Leonard Anable realizes he is one lucky guy. He speaks with amazement about how remarkable Shahin Hormozi Anable, his late wife of 33 years, was and her inspiring impact in the world of philanthropy. The couple met in 1978 on a blind date in Redondo Beach, CA. He was stunned “when someone who looked like Sophia Loren walked in” – his future wife, Shahin. They were married nine years later and enjoyed many happy years together before her passing in 2016 after a battle with cancer.
about shahin
Born and raised in Iran, Shain arrived in the United States on a scholarship to Arizona State University, with a dictionary under each arm to learn English. A determined and passionate student, she declined a Homecoming Queen nomination when it conflicted with her Science Labs, stating, “I came to this country to get an education.” After graduation she became a clinical laboratory scientist, working for several hospitals and Abbott Laboratories in sales, technical training and support.
An example of her expertise and charisma can be seen when she was sent to the Middle East to sell very expensive new laboratory equipment. She invited many doctors to a seminar, who were shocked when a woman appeared. She asked for 15 minutes of their time, and one hour later they were still asking questions. She far surpassed her company’s goal of selling 4 machines by selling 56 (with another 129 on back order upon her return home). She moved to Monterey Peninsula after marrying Leonard in 1983. She worked at Silas B. Hayes and Natividad Hospitals and was a devoted mother to their two boys.
philanthropic and personal impact
Always giving back, Shahin assisted in school classrooms, mentored students and helped graduating students dress for success for their first job interviews. She was a Cub Scout den mother, President of both the American Association of University Women and the Garden Club and much more. She served on the board of directors of her church, the Women’s Leadership Council, the Natividad Foundation Board of Directors and for ten years as co-chair for the CSUMB “Have a Heart” scholarship dinner auction. She was honored three times at the Monterey County National Philanthropy Day luncheon.
Leonard noted that she could instantly make lifelong friends, describing a group of people she met for three hours on a business trip, who kept in touch with one another by sending holiday and birthday cards for the next 36 years.
leaving a legacy
When she passed away in 2016, Leonard received condolences from more than 375 people across five continents. She is described as “delightful, caring, kind, intelligent, generous, a leader and loyal friend.” Leonard wanted to honor her memory by establishing a scholarship fund in her name and field of study.
As a Certified Financial Planner for UBS Financial Services in Carmel, he had referred many clients to the Community Foundation over the years. He partnered with the CFMC in 2021 to create the Shahin Hormozi Anable Scholarship Fund for Women in Math and Science.
Shahin Hormozi Anable Scholarship for Women in Math & Science
The scholarship supports Monterey County students with a passion for math and science by helping them pursue their college dreams. Recipients are female students who demonstrate both financial need and academic commitment with awards of up to $2,000.
“I found a passion for science through my classes and hands-on experiences in chemistry and biotechnology. This scholarship means so much to me since it eases the financial burden of higher education while encouraging me to continue striving to make a positive impact in the world of science.”– Nessa McMillan Kelly, scholarship recipient
ways to give
There are many ways to support the Shahin Hormozi Anable Scholarship Fund for Women in Math and Science. Your gift will open doors for aspiring scientists, engineers, and innovators—empowering them to thrive and lead in fields where women remain underrepresented.
• Write a check payable to “CFMC” with “Anable Scholarship” in memo line and mail to:
Community Foundation for Monterey County
2354 Garden Road
Monterey, CA 93940
• Contact the Community Foundation for Monterey County at (831) 375-9712 to make a gift of stock or IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution.
Do well to consider giving first priority to the education of women and girls, since it is through educated mothers that the benefits of knowledge can be most effectively and rapidly diffused.”