PAAIA Announces Spring 2022 Capitol Hill Internship Program Fellows

Washington, DC – PAAIA congratulates our newest Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP) fellows: Leila Pearson and Daniel Khoshkepazi! 

Leila Pearson was born and raised in New Canaan, Connecticut. She is now living in Washington, DC studying political science at American University’s School of Public Affairs. She is currently a freshman and is passionate about foreign policy, gun policy reform, and battling our climate crisis. She is interning with Senator Chris Murphy this semester and is very excited to have her first experience on the Hill.  

Daniel Khoshkepazi moved to the United States when he was a child. Raised in New York, he now lives in Baltimore where he pursues a Master’s in Global Affairs & Human Security at the University of Baltimore. At UBalt, Daniel also has served as the President of Student Government since May 2020. He is passionate about leadership, social justice, and community development. Last fall, Daniel interned with Senator Van Hollen of Maryland. This spring, he will intern with Senator Gillibrand of New York. 

The Capitol Hill Internship Program offers Iranian American students and recent graduates an opportunity to learn about the legislative process by interning with a Member of Congress. During the internship, PAAIA provides CHIP recipients a stipend as well as opportunities for mentorship with Iranian American congressional staff and federal officials. 

Since launching CHIP one decade ago, PAAIA has helped over 20 young Iranian Americans to work on Capitol Hill. For many, the Capitol Hill Internship Program is what gets their foot in the door in Washington, DC and jumpstarts their careers in public service.