New Organization Will Promote Iranian American Ideals, Successes, Contributions

The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), a national grassroots membership organization dedicated to building an inclusive and representative voice in the public and political arena for up to a million Iranian Americans launches on Monday, April 28. 

Iranian Americans today include CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, the leader of the NASA Mars Exploration Program, an Academy Award nominee and athletic world record holder.  Individually, Iranian Americans have reached the highest pinnacles in many fields in the U.S., including business, academics, science, politics, and the arts.  Headquartered in Washington, D.C., PAAIA is establishing a local presence in major U.S. cities with significant Iranian American populations.

"Iranian Americans have yet to find a united and organized voice on key issues.  PAAIA aims to be that voice and to speak for the Iranian American community at large on many issues including civil liberties, immigration and negative media stereotyping" said Babak Hoghooghi, PAAIA's Executive Director.

Mr. Hoghooghi says PAAIA's initial focus will be to build a community network and project an accurate and positive image of Iranian Americans that truly reflects their values and achievements as one of the most highly accomplished immigrant communities in the U.S.   

Rudi Bakhtiar, PAAIA's Director of Public Relations and former CNN anchor and Fox News Channel correspondent, added, "Iranian Americans have so many compelling stories to tell – stories of leadership, inspiration, and dedication to achievement.  Over the coming months, PAAIA will profile some of these incredible individuals and showcase how they have made significant contributions to America."

PAAIA's website, www.paaia.org, goes live on April 28 and will serve as an information source for and about the Iranian American community and the issues of interest or concern to it.

For media purposes, please contact:
Rudi Bakhtiar
Director of Public Relations, PAAIA
media@paaia.org

... Payvand News - 04/30/08 ...