On September 7th, 2023, Executive Director Shobhana Verma was invited to a session by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in collaboration with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) as…
WBEZ Article on “Illinois immigrants need[ing] more language help to thrive and partake in civic life”
On July 21st, 2023, Executive Director Shobhana Verma was featured in an article advocating for improvements to language access to Illinois’ broader immigrant community. The article discussed the challenges Illinois immigrants, numbering more than 1 million, face including ” getting…
2023 Impact Summit
From June 6th-9th, 2023, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma attended the 2022 Impact Summit & Gala, hosted by the Indian American Impact Project, representing SAAPRI, who was a partner of the event. SAAPRI collaborated with The Legal Defense Fund for…
Cook County and City of Chicago Asian American Heritage Month Celebration
On May 25th, 2023, Executive Director Shobhana Verma attended Cook County and the City of Chicago’s celebration of Asian American Heritage Month, featuring Alderperson Nicole Lee of the 11th Ward, Alderperson Lent Manaa-Hoppenworth of the 48th Ward, and Commissioner Josina…
Oakton Community College Asian Night Market
On May 12th, 2023, SAAPRI team members supported Oakton Community College’s 2nd Annual Asian Night Market. They were joined by dozens of local AAPI businesses and organizations serving our Chicagoland communities.
Asian American Heritage Month Reception
On May 9th, 2023, SAAPRI team members attended an Asian American Heritage Month Reception in Springfield, IL hosted by various Asian American State Representatives. Special guests included IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, IEPA Director John Kim, and IDHS Secretary Grace…
2023 Asian American Action Day!
On May 9th, 2023, SAAPRI joined our Pan Asian Voter Empowerment Coalition – PAVE Coalition partners for the 10th Annual Asian American Action Day (AAA Day) in Springfield, IL to share our stories with legislators and demand support for some…
Congresswoman Jan Schakowski’s 22nd Annual Women’s Power Luncheon
On May 5th, 2023, Executive Director Shobhana Verma attended Congresswoman Jan Schakowski’s 22nd Annual Women’s Power Luncheon.
2023 Municipal Election Work
On February 28th, 2023, SAAPRI team members voted, served the polls, and participated in poll watching at the Municipal Elections at various Chicago locations. In collaboration with our partner organizations Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Chicago, the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee…
2023 Mayoral Forum
On February 6th, 2023, SAAPRI organized a 2023 Mayoral Candidate Forum at the Chicago History Museum’s McCormick Theater. Attendees heard from our mayoral candidates about immigration, public safety, Chicago Public Schools, affordable housing, senior services, and language justice. This work is…