PAAIA Welcomes Daniel Khoshkepazi as the Director of Civic Engagement and Democracy

Washington, DC — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is proud to welcome Daniel Khoshkepazi to our team in his role as the Director of Civic Engagement and Democracy (DCED). This new position plays a key part in educating and mentoring the next generation of Iranian Americans by managing PAAIA’s Civic Leadership Program (CLP) as well as creating meaningful partnerships and building support for democracy education and civic engagement. 

Daniel’s background in program management, student affairs, and nonprofit work, combined with his passion for creating equal opportunities, promoting democracy and civic engagement, and elevating Iranian American youth make him the ideal candidate for this position. 

“I am excited about the opportunity to join the team and support PAAIA’s impactful mission,” said Daniel. “I’m really looking forward to contributing to PAAIA’s efforts to empower civic engagement among Iranian Americans through effective program management, grant acquisition, and collaboration with stakeholders.” 

Daniel received his bachelor’s in political science and anthropology from SUNY Plattsburgh and his master’s in global affairs and human security from the University of Baltimore. His ongoing desire for mission-driven work has previously led him to roles as a Newman Civic Fellow, Graduate Fellow at the United Nations Association of National Capital Area (UNA-NCA), Baltimore City Mayoral Fellow, the Community Development Fellowship Coordinator at the University of Baltimore, and most recently, the Main Street Manager at Pigtown Main Street.  

In these positions, Daniel demonstrated his capacity for innovation and ability to promote organizational growth, while also gaining the technical skills necessary to manage youth leadership programs and activate communities to engage with the issues that impact them. As he built community relationships and created unlikely bridges, he deepened his devotion to making a meaningful impact through his career. 

Daniel previously participated in PAAIA’s Pezeshkan Family Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP). He interned with Senator Chris Van Hollen, participated directly in the legislative process, and gained valuable mentorship from Iranian Americans involved in public service. The Fellowship also provided Daniel with a firsthand perspective of one of the CLP initiatives he will now be overseeing. 

Our team at PAAIA is very excited to welcome Daniel aboard. We know his wide skillset, enthusiastic personality, and commitment to this important work will be a great boon to both PAAIA and the CLP.