On July 28th, 2021, SAAPRI held a virtual conversation via Instagram Live addressing the critical immigration issues affecting the South Asian American community. Led by Dhenu Maru, the event focused specifically on South Asian immigration including topics like H-4 EAD, domestic violence…
The Obama Portraits Tour
On July 2nd, 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other city and community leaders in a viewing of the Obama Portraits, organized by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and in collaboration with The Art Institute…
Triumph and Tribulations: South Asian Migration to the Chicagoland Area
On June 17th, 2021, SAAPRI’s Co-Founder Ann Lata Kalayil and Shobhana Johri Verma shared their insights about the Chicagoland area South Asian community and debunked commons stereotypes in a webinar hosted by Aronberg Goldgehn. Other topics covered include South Asian…
SAAPRI welcomes new Board Member, Anita Banerji
In June 2021, SAAPRI’s Board of Directors welcomed Anita Banerji as a new SAAPRI board member! Anita Banerji is currently a consultant to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Education Fund, a national nonprofit organization. Formerly, as Forefront’s…
AAPI Heritage Month Language Access Panel
On May 28th, 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined the U.S. Election Assistance Commission‘s Chairman Don Palmer and Vice Chairman Tom Hicks, Lorena Portillo, Assistant Registrar of Voters for Clark County, NV, Heider Garcia, Elections Administrator for Tarrant County,…
Finding Connection and Joy Through Art with Chandini Lord
On May 27th, 2021, SAAPRI held a virtual conversation addressing the intersection of mental health with our physical health and creativity. Led by Chandini Lord, the event focused on the accessibility of art, using art to better process relevant topics, and…
#SendIndiaVaccines Campaign mentioned in the Well News
On May 26th, 2021, SAAPRI’s #SendIndiaVaccines Campaign, in coalition with groups including Indian American IMPACT, Indiaspora, Pratham USA, and North American Association of Indian Students (NAAIS), was mentioned in the Well News. The seven figure campaign was implemented to compel…
Dialogue on South Asian Mental Health
On May 19th, 2021, SAAPRI held a community dialogue on Clubhouse with MannMukti, South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network (SAMHIN), WE ARE SAATH, and mental health professionals. The event focused on sharing some critical information on the impact COVID-19 has…
2021 Asian American Action Day!
On May 8th, 2021, SAAPRI joined the the Pan-Asian Voter Empowerment (PAVE) Coalition for a virtual Asian American Action Day filled with stories, cultural performances, AAPI community and legislator conversations, and ways to take action. The day brought together Asian…
SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma discusses South Asian civic engagement on WBEZ
On May 4th, 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma shared her thoughts with WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang on South Asian Americans, one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the U.S., and the need for their participation in the decision-making process for…