March 22, 2010, Washington, D.C. – Last Monday when Congressman Michael Honda made a statement on the floor of the House of Representatives regarding the Nowruz resolution, it meant a little something extra to Iranian American Shirin Jamshidi. A PAAIA NexGen member, Jamshidi is an intern for the Congressman and helped draft his remarks for the occasion. A graduate of the University of California, San Diego, Jamshidi began working in Congressman Honda’s office at the beginning of February this year.    

According to Jamshidi, her deep involvement in establishing the NexGen chapter in Los Angeles helped her exercise her leadership skills that eventually led her to Capitol Hill. Jamshidi’s story is one of the many successful young Iranian Americans whose drive has placed them on a successful path in both the private and public sector. While working for Congressman Honda, Jamshidi has performed a wide array of tasks including writing articles for the congressman’s weekly newsletter, responding to requests and inquiries from constituents, and researching talking points on special occasions such as honoring the Peace Corps.

Recognizing the vast talent of the younger generation of Iranian Americans, PAAIA NexGen was created as a venue to network and channel their creativity. PAAIA NexGen is a dynamic group of passionate students and young professionals who excel at mutli-tasking and giving back to their community.  PAAIA is in the process of creating the Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP). This program will allow college students of Iranian descent the unique opportunity to live and work in the nation’s capital. The focus of the program is to promote civic participation among young Iranian Americans and provide them with the skill sets necessary for those who seek a career in government.