From July 11-18, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) welcomed fifteen students for the fifth annual Farokhzad Civic Leaders Summer Summit in Washington, DC. Representing six states, these Iranian American high school students gathered in the nation’s capital for a week of leadership development, policymaking education, and direct civic advocacy at one of the most consequential moments for our community.
At the heart of the Summit was Professor Marshall Ganz’s Public Narrative framework, developed at the Harvard Kennedy School and adapted for the program by Saya Ameli Hajebi. Throughout the week, students progressed through the Story of Self, Story of Us, and Story of Now, refining their personal experiences into compelling advocacy narratives that they delivered during meetings on Capitol Hill.
The Summit’s educational programming featured leading Iranian American experts in foreign policy, diaspora history, digital resilience, and civic advocacy. Dr. Sina Azodi of George Washington University’s Elliott School began the week with an overview of US-Iran relations, providing students with the historical context needed to better understand the legislation they would later advocate for on Capitol Hill. Dr. Leila Austin’s lecture, Many Stories, One Community, traced the history of the Iranian diaspora in America from 1875 to the present, reminding students that they are part of a community that has made lasting and meaningful contributions to American society for generations.
PAAIA Executive Director Dr. Neda Bolourchi and Psiphon’s Iran expert Emilia James led a timely session on digital resilience and internet freedom, exploring how Iranian youth in particular have used technology to organize, communicate, and advocate for their futures under censorship and internet blackouts. The session connected these experiences directly to the legislation students would champion on Capitol Hill. PAAIA Director of Government Affairs and Policy Morad Ghorban led a two-part advocacy workshop that equipped students with the practical skills to engage elected officials, clearly communicate legislative priorities, and confidently deliver their personal narratives.
On Capitol Hill Day, the students met with twelve Congressional offices representing both chambers and both political parties to advocate for four legislative priorities that directly affect the Iranian American community.
- The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act (IHRIFA): holding the Islamic Republic accountable for human rights abuses while supporting internet freedom.
- The Temporary Family Visitation Act (TFVA): creating a pathway for Iranian Americans to sponsor short-term visitation visas for immediate family members separated by the absence of US-Iran diplomatic relations.
- The Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act (ITIRA): providing temporary immigration relief for vetted Iranian nationals currently in the US.
- The IRAN Act: supporting internet access and freedom for the Iranian people.
Throughout the day, students met with offices across the political spectrum, from Representatives Aaron Bean (R-FL) and Stephanie Bice (R-OK) to Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), demonstrating that the issues affecting the Iranian American community transcend party lines. The highlight of the day was an extended working lunch with Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), the first Iranian American Democrat elected to Congress.
Students also encouraged additional support for PAAIA’s legislative priorities during meetings with the offices of Representatives Dave Min (D-CA-47), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), James Walkingshaw (D-VA-11), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) and Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), making meaningful contributions to advancing bipartisan support for these initiatives.
PAAIA was genuinely one of the best weeks of my life. I came expecting to learn about advocacy and government, but I left with so much more than that. From meeting with members of Congress and hearing from inspiring leaders to building friendships with people from so many different backgrounds, every day challenged me to grow and see the world from a new perspective. If I only had one week of summer to spend anywhere in the world, I would choose PAAIA again without hesitation. I’d choose the people, the conversations, the laughter, and the sense of community all over again.
-Kian, Summit Student
Beyond advocacy, students explored career pathways throughout Washington. They toured the US Department of State’s Harry S. Truman Building, where they met with State Department officials to discuss current foreign policy priorities and careers in the Foreign Service. They also visited the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)-Americas, where Ambassador Michael Carpenter, Advancement Officer Lisa Yankowsi, and Events and External Relations Coordinator Kate Capparelle discussed how leading think tanks shape policy debates and inform decision-making across government, business, and the media.
Students also participated in a Career and College Q&A Panel co-moderated by counselors Ava Etemadi and Rustin Mirhaji. Panelists Rostam Assadi of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Neeki Memarzadeh of K&L Gates, and Kian Rajaeian, Legislative Correspondent for Representative Yassamin Ansari, shared candid advice on navigating college, law school, government service, and careers in public policy.
My voice in politics as an Iranian American has always felt small. At the Summit, I have learned the importance of our voices and advocacy. The lectures and workshops gave me perspective and hope in the future of Iran and Iran American politics.
-Summit Student
The week also provided opportunities for community building and cultural connections. At Peacock Café, students joined acclaimed Iranian American chef and US State Department culinary diplomat Maziar Farivar for a conversation on culinary diplomacy. Over a multi-course dinner, Chef Farivar —who prepared the inaugural White House Nowruz celebration hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama—discussed how food serves as one of the most powerful tools for cultural exchange and soft power.
In the Civic Leadership Program, I learned that my cultural identity is not a barrier to my future or my career. Instead, it is what allows me to make a unique and meaningful impact. Through learning about the legislation we advocated for and hearing the personal stories of fellow participants, I rediscovered a deeper appreciation for my Persian roots, even in a society where anti-Iranian sentiment still exists. This experience reminded me that embracing my heritage is a source of strength and purpose.“
-Nava, Summit Student
Additional activities included bowling at Bowlero Bethesda, touring the US Capitol’s Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall, enjoying catered dinner from Moby Dick House of Kabob, and celebrating the conclusion of an unforgettable week with a silent disco.
We are deeply grateful to the students for the enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and commitment they brought to this year’s Summit, and to their families for placing their trust in PAAIA. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the speakers, mentors, counselors, counselors, counselors-in-training, staff, interns, and volunteers whose time, expertise, and dedication made this program possible.
To learn more about the Civic Leadership Program —or to support its continued growth through a tax-deductible donation—please visit paaia.org. Through initiatives including the Farokhzad Summer Summit, the Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP), the Ansari Public Service Fellowship, and the Civic Leadership Credential, PAAIA continues to empower the next generation of Iranian American civic leaders.
