Khosrow Semnani, Businessmen Turned Philanthropist

Salt Lake City, UT–Khosrow Semnani’s story is a classic example of hard work and dedication and the realization of the American Dream. An Iranian immigrant who came to Utah in 1969 with $47 in his pocket, Semnani  helped pay his way through Westminster College with a part-time job as a janitor. Eventually he founded Envirocare (now EnergySolutions) in 1988 and shortly thereafter the company began accepting low-level radioactive waste for treatment and disposal in above ground, reinforced buildings with three-foot-thick concrete walls.The company, now sold,  reportedly has annual revenues of more than $100 million.

Semnani now devotes more of his time on a wide range of philanthropic activities. He founded and funds Maliheh Free Clinic, which provides free medical services to poor and uninsured patients in South Salt Lake.He has also partnered with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to send aid abroad to natural-disaster victims.Hi foundation donated $125,000 to LDS Humanitarian Services for famine relief in Somalia and Somali refugee camps. Additionally, last year the Semnani Family Foundation donated $20,000 to LDS Humanitarian Services for earthquake relief in Haiti.
He also actively participates in bridging the gaps of understanding between various faith groups. Most recently he presented a paper at Brigham Young University on his experience of being a Muslim in America.

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