PAAIA Congratulates Susan Amini on her Appointment to King County Superior Court

PAAIA Congratulates Susan Amini on her Appointment to King County Superior Court

May 6, 2013, Washington, D.C. – The Public Affairs Alliance for Iranian Americans (PAAIA) congratulates Susan Amini on her appointment to the King County Superior Court, Position 20.  The appointment makes Amini the first Iranian American to serve as a superior court judge in Washington State history.

Last Thursday, at the appointment ceremony in the King County courthouse, Governor Jay Inslee described Amini as someone with a high level of expertise as well as a valuable and unique perspective.  “Susan believes strongly in equal access to justice, regardless of a person’s economic status, education level, or disability, and she has worked tirelessly to help eliminate barriers that exist within our court system.”

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Iranian Americans are a Predominantly Secular Community

May 1, 2013, Washington D.C. – On April 18, 2013, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) released its 2013 National Public Opinion Survey of Iranian Americans, the fifth such survey PAAIA has commissioned since its creation in 2008.  The report includes the poll results themselves as well as extensive demographic information on those questioned. While the poll results have, understandably, attracted the lion’s share of attention, it would be a mistake to neglect the demographic information included in the report.  The picture that emerges from the demographic data is one of a community that is religiously diverse, predominantly secular, well-educated, and relatively affluent.  It is the picture of a community that contributes greatly to the economic fabric of America. 

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Iranian American Women Make Great Strides in Technology

May 2, 2013, Washington, D.C. – After several Iranian Americans made Forbes’ 2012 “30 Under 30” list for their accomplishments in technology, three Iranian American women were recently recognized by Business Insider as being among “The 30 Most Important Women Under 30 In Tech.”  The magazine compiled the list through research as well as nominations from the public for the most important women 30 years old or younger in technology.

Soraya Darabi, 29, was recognized as a “two-time entrepreneur.” Darabi is currently working on her latest start-up, Zady, which has already raised $1.35 million, with the round led by NEA.  Prior to starting Zady, Darabi founded Foodspotting, a geo-local guide for finding quality restaurants, which was acquired by OpenTable earlier this year for $10 million.

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Congressman Rohrabacher Introduces Resolution Encouraging Azeri and Balochi Language Broadcasting in Iran

May 2, 2013, Washington, D.C. – On May 1, 2013, Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA 48th) introduced House Resolution 183, which expresses the sense of Congress that the Broadcasting Board of Governors should broadcast and direct Azeri language content into Iran and Balochi language content into Iran and Pakistan.

Congressman Rohrabacher in the past has introduced resolutions in support of self-determination for the Azeri and Baloch peoples, including their right to have sovereign countries.  In July of 2012, Rohrabacher wrote to then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton recommending that the United States support the joining of Iranian Azerbaijanis with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

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Iran Emergency Student Fund Update

As you may be aware, since February 2013, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranians (PAAIA), in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE) has been collecting funds for Iranian students on F-1 visas who are in dire financial need.

The generosity that our community has shown towards these young students has been heartwarming. PAAIA has received over $50,000 in donations from the community. This amount has been matched by IIE, which opened the nomination process for the students in early April.  Since then, IIE has received 318 applications from universities and colleges nominating Iranian students who are unable to pay for their tuition. We are proud to report that, through the joint effort with IIE, $102,000 will be awarded to 51 students, five of whose profiles you can view here.

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