NetIP Austin: Year in Review 2010
After one year, NetIP Austin has proved itself as a well rounded professional association for South Asians in Central Texas. Held up by four strong program pillars – Professional Development, Community Service, Cultural and Political Awareness, NetIP Austin executed more than 30 successful small to large scale events throughout the year, as well as more than doubled membership. In just one year of revival as a chartered member of NetIP North America (NA), NetIP Austin was recognized for Best Chapter (small city) and Best President (small city) at the annual NetIP NA conference in Seattle, WA. NetIP Austin has truly established itself as one of the premier South Asian organizations in Austin, TX with a national presence.
Hats off to the 2010 NetIP Austin Board:
Sonia Kotecha, President, Pinki Modi, Vice President, Richa Chandra, Membership Director (Utpal Shah (01/01/2010-06/01/2010), Amaresh Mirwani, Treasurer, Sambhav Puri, Marketing Director, Sumina Bhatti, Sponsorship Director, Anil Desai, Technology Director, Rupal Shah, Community Service Director, Sameer Shah, Political Awareness Co-Director (Saurabh Das 01/2010-06/2010), Jill Shah, Political Awareness Co-Director, Smitha Murthy, Cultural Awareness Director, Sahlil Ahuja, Professional Development Director (Vipul Arvind 01/2010-06/2010), Hemal Nagarsheth, Social Director (01/2010-08/2010)
2010 Membership:
Paid Membership: 70 (more than double from last year!)
NetIP Austin Network: 500
NetIP Austin Facebook Followers: 700+
Opportunities for Professional & Social Networking
In 2010, NetIP Austin continued to provide monthly networking opportunities through dinner circles and thirsty Thursdays. Attendance at these events continued to grow from 10-15 to 25-30 each month. Events were held at some of the trendiest eateries and bars in town including:
Dinner Circles:
Blue Star Café, Z Tejas, New India, Café Asia, Blue Dhalia, Mimi’s Café, Rounder’s Pizzas, Sherlock’s, Miltos
Thirsty Thursdays:
Submerged, Lavaca Bar, Eastside Showroom, Belmont, Jasper’s, Molotov, The District, Marker 10 Spirits & Cuisine.
NetIP Austin hosted three big social networking events attracting 50 to more than 100 attendees, Haiti Fundraising Mixer, Spring Party and Diwali Mixer.
Cultural Awareness:
Book Club
This year, NetIP Austin hosted two South Asian authors, renowned author, Chitra Divakaruni and newcomer, Shilpi Godwa, respectively . Members were able to here directly from the authors as they read from their latest novels and answered questions.
Bollywood Trivia Night
Back by popular demand, NetIP Austin hosted another successful Bollywood Trivia Night, doubling the attendance from the previous year. Members enjoyed a lively night with food, games, music and all things Bollywood!
In the spirit of exposing members to other cultural activities in the community, NetIP Austin participated in this year’s India Independence Day festivities sponsored by Indian Community Center (ICC).
Professional Development
NetIP Austin hosted a successful panel event titled, “Habits of Successful South Asians,” inviting South Asian professionals from various fields to share tips on time management, branding, writing, managing multiple roles, self-care, etc.
Members of the NetIP Austin board also attended this year’s NetIP North America (NA) leadership conference in Los Angeles, CA and the Annual NetIP NA Conference in Seattle, WA.
Community Service
NetIP Austin continued to energize members in giving back to the community through various fundraising and community service activities. At the start of the year, NetIP Austin hosted a fundraiser to aid victims who were affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Members also gave their time to the following local nonprofit organizations:
Feriea Aprender (Part of MLK Day of Service)
Goodwill Greenwork Project
Room to Read
CASA of Travis County
NetIP Austin’s most successful community service initiative was taking the lead on organizing “Be the Change” National Day of Service. This event engaged more than 500 volunteers in service. This is the first event in which NetIP Austin worked collaboratively with other South Asian and community organizations. It definitely helped leverage our image in the community as an organization that is compassionate towards serving others.
Political Awareness
One of our stronger pillars this year, NetIP Austin hosted a number of political awareness events including:
Asian American Town Hall Meeting with Mayor Lee Leffingwell (meet-up)
House Party with KalPen Modi
Dinner with Ramey Ko, first Asian American Judge in Austin
Dinner Circle Mid-Term Election Review
Mid-Term Election Watching Party
Gandhi Day Creative Writing Contest
Awards
NetIP North America BOSCAR – Best Chapter (Small City)
NetIP North America BOSCAR – Best President (Small City)
NetIP North America – September Event of the Month “Habits of Successful South Asians”
NetIP in the Media:
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/gandhi-statue-sought-for-zilker-park-785931.html
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/city-leaders-urge-volunteerism
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Blogs/index.html/objID1085032/blogID/
http://www.austininvolved.org/blog/could-you-be-the-change/
http://kut.org/items/show/22520
http://www.austinsouthasian.com/ASA.NOV.2010.online.copy.pdf
http://issuu.com/todo_austin/docs/vol_ii_7
Introducing 2011 Board:
Sonia Kotecha, President
Anita Shrimali, President Elect
Pinki Modi, Vice President
Arun Dev, Technology Director
Pillar Directors:
Salil Ahuja, Professional Development Directors
Rupal Shah, Community Service Director
Sameer Shah, Political Awareness Director
Smitha Murthy, Cultural Awareness Director
NetIP Austin is looking forward to another great year with the goal of building a strong foundation for the next 10 years! We look forward to more opportunities to give back to the community, bring awareness on political and cultural issues, provide better professional development opportunities and of course have FUN NETWORKING! Cheers to 2010!
Happy New Year from your friends at NetIP Austin!
Check out all the fun we had in 2010:
http://netipaustin.shutterfly.com/netipaustin2010
Renew Your Membership or Become a New Member in 2011 www.netipaustin.org
