On April 30th, 2025, SAAPRI and the Pan-Asian Voter Empowerment Coalition (PAVE) held our 12th Asian American Action Day at the State Capitol in Springfield, IL! We headed to Springfield because policies are passed through stories and our legislators need…
Breast Cancer in the South Asian American Community
On April 25th, 2025, SAAPRI hosted Breast Cancer in the South Asian American Community event in Skokie. This evening marked a major milestone for SAAPRI. This report brought together years of research, education, and community dialogue in one powerful space…

Standing Up: Your Rights with ICE and Law Enforcement!
Description On April 24th, 2025, SAAPRI and SAAJCO hosted a essential discussion on understanding your rights when interacting with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Whether facing a police stop, an ICE encounter, or another law enforcement interaction, knowing your rights…
Launch of Cook County’s new “I Speak Cards” and Language Access Month
On April 15, 2025, Executive Director Shobhana Johri Verma delivered remarks at a press conference alongside Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, 13th District Commissioner Josina Morita, Sheriff Tom Dart, Mariyana Spyropoulos, George Cardenas and Fritz Kaegi, celebrating the launch…
Rooted in Story: AANHPI Voices & Oral Histories for Educators
On April 14th, 2025, SAAPRI Executive Director Shobhana Verma and Education Consultant Julie Thomas Achettu shared SAAPRI’s Oral History Project and curriculum, offering educators valuable tools to teach South Asian American history and create inclusive classrooms. The SAAPRI exhibit “Memories and Milestones”…
Women’s Health Series Webinar 3: Menopause
On April 10, 2025, SAAPRI hosted its third webinar in the Women’s Health Series focusing on a topic that’s rarely talked about but deeply important: Menopause. Menopause remains widely misunderstood—especially within South Asian communities. We created space for an open,…

Navigating the Early Days of the Trump Presidency 2.0
Description On April 10, SAAPRI and SAAJCO hosted a critical conversation on civil rights, immigration policies, and community protections in this new political landscape. Experts and advocates broke down the changes, provided key insights, and shared actionable steps to stay…
Chicago Voter Engagement Forum
On April 5, 2025, Executive Director Shobhana Verma attended and served as a speaker and panelist at the Chicago Voter Engagement Forum, hosted by the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.
