The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is proud to introduce the Spring 2026 Congressional Internship Program (CHIP) Fellows, Andre Kish and Sam Rafizad. Through the CHIP Fellowship, PAAIA supports emerging Iranian American leaders as they gain hands-on experience working in congressional offices and deepen their understanding of the legislative process.

The CHIP Fellowship provides talented young professionals with opportunities to contribute to policymaking on Capitol Hill while building the skills necessary for careers in public service, policy, and leadership.

Andre Kish

Andre Kish is a first-year master’s student in Near Eastern Studies at the Hagop Kevorkian Center at New York University. His academic work focuses on tariffs, trade controls, and sanctions programs, and their broader impacts across the Middle East and Central Asia.

Andre holds a master’s degree in International Economics and Finance and a bachelor’s degree in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and Politics from Brandeis University. His research and academic training have been supported by grants and fellowships from the U.S. Departments of State, Defense, and Education.

This spring, Andre will be interning in the district office of Congressman Jim Himes, where he looks forward to learning more about how Members of Congress serve their constituents and engage with local communities.

Sam Rafizad

Sam Rafizad currently serves as a Legislative Intern for Representative Mike Levin (CA-49). He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2024 with a B.A. in Political Science, specializing in international relations, along with a minor in History.

Prior to joining the CHIP Fellowship, Sam was a Spring 2025 Scoville Fellow at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Washington, D.C., where he worked with the Middle East Nonproliferation Program on federally funded projects addressing regional security issues.

Sam is particularly interested in the intersection of law and national security, and he is eager to expand his policy expertise while working on Capitol Hill.

Supporting the Next Generation of Iranian American Leaders

Through the Congressional Internship Program (CHIP), PAAIA helps Iranian American students and young professionals gain meaningful experience in public service and policymaking. The program continues to empower the next generation of leaders while strengthening Iranian American representation and engagement in government and public policy.

PAAIA congratulates Andre Kish and Sam Rafizad on their selection as Spring 2026 CHIP Fellows and looks forward to supporting their continued professional development on Capitol Hill.