For too long now, through our collective silence as a community, we have allowed the Iranian American image to be defined by the media, the government of Iran, the blogosphere, and politicians with agendas. The time has come to take ownership of our identity and make sure we are actively projecting an accurate image of who we are.
Profiles of Iranian Americans is one of PAAIA's principle projects aimed at countering negative stereotypes that plague our community with compelling life stories of Iranian Americans who are remarkable for their professional achievements, their humanitarian work, their contributions to American society, or their compelling life stories.
By presenting these profiles, PAAIA aspires to not only project an accurate and positive image of our community, but to also inspire our children to take pride in their heritage and their Iranian American identity. The Profiles of Iranian Americans, a project led by Rudi Bakhtiar on the behalf of PAAIA, is co-produced by her and Boomgen Studios and directed by Mahyad Tousi.
PAAIA has selected as its first personality to profile Dr. Firouz Naderi, the Associate Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who personifies an Iranian American remarkable in all four of the aforementioned categories. Naderi was selected by NASA to lead the Mars Exploration Program through threesuccessful spacecraft launchers, including the historic landings of the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, and, through his community and charitable work, he has become a role model for our community and for our youth. View Dr. Naderi's Profile.
Other Iranian Americans to be featured soon include Rhodes Scholar and Harvard Professor Dr. Pardis Sabeti, Google Vice President Omid Kordestani, comedian/actor Maz Jobrani, and former swimming world record holder Leila Vaziri.
