Honoring Excellence in the Arts: Farnaz Esnaashari
This year, the Irvine Public Schools Foundation proudly honored Farnaz Esnaashari, artist, animator, storyteller, and Irvine High School alumna (Class of 1999), with the 2025 Spirit of Excellence in Arts Award. Her journey from a creative Irvine student with a sketchbook to the creator and executive producer of the global hit Shimmer and Shine reflects the extraordinary power of imagination, perseverance, and opportunity.
Farnaz’s love for art began early, long before she realized it could become a career. As the daughter of first-generation Iranian American parents rebuilding their lives, she often spent afternoons caring for her younger brothers while her parents worked and attended school. Access to outside enrichment programs was limited, but everything changed once she entered the classrooms of IUSD.
“It was here, at worn-in desks with shared supplies, where my teachers first made me feel seen,” Farnaz shared. “They recognized something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself and gave me the permission to imagine a future in the arts.”
Her first official art class at Irvine High School sparked a passion that reshaped her entire educational experience. She immersed herself in drawing, 3D design, creative writing, and figure studies. “For the first time, school became something really fun for me. My passion was art. My passion was creating.”
That passion carried her to an internship at Nickelodeon, a pivotal opportunity that opened the door to a decade of work on beloved children’s television. Farnaz contributed to iconic series such as Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!, helping shape shows that taught millions of young viewers about curiosity, bravery, and compassion.
In 2012, she pitched her own idea, twin genies who help their best friend solve problems with humor and heart. Before the pilot was even completed, Nickelodeon ordered a full series. Shimmer and Shine quickly became a global success, celebrated for its imagination, cultural storytelling, and joyful spirit. Farnaz served as creator, executive producer, and even the voice of Gigi, infusing the series with her creativity and heritage.
Beyond television, Farnaz has led content development across major platforms, authored children’s books, and mentored emerging creators. She continues to champion representation and inspire new generations of storytellers.
“Without the teachers in this district who nurtured that tiny spark inside me, Shimmer and Shine wouldn’t exist,” she said. “When students are given the right tools and mentors, amazing things can happen.”
As we celebrate Farnaz Esnaashari, we honor not only her achievements, but also the teachers, mentors, and opportunities that helped illuminate her path. Her story is a reminder of the incredible potential within every Irvine student, and the transformative power of supporting the arts.
