PAAIA/NexGen is a national network of Iranian American youth formed under the umbrella of PAAIA and sharing the same aspirations and goals. It is formed to facilitate greater interaction among younger members of PAAIA to socialize and implement objectives of PAAIA in a manner more compatible with their age group and social patterns. A PAAIA/NexGen hub is organized in each metropolitan area where a dynamic group of interested and committed young professionals take the initiative to form one. Members of PAAIA/NexGen are members of PAAIA.
PAAIA/NexGen was formed in response to the request of many young Iranian Americans who expressed the need for a forum not only to socialize and network, but to also share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns on issues facing the next generation of Iranian Americans. Originally the brain child of PAAIA board member Firouz Naderi, PAAIA/NexGen has already established a very successful chapter in Los Angeles. According to L.A. NexGen member Amir Bagherpour, “NexGen is essential for the preservation of Iranian culture for my generation.” Bagherpour also stated, “These gatherings have been effective in providing a network for like-minded Iranian Americans who are ambitious and driven. It provides us with an opportunity to cultivate relationships and bounce creative ideas off of one another.”
It is PAAIA’s hope then, that NexGen will be not only an exciting vehicle to organize the Iranian American youth, but one that will also help cultivate the next generation of Iranian American leaders and guide PAAIA’s activities aimed at benefiting the youth.
