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…
SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma discusses growth and problems of Chicago Asian population on WBEZ
On April 30th, 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma discussed the growth of the Asian population in the state as well as the many challenges facing the community. [I have witnessed] “a wide range of increasing needs and challenges facing…
Redistricting in Chicago
On April 29th, 2021, SAAPRI held a workshop in partnership with UIC on redistricting in Chicago. The event focused on civic engagement, the Census, and rules of redistricting through the perspective of professors at UIC. Thank you to all those…
Census & Redistricting 101: What You Need to Know
On April 21st, 2021, SAAPRI held an informal chat via Instagram Live to learn about the census and redistricting. The event focused on why it is important for everyone to have a seat at the table when it comes to…
SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined 2021 Inauguration Day Celebrations on WGN-TV
In January of 2021, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined the 2021 Inauguration Day celebrations virtually on WGN-TV, including the South Asian American community’s voice on the historical day. The 2020 General Election definitely confirmed one thing – Every single…

2020 Impact Report – Learning from 2020 and Looking to 2021
Town Hall: South Asian Americans on the Ballot: 2020 and Beyond
On November 21st, 2020, SAAPRI hosted a virtual town hall discussion around South Asian participation in 2020 election through the perspective of candidates for local offices in the Chicago area! Thank you to all those who attended the event! If…
South Asians in the 2020 U.S. Election
On November 18th, 2020, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma participated in a virtual conversation with Karthick Ramakrishnan, Director of AAPI-Data, around South Asian involvement during the 2020 election, in collaboration with the University of Chicago’s South Asian Student Association. Shobhana…
SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma shares reaction to Kamala Harris’ Vice Presidential Election on NBC News
On November 8th, 2020, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma shared her reactions on the election of Vice President Kamala Harris on NBC News. Seeing a daughter of immigrants parents embracing her biracial roots on her way to becoming the first…