Quotes About PAAIA

"We have our roots in the rich Persian culture and have also been fortunate enough to enjoy the blessings of this advanced country. It is natural for us to wish to give back to both. PAAIA provides us with a vehicle to accomplish this, and more actively contribute to bringing these two cultures together."

- Cumrun Vafa, Donner Professor of Science, Physics Department, Harvard University

"Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come – and the time has come for Iranian Americans to leverage their extraordinary talents and successes toward the common goals that the PAAIA charter represents. The fabric of American life -- colorful and diverse and textured – has been enriched by the work of countless Iranian Americans.  PAAIA will help weave new narratives and highlight old ones into the rich American mosaic."

- Afshin Molavi, Author and Fellow, The New America Foundation

"I look forward to PAAIA's growth and status as the all inclusive entity representing Iranian Americans in this country. Yours is a difficult task considering the "Iran/Islam/Islamic Republic" popular image (phobia?) and politics in this country, made more difficult by the general apathy/fear of us Iranians to get involved and our me-know-all personality trait. These are facts (at least in my opinion) that you and your colleagues will face. My hope is that you will not get discouraged, as the potential is also there. It just takes a lot of patience and perseverance and nerves of steel."

- Khosrow Moaveni, PAAIA supporter

"Three decades of individual achievements, but no community voice or force for the Iranian American community! Victory for the Iranian-American community requires exceptional performance, cultivation of the right image and managing the right exposure. Except for extraordinary performance, the IA community has not delivered against its potential in image and exposure dimensions. PAAIA is a focused and strategic grassroots community effort to accomplish holistic success and influence for the IA community."

- Mohsen Moazami, Vice President, Internet Solutions, Cisco

"By focusing on the strengths of the Iranian American community, an organization like PAAIA will help cultivate broad based coalitions that engage, unite, and create a collective voice for the most successful and educated minority group in the United States."

- Roya Soleimani, Events Manager, University of California, Washington Center

"PAAIA is exactly the type of organization that our community needs to forge working relations with the various non-profits that are committed to developing a stronger Iranian American community."

- Ramin Bajoghli, Former Co-Executive Director, Iranian Alliances Across Boarders

"If an organization like PAAIA doesn't do it, no one will. We need groups like this to change our image in the world. PAAIA is oky doky with me."

- Maz Jobrani, Comedian

"For several decades now Iranian-Americans have distinguished themselves in virtually every field. They have been a pillar of their communities and have enriched commerce and culture across America. Few of their American neighbors know much about them let alone what they have accomplished and how much they have contributed to this country. Now more than ever before there is a need for an organization that would serve as their voice, promote their interests and introduce them to America. PAAIA is that bridge and what it will accomplish in the years to come will go a long way in confirming the place of one of America's most educated and productive communities in every aspect of the country's life."

- Vali Nasr, Professor of International Politics, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University

"PAAIA is dedicated to ensuring that our children will enjoy the Iranian American community's full support and benefit from a positive public image that reflects our accomplishments and contributions as Americans, and the many positive and enduring aspects of our Iranian heritage."

- Babak Hoghooghi, Executive Director, PAAIA

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