2008-09-29 22:00:01 -

- PAAIA Ms. Rudi Bakhtiar Director of Public Relations 202-828-8370 media@paaia.org The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is launching an on-line video mini-series, highlighting the accomplishments and compelling personal stories of high-profile Iranian Americans.

"Many Iranian Americans have achieved tremendous success in business, science, technology, law, academics, media, and the arts. Their stories are fitting

to share with all Americans," said PAAIA Executive Director Babak Hoghooghi. "We are proud to showcase these talented individuals who comprise our community and contribute so much to American society."

The first PAAIA profile features Firouz Naderi, Ph.D., a NASA rocket scientist tapped to redesign the Mars Exploration Program after it suffered two consecutive failures. Dr. Naderi forever cemented his place in space history as one of the main architects to lead the Mars Program through four subsequent successful space craft launches, between 2000 and 2005, which also included the historic landings of the Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity. You can view the first installment of "Profiles of Iranian Americans" now at paaia.org.

"It is now more important than ever to present positive images of Iranian Americans who are striving to make this country and world a better place," said former CNN anchor Rudi Bakhtiar, who is producing the series.

"I'm very excited about the way these profiles have turned out. It's unlike anything you've seen out there. In the YouTube and Facebook world we live in, I think these self-narrated biographies will really catch fire with the youth," Bakhtiar said.

Successive profiles will provide mini-biographies of equally prominent Iranian Americans, such as Dr. Pardis Sabeti, a 32-year-old Harvard professor, Rhodes Scholar and rock band lead-singer, who was recently named by CNN as one of eight geniuses who will change our lives. Also included in the first five of the "Iranian Americans" series: Google Vice President Omid Kordestani, comedian/actor Maz Jobrani, and former world record holding swimmer Leila Vaziri.

"We hope that these biographies will inspire young Americans not only to pursue their dreams, but also to give back to America, as this great country has given to them," Hoghooghi concluded.

The Profiles of Iranian Americans is co-produced by Rudi Bakhtiar and BoomGen Studios, and is directed by Mahyad Tousi. The Profile of Dr. Firouz Naderi has been made possible by the generous contribution of Sharmin and Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani.

Go to paaia.org to learn more about The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans.

Note to Editors: More on Firouz Naderi can be found at mars.jpl.nasa.gov/spotlight/architects-of-exploration.html, www.jpl.nasa.gov/bios/naderi/ and www.nasa.gov/centers/jpl/news/mars-022305.html.

"Web Profiles" Mini-Series to Debut On-Line