Currently, the mainstream media’s attention remains more focused on the recent U.S.-Iran nuclear deal and the outcome of the U.S. Senate’s vote to the extent that the Iranian-American community’s presence and contributions to various aspects of American life are overlooked. In fact, Iranian-Americans represent one of newest and most highly educated minority groups in the United States. Therefore, this discussion panel explores the history, current status, and future of the Iranian-American community whose rising presence in the U.S. may allow for its influence to grow in the coming decades. Opening Remarks: Dr. Mark Rozell, Acting Dean and Professor&nbsp;of Public Policy School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs George Mason University. Speakers: Dr. Maboud Ansari and Dr. Leila Piran.&nbsp; Moderator: Shahrooz ShekaraubiLunch will be provided.&nbsp;

Currently, the mainstream media’s attention remains more focused on the recent U.S.-Iran nuclear deal and the outcome of the U.S. Senate’s vote to the extent that the Iranian-American community’s presence and contributions to various aspects of American life are overlooked. In fact, Iranian-Americans represent one of newest and most highly educated minority groups in the United States. Therefore, this discussion panel explores the history, current status, and future of the Iranian-American community whose rising presence in the U.S. may allow for its influence to grow in the coming decades. 
 
Opening Remarks: Dr. Mark Rozell, Acting Dean and Professor&nbsp;of Public Policy School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs George Mason University. 
 
Speakers: Dr. Maboud Ansari and Dr. Leila Piran.&nbsp; 
 
Moderator: Shahrooz Shekaraubi

Lunch will be provided.&nbsp;

Empowering Iranian-American Artists and Art.&nbsp;

Aftab Committee

Director of Research and Development

Making a Difference in the World 
Our students want to make the world a better place. We prepare them to be leaders who advance the public good. The School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs (SPGIA) provides&nbsp;<a href="http://spgia.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate-degrees/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 102, 51); text-decoration: none; outline: 0px;">undergraduate</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://spgia.gmu.edu/programs/graduate-degrees/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 102, 51); text-decoration: none; outline: 0px;">graduate students</a>&nbsp;the skills, knowledge, and analytic abilities to be leaders and managers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. We are a highly-ranked, nationally-recognized school at a leading public university in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Our students can get a world-class education at an affordable price in the epicenter of public service and policymaking.&nbsp;<a href="http://spgia.gmu.edu/current-students/career-services/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 102, 51); text-decoration: none; outline: 0px;">Once they graduate,</a>&nbsp;they can apply the understanding and analytic skills they gained in our classrooms at some of the most prestigious companies, consulting firms, nonprofits, multinational organizations, and government agencies in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

Our faculty&rsquo;s passion for public service and policymaking matches that of our students.&nbsp;<a href="http://spgia.gmu.edu/faculty-staff/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 102, 51); text-decoration: none; outline: 0px;">We have distinguished and dedicated faculty</a>&nbsp;from a wide range of disciplines. They are world-class academic scholars, public intellectuals who have shaped policy debates, and experienced professionals who specialize in the scholarship of practice. They all seek to create new knowledge, connect learning with practice, and make a difference.

Helping our Students Succeed 
As one of the largest schools of its kind, SPGIA creates an environment in which students can succeed and achieve their goals. We offer&nbsp;<a href="http://spgia.gmu.edu/programs/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 102, 51); text-decoration: none; outline: 0px;">15 degree programs</a>, so students have many options to pick the path that is best for them. We provide unequaled&nbsp;<a href="http://spgia.gmu.edu/current-students/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 102, 51); text-decoration: none; outline: 0px;">academic advising and career development resources</a>. Students have more than 2,000 classmates to study with, learn from, and develop relationships with, which not only provides them a richer experience here at Mason, but also serves them throughout their careers. SPGIA also has a strong and proud community of&nbsp;<a href="http://spgia.gmu.edu/alumni/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 102, 51); text-decoration: none; outline: 0px;">13,000 alumni</a>, many of whom live and work in the Washington, D.C. area.

While the School itself is large, SPGIA remains committed to quality teaching and small classes. There are more than 80 full-time faculty, so that students can get to know their professors. As a result, students often form mentoring relationships with their professors that help them succeed in class, understand complex policy issues, conduct research that addresses public problems, and excel throughout their careers.

George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government

Iranian-American Identity and Community: A Panel Discussion

Host

Aftab Committee and George Mason University School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs

Speakers

Leila Piran

Dr. Mark Rozell

Shahrooz Shekaraubi

Dr. Maboud Ansari

Coordinator

Aftab Committee

Conversations Matter