On September 11th, 2023, Executive Director Shobhana Verma attended a Cook County United Against Hate panel in celebration of Racial Equity Week. SAAPRI and CASL representatives were able to hear from the Cook County State Attorney’s Office, Cook Country Sheriff’s…
FTA/CTA Asian American Listening Session
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 “Is suburban Chicago taking away Devon Avenue’s ‘Little India’ title?”
On August 31st, 2023, Co-Founder and Board Chair Ann Kalayil was featured in an article regarding the evolution and growth of the South Asian community from Devon Avenue to greater suburban Illinois. The article discussed how “some long-time area advocates…
Midwest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Forum
On August 30th, 2023, SAAPRI and other AAPI-led organizations co-hosted a Midwest Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Forum intended to paint a broad picture of where AAPIs’ mental wellness landed at the post-COVID era and share efforts targeting…
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…
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…
Chicago History Museum AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
On May 21st, 2023, SAAPRI team members hosted a table at the Chicago History Museum’s celebration of Chicago’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community. According to the Chicago History Museum, AAPI Heritage Month takes place in May to commemorate two dates:…
WBEZ Reset Panel on “Creating Culturally Competent Care For Asian Americans”
On May 17th, 2023, Executive Director Shobhana Verma joined WBEZ’s Reset panel on “Creating Culturally Competent Care For Asian Americans.” The panel discussed the barriers and stigma Asian Americans face when it comes to both physical and mental health and…
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…