Meet Our Team

Dr. Neda Bolourchi is both a subject matter expert on the Middle East and a functional expert on governance, rule of law, elections, and human rights. She joined PAAIA after years in the academic, consulting, and legal professions.

Most recently Dr. Bolourchi held the position of Associate Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, which she joined after earning her PhD at Columbia University. Dr. Bolourchi taught about the Middle East, human rights, theories of revolution, and political movements. Her focus regarding Iran has been on secular notions of sacrificial rhetoric and imagery prior to 1979 and Jewish Iranian participation in the Iran-Iraq War. She has been working on related articles and book projects.

With her in-depth knowledge of these subjects, her opinions and writings have been featured in a variety of publications including the Foreign Policy Research Institute, International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Atlantic Council, several Jane’s publications, Praeger Security, Congressional Quarterly’s Political Handbook of the World, USA Today, as well as the BBC, Al-Jazeera, Al-Arabiya, and Sirius XM’s Progress Channel with Nayyera Haq, among others.

NGOs, corporations, and the government have asked for her advice on diverse topics within her specializations. Recently, she served on a legal team for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

Morad Ghorban currently holds the position of Director of Government Affairs & Policy.  From 2008 through 2010 he served as PAAIA’s Legislative Director.  Working closely with the Executive Director, Morad was responsible for setting PAAIA’s strategy and direction on policy initiatives and electioneering activities.

From 2003 to 2008, Morad served as the Political Director of the Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC) – which merged with PAAIA in early July of 2008 as the organization’s registered bipartisan Political Action Committee (PAC).

As Political Director of IAPAC, Morad directed and implemented the organization’s electoral program. He led IAPAC to perform in the top 20% of all PACs based on contributions received during the 2004 & 2006 election cycle and collaborated with members of Congress to draft a bipartisan resolution declaring Congress’ condemnation of discrimination against Iranian Americans.

Prior to joining IAPAC, Morad served on the staff of U.S. Representative John Linder from 1995 to 2000. As the Senior Constituent Service Representative, he managed and coordinated all constituent casework and was the chief liaison to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense.

Morad has extensive experience working with lobbyists, and values the important role community activists and political committees play in the legislative process. In addition, he has gained valuable knowledge on the inner workings and leadership structure of the U.S. Congress through his internships with the Speaker of the House & the House Republican Conference Committee.

Morad earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Tulane University. In June 2002, he earned his Master’s degree in International Studies and Diplomacy at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Arya Javidi currently serves as the Communications Manager at PAAIA. He is the primary content creator and designer for PAAIA’s social media, website, newsletters, and updates. His goal is to create a cohesive brand that represents PAAIA’s objectives of education, advocacy, and leadership, and conveys an accurate image of the Iranian American community.

With his strong foundation in instructional design and a master’s degree in Learning, Design, and Technology with a concentration in Training and Development, Arya brings both creative strategy and technical expertise to PAAIA’s digital communications. His background enables him to manage and enhance the organization’s digital presence—from designing accessible, interactive content to maintaining consistency across platforms. Arya applies evidence-based learning principles and cutting-edge tools to support PAAIA’s mission through clear, engaging, and impactful digital communication.

Prior to joining PAAIA, Arya served as the Digital Communications Director of WKNC-FM, North Carolina State University’s student-run, non-commercial radio station. There, he led outreach efforts and strengthened digital engagement for one of the most prominent college radio stations in the Southeast.

In his personal life, Arya is deeply rooted in the Iranian American community. As a first-generation Iranian American, he is extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of an organization that works to increase involvement in public service and also celebrates the culture and successes of the community it serves.

Masoud Mostajabi is the director of civic engagement and democracy at the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), where he leads the Civic Leadership Program (CLP) and Young Leaders Initiative (YLI) to strengthen Iranian American participation in public service, advocacy, and democratic life.

Previously, he served as deputy director of the Iraq Initiative and the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, where he managed regional security research, Track II dialogues, and high-level convenings focused on Iraq, Iran, and the Persian Gulf littoral states. He has also worked on South Asia policy at the Atlantic Council and on trade and economic diplomacy at an international chamber of commerce.

Masoud has been recognized as a Middle East Policy Council 40 Under 40 Awaredee and ISPI Future Global Leader, among others. His writing and commentary has appeared in Newsweek, The National Interest, NPR, and Deutsche Welle, among others. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Arizona State University and a master’s in international studies from American University’s School of International Service.