November 16, 2011, Washington, D.C. – For the second year, PAAIA members and the communities in which they reside are coming together to give thanks for the many blessings and opportunities afforded to them by giving back to their communities – Persian Style! Persian Thanks was implemented by PAAIA chapters nationwide in 2010. As part of the program, PAAIA members and their families identified local shelters and food banks and contributed to them by either collecting and providing money for the purchase of food items or by taking actual food items and serving them at the shelters during Thanksgiving week. Many of the food items were traditional Persian food, which were enthusiastically welcomed and enjoyed by shelter residents. In California alone, nearly 500 individuals were served with food and donations made by 19 restaurants and vendors.
November 16, 2011, San Diego, CA – Carlsbad City Councilwomen Farrah Douglas’ campaign for State Assembly of California continues to gain momentum with a recent endorsement from Encinitas Mayor James Bond. Douglas is running in the newly created 76th Assembly district, which includes north San Diego County coastal cities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Oceanside, along with Vista and Camp Pendleton. If successful, Douglas would make history by becoming the first Iranian American elected to the State Assembly of California. The pick-up of Mayor Bond is the latest high-profile political leader to endorse her campaign.
November 16, 2011, Washington, D.C. – Avid Boustani is the Coordinator for CleanTech Los Angeles at the Office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Shirin Jamshidi is now a consultant at Booz Allen. Roya Soleimani is now working at the research desk at the Voice of America. Amir Bagherpour is the first Iranian-American graduate of Westpoint. All of them are among the many talented next generation Iranian Americans (Nex Gen) who have benefited from PAAIA’s programs and examples of many others who would be able to do so with your financial support.
CHIP – Capital Hill Internship Program – placement of college students or recent grades in congressional offices
Mentorship Program – One of PAAIA’s most popular programs, the Mentorship Program matches accomplished Iranian Americans, such as Afshin Molavi, Judge Ashley Tabaddor, Firouz Naderi and Faryar Shirzad, with NexGen members, providing them with one-on-one feedback and career advice.
Educational Webinars – In 2011, PAAIA launched a webinar series, College Admission and You, to help students with SAT/ACT preparation, writing college essays and college selection. Annual NexGen National Retreat – PAAIA will host an annual program to unite NexGenners for networking and leadership training opportunities. Our 2011 event included hosting the largest group of Iranian Americans to ever visit the White House. Over 100, NexGenners gathered to network and formulate plans for leadership initiatives and civic service.
