NetIP’s October Leader of the Month

Tejas Kadia, Political Pillar Chair, NetSAP DC

Tejas Kadia joined the NetSAP DC board as a volunteer recognizing the need for more political events in the nation’s capital.  He immediately jumped on as Political Pillar Chair and has consistently been a highly effective contributor. Tejas started conducting monthly Chai Chats, discussing the hottest topics in the political arena including health care reform, immigration status, foreign relations with India, and racial slurs.

Building an interest with NetSAP DC members on a monthly basis, Tejas ended his year as Political Pillar Chair by orchestrating “Getting Involved in the Political Process – A Panel Event”, which is also the winner of NetIP’s October Event of the Month.  The highly successful event was attended by nearly 150 people and included premier political organizations and notable panelists.

We wish Tejas the best of luck as he continues his leadership role as the Political Pillar Chair of NetSAP DC in 2010.

NetIP announces October’s Event of the Month Winner

Getting involved in the Political Process – A Panel Event, NetSAP DC

On October 26th, NetSAP DC, in conjunction with Indian American Leadership Initiative, Indian American Republican Council, and North American South Asian Bar Association, held a panel event entitled “Getting involved in the Political Process”.  Nearly 150 people attended the standing room only event, in which a variety of south asian panelists discussed their personal stories about being actively involved in politics while staying focused on the unity of Republicans and Democrats for the Indian American community at large.

The following notable panelists attended and fielded questions: Honorable Kumar P. Barve, Maryland House of Delegates Majority Leader (D-17); Samir Mayekar, White House Office of Presidential Personnel; Bhavna Pandit, Indian American Leadership Initiative – Political Director; Anu Rangappa, the Dewey Square Group; Dino Teppara, Indian American Republican Council Chairman; Neena Shenai, American Enterprise Institute; Neil Chatterjee, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; Suhail Khan, Institute for Global Engagement.  This event showed that Indian Americans want to make a difference on any level of government (local, State, Federal) and help the United States and its people with its future.  Additionally, it was pointed out that Indian Americans are one of the top ethnic communities that elected officials require in order to succeed, as exhibited by this past Presidential election.

The feedback was very positive and encouraging for young political hopefuls to become engaged in public service and to be a cause for change in the Indian American political arena.  Many attendees were pleased to see both Republicans and Democrats on the same panel in the same room while they set aside economical, social, and geo-political differences to discuss their heritage as Indian Americans first.

NetIP’s September Event of the Month Winner

On August 30th, NetIP Atlanta partnered with the American Cancer Society for the “India Run for Hope” event to raise money for cancer awareness in India. The highly successful event was attended by nearly 400 attendees and raised a substantial amount of donations.

The event’s impact and partnership in support of the American Cancer Society and the India Cancer Initiative is a great example of NetIP’s engagement in charitable programs.

NetIP Announces September Leader of the Month

As a first year board member, Niki Shah has exceeded his role and responsibilities to make an immediate impact at NetIP NY.  Niki has played an invaluable role as the Political Awareness Chair by securing prominent speakers in the tri-state area from non-governmental organizations, political action groups and prominent universities.

Niki Shah, Political Awareness Chair, NetIP NY

Niki has contributed to the overall innovation of the PA Panel by helping to plan panels and secure great speakers on topics such as healthcare reform, women’s rights, and renewable energy. Niki’s largest accomplishment to date, however, has been securing a partnership between NetIP-NY and HBO’s South Asian American International Festival. Niki’s diligence, team work and positive attitude have brought NetIP NY to new heights this year.

NetIP Awards July & August Leader of the Month Winners!

NetIP North America is pleased to annouce July & August’s

 Leader of the Month winners!

Nevin Shetty, National Liaison, NetIP-NY

Nevin Shetty can best be described as a “Jack of All Trades” when it comes to NetIP-NY.  He began his tenure on the NetIP-NY Board as VP-Membership 2008 and has served as National Liaison in the past year. Nevin’s goal has been to not only establish the NetIP-NY brand as one of quality and value in the tri-state community, but to ensure that NetIP-NY serves as a model chapter throughout the nation. He has worked to create a collaborative culture for all Northeast NetIP chapters and has been a key contributor to a positive Board culture. Nevin’s passion and dedication to NetIP-NY’s success is truly commendable and the team is proud to have him as a leader.

Sonit Seth, Vice President, NetSAP Boston

Sonit Seth’s journey on the NetSAP Boston board began in 2008 as the Professional Development Chair.  He then went on to become a key volunteer in the Logistics team for the 17th Annual NetIP Conference hosted in 2008. Sonit continued his role as the Professional Development Chair in 2009, but his role grew above and beyond the responsibilities of his core position since May of this year when Sonit elected as VP. In each of these positions, Sonit has exhibited qualities of a strong leader, is personable and approachable, and has vision and great execution.  Sonit has become an invaluable resource to the Boston board and continues to demonstrate his versatility, leadership, and dedication to the NetIP organization.

NetIP Announces July & August Event of the Month Winners!

Congratulations to the July & August Event of the Month Winners!

NetIP-NY’s 2nd Annual Community Service Day, held on July 25th,  provided members with the unique opportunity to give back to the NY community through four different charities – Keen new York, Riverside Park Fund, CRY, and Ronald McDonald House. Following the various volunteer activities, the day concluded with a Volunteer Appreciation Cocktail Hour, which featured a bone marrow drive with SAMAR.  The event was highly successful, attracting over 60 participants. NetIP-NY’s Community Service team’s vision is to maximize social return through consistency and impact.  No matter the size of the event, they have put their hearts into ensuring that each event attendee realizes their inner potential to make a difference in today’s society – garnering over 400 hours of volunteer service by over 120 volunteers thus far this year.  

