted. One woman told me no candidate had visited her in forty years. That moment shaped how I lead.
Beverly Hills may have global recognition, but I have a personal connection to this City. My values are simple: show up, do the work, and represent everyone, regardless of race, religion, or cultural background. As an immigrant who rebuilt her life here, I do not take opportunities lightly. A great leader is someone who is present, accessible, and follows through with their plans.
Beverly Hills is known globally for its glamour, yet every city has deeper human needs. What humanitarian initiatives are you most proud of supporting or advancing during your time as mayor?
I am most proud of my initiatives that strengthen the human side of our city. This year, I had 14 Mayoral initiatives that set a standard for how we treat one another, provide information, and strengthen public safety.
Through my BH Wellness Network, we prioritized mental health and prevention by offering an affordable membership to help cover out-of-pocket emergency transport fees.
With BH Fire Watch, we reinforced readiness and protection by implementing additional cameras in our high-fire areas and monitoring them 24/7. Our City’s WaterSmart App helped advance our conservation goals by enabling residents to track their water usage.
I also introduced AI Blue Scribe to modernize how we govern and protect our community, using AI technology to aid in report writing so more police officers could be on the streets. BHPD Live Link was also implemented to help our residents file cases by providing information directly and in real time.
Even a city with a small-town feel must think globally and operate efficiently. Throughout my term, we have effectively balanced our budget. We’ve also spent time advocating for new businesses to come to Beverly Hills through my Unity Through Tourism initiative. “Shop, Dine, Stay in Beverly Hills” is more than a tagline. It supports our local businesses, sustains jobs, and reinforces our global brand. When visitors experience our restaurants, hotels, and boutiques, they are not just consuming luxury. They are engaging with a community built on excellence and hospitality.
Outside of your work, is there something you are passionate about that gives you immense pleasure and satisfaction?
Mentoring young women brings me real joy. When young girls tour City Hall and begin asking sharp, confident questions, you can see their mindset shift. It’s important that we continue to encourage women of all ages to use their voices and be trailblazers in their industry. That’s why it was important to me to create a special event called Women Owning Their Future that showcased a panel of top female leaders. It’s all attainable when leadership stops feeling distant and starts feeling possible.
I also value family traditions deeply. The women who raised me created homes filled with structure, warmth, and expectation. That balance continues to guide me.
As a woman in leadership, what challenges have you faced, and how have those experiences shaped your approach to empowering other women?
As a female leader, you are often evaluated differently. Strength can be misread. Directness can be labeled unfairly. I chose preparation over defensiveness.
Hosting events that spotlight female leaders was important to me. Education gives way to empowerment. During my Women Owning Their Future event, we spoke honestly about reinvention, financial independence, and knowing when to pivot. Hopefully, this inspired women who attended to break through any barriers and rise above challenges.
What life experiences most deeply shaped your compassion and desire to give back?
Leaving a country because of religious persecution permanently shapes your understanding of freedom. Starting over in a new language teaches humility and determination. Becoming a psychologist and a mother showed me where systems work and where they fall short.
Instead of standing on the sidelines, I stepped in. I served on commissions. I reorganized the LA County Commission for Alcohol and Other Drugs. Compassion must be paired with structure. That belief still guides me.
Community well-being goes beyond infrastructure. How have you worked to foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, and compassion among the residents of Beverly Hills?
Belonging does not happen by accident. It must be cultivated.
I created numerous initiatives that supported inclusion and belonging. My Sunday Socials with Sharona brought together active adults and youth for meaningful connections and shared learning. Straight Talk with Sharona connected residents directly with the departments and partners who serve our city every day.
Spotlight with Sharona was an opportunity to showcase some of our city’s hidden gems, including local shops, cuisine, and creativity found in our boutiques, flagship stores, and restaurants.
My two social media series, In the Know with Mayor Nazarian and Moments of Inspiration with Mayor Nazarian, were created to make local government more approachable and share facts about our city’s rich history and offerings.
Beverly Hills is internationally recognized, yet it functions best when neighbors feel comfortable reaching out to one another and to their mayor. Our business community is part of that fabric. When residents and visitors choose to shop, dine, and stay locally, they strengthen the ecosystem that keeps our city vibrant and financially sound.
What does women’s empowerment mean to you, and how do you hope your example influences young girls growing up in Beverly Hills and beyond?
Women’s empowerment means ownership of your life and your direction.
It means understanding that you can evolve, pivot, and grow without apology. When young girls walk through City Hall and see someone who once navigated a new country and a new language now leading, it expands their imagination and inspires them to become leaders.
Many leaders speak about service. How do you define true service, and how has that definition influenced your work as mayor?
True service is putting in the effort when it would be easier not to.
It is answering uncomfortable calls. It is attending meetings that are not glamorous. It is taking responsible risks to improve safety, efficiency, and accountability.
Service is not performance. It is consistency.
What are some of the life lessons or traditions you have taken from the women who came before you, like your mother, grandmothers, and aunts, and that you cherish and hold dear?
The women in my family were steady and strong, and they inspired me to get to where I am today. They brought joy and discipline into the same room. They quietly held families together, yet with strength. They taught me that it’s important to listen to those who need to be heard and to learn from them. I have applied these family values to my work at the city every day.
What long-term impact would you like your leadership to leave on Beverly Hills, not just in terms of policy, but in spirit and culture?
I want Beverly Hills to be known for unity.
Not just as a destination, but as a community that bridges differences and listens to one another. A city that maintains its small-town connection while remaining globally relevant in innovation, sustainability, civic culture, and tourism.
When people around the world think of Beverly Hills, I want them to think beyond glamour. I want them to think of a city that sets standards, supports its businesses, and welcomes the world while staying true to its community roots.
We are a city that welcomes everyone. Not just during the summer vacation months, but all year-round. It’s that unique blend of five-star hospitality and warmth that attracts people to Beverly Hills. We also have world-class schools and performing arts facilities. I am proud every day to be part of this community, and I hope everyone can have the chance to experience how special it is.
Is there a particular day, event, or defining moment during your tenure that has influenced you personally or professionally, and what made it so meaningful?
The defining experience was walking those 3,100 doorsteps.
You cannot understand a city from a podium. You understand it by standing face-to-face with the people who live there.
That experience reminded me that behind every policy is a household. And that perspective continues to guide every decision I make.
Special Thanks to:
Dr. Sharona Nazarian
Edited by: Dina Morrone
Photography by:
Location: Beverly Hills City Hall
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