NetSAP Boston held their 4th Annual MBA Panel event for Prospective Business School Students at Hyatt Regency hotel in Cambridge on July 11th, 2009.  The goals of the event were to help attendees on creating the most competitive application possible in this tough economic climate, provide them with tips that they could apply immediately for B-school no matter where they were in the process, bolster their chances of getting into the top schools, have a discussion about the cost-benefit analysis of getting an MBA, have a forum to discuss issues related to being a MBA candidate from a minority group, and build essential contacts with admission officers and alumni from some of the top business schools across the country. The event brought together admissions Officers, alumni and a GMAT testing agency all in one place, making it a very comprehensive and extremely helpful professional development program for the prospective business school students.

On August 10th, NetIP San Diego hosted a “Design Your Future” Life Coaching Event.  This event showcased lessons from a life coach to rethink what is possible in all areas of life, including relationships, business, personal dreams, career or overall life questions. The coaching also aimed at providing access to that which is unpredictable, unknown and discontinuous with one’s past experiences.  This event was truly unique and particularly relevant in today’s environment. The event proved to be very appealing to particpants who were engaged in the highly interactive atmosphere and who hope to see similar events hosted by NetIP San Diego in the future.

NetIP Announces June’s “Leader of the Month”

Vamshi Gumalapuram, NetIP LA-OC

As President of NetIP LA-OC, Vamshi Gumalapuram has truly reinvigorated the chapter. His vision has resulted in a tremendous increase in membership and a roster of innovative events.  He has established relationships with a number of partner organizations.  He has also been instrumental in creating the new and improved LA-OC chapter website and newsletter which have received much praise from the chapter’s member base.  Vamshi has also taken it on himself to monitor and help execute the chapter events and this effort has been has translated to creating very high quality and high impact events for NetIP LA-OC.

NetIP North America congratulates Vamshi on his accomplishments and the leadership he has shown with NetIP LA-OC!

NetIP Selects May’s “Event of the Month”

NetIP New York, Film Screening of “Holly”

On Tuesday, May 12th, NetIP NY and Child Rights and You, (CRY), hosted a successful film event that educated attendees about the global problem of child trafficking and to demonstrate how individuals can make a positive difference.  Attended by over 35 participants, the film screening raised funds for the RedLight Children Campaign, a worldwide grassroots initiative generating public awareness and immediate action against child sexploitation.  Producer Guy Jacobson also shared his experiences with the substantial hardships endured in order to shoot the film in Cambodia.  

NetIP North America commends NetIP NY on this well executed and highly popular event!

NetIP Announces May’s “Leader of the Month”

Mridula Kulkarni, NetIP St. Loius

Mridula joined the NetIP St. Louis board in 2009 as a Treasurer but her role on the board has grown above and beyond the responsibilities of her core position.  She upholds and promotes the NetIP brand through her pleasant attitude, enthusiasm, and dedication to developing unique events for the St.Louis chapter that have resulted in an increase in membership.  These have included the chapter’s Holi event, which she organized and managed single-handedly by selecting a venue and marketing the event to other South Asian organizations.  Most recently, Mridula organized a successful winery trip,  selecting the venue, handling transportation arrangements, and even preparing sandwiches for event participants!

NetIP North America congratulates Mridula on all of her accomplishments with NetIP St. Loius!

NetIP Announces Winners for April “Leader of the Month”

Milan Shroff, NetIP Twin Cities

Milan Shroff first became involved with NetIP in 2007 and immediately became an active member of the organization.  In 2008, he was elected President of the Twin Cities Chapter and continues to hold that position.

Milan’s ability to execute events with consistency has allowed NetIP Twin Cities to make great strides in the past year.  Milan continues to strive to bring the greatest benefit to NetIP Twin Cities members.  Under his leadership, the chapter has been able to introduce many new events and increase membership.  In addition, a corporate relationship was formed with the Minnesota Timberwolves and charity donations have tripled! 

In 2009, working with a smaller board brought new challenges.  Milan has been successful in encouraging participation from the board and has also been more than willing to help out when needed.  His restructuring of the board and responsibilities created a more efficient and streamlined process.  He even recruited two more members to join the board within the last few months. 

NetIP North America congratulates Milan and looks forward to hearing of many more success stories under his leadership!

 

Raj Bhandari, NetIP Dallas

Raj Bhandari has served as the Public Relations Chair for NetIP Dallas since January 2009.  He has put his community connections to great use and has been highly successful in his local outreach on behalf of NetIP Dallas.  He single handedly coordinated the Insight on Indian and Southeast Asian Art Lecture, an event that he arranged for members to attend at no cost.  The success of the event has led to  a community partnership between NetIP Dallas and the Crow Collection of Asian Art Museum.

Raj has also consistently invited and brought potential sponsors and new members to events, resulting in an increased interest in NetIP Dallas and awareness of the organization.

Amidst the challenges of a difficult economy, Raj developed and implemented a sponsorship package for the chapter’s monthly “Third Thursdays” event, securing a $500 sponsorship for their April event as well as another $500 sponsorship for their May event.

NetIP North America cogratulates Raj and wishes him continued success through his hard work and dedication to NetIP Dallas!