Out & About – Profile: Sonia Kotecha

This story first appeared in the Austin American-Statesman. Re-posted with permission.

By Michael Barnes Sun April 10, 12:49AM

Sonia Kotecha can’t help it. She gets wonky. Even when the topic is socializing in Austin.

“Yeah, I get on my soapbox a little,” Kotecha says.

The native of Manassas, Va., has found ample opportunity to ply her wonkish inclinations as community outreach liaison for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Travis County, which matches volunteers with abused or neglected children, and as the outgoing president of the Austin chapter of the Network of Indian Professionals, a group she helped to revive.“My time gets consumed in organizational stuff,” Kotecha (pronounced Ko-TEY-cha) admits.

Her family, which moved to the U.S. in 1972, encompasses the analytical and the social. Her father, Harish Kotecha, is a retired engineer who worked for IBM; her mother, Shanta Kotecha, also retired, has returned to work at the Austin offices of the Internal Revenue Service.But her brother, Savan Kotecha, is a bestselling pop music songwriter who has written hits for Britney Spears, Usherand Enrique Iglesias and stars as a vocal coach on the United Kingdom editon of “The X Factor.”

Read more here

NetIP recognizes Sonia Kotecha

NetIP-North America is esteemed to congratulate Sonia Kotecha, Recipient of the Activist of the Year Award by the Capital Area Asian American Democrats.

As NetIP-Austin President, Sonia has exhibited unwavering dedication and passion for making an impact as a leader.  In just one year, she has established the brand-new Austin chapter as a sustainable and recognizable brand in the community.  Her leadership was applauded across North America when the chapter was honored with the 2010 Boscars for NetIP Best Small Chapter and Best President. 

As a fellow board member states, “Altruism comes naturally to Sonia.  She is always thinking of ways to give back to the community and determining how NetIP Austin can be a vehicle through which these endeavors can be accomplished.”

In addition to NetIP Austin, Sonia is constantly active with the local community, including the national Be the Change Day.  Over the past two years, Sonia’s contributions to Be the Change have resulted in tremendous growth in the number of volunteers and in turn, SAALT recognizing Austin as one of the core cities for the annual event.   Her efforts have been consistently featured in local media as an impactful and community leader.

NetIP-North America is honored to congratulate Sonia Kotecha on this immense achievement!

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

Best Chapter 2010

Things we are looking for, in this category:

• Quality of events
• External Presence and Impact made in the local community
• Membership growth
• Effective marketing strategies
• Financial stability of the chapter

This year’s winning chapters have been extremely successful, with high-quality events, impressive membership growth, and an undying dedication to furthering the cause of South Asian professionals across North America. They are the shining stars of NetIP, and an inspiration to us all….

And the Winners are…

• Most Improved Chapter – NetIP San Diego
• Best Chapter, Small City – NetIP Austin
• Best Chapter, Large City – NetIP Chicago

“Bringing creativity, a sense of innovation and an outside-the-box thinking is something I’ve always believed to be part of me being a successful leader. When I first took on the role of NetIP SD president, I wanted to use my leadership to bring forth change and a feeling of inclusiveness had not been present until now. I was (and still am) committed to generate a new realm of possibility and creativity that empowers people to live a life that is of their choice vs. living a life as a victim of circumstances. Being part of NetIP truly gave me an opportunity to make a difference and I can honestly say that I have grown as a leader, as a business woman, and most definitely as an Indian Women. Leading by example, we created an environment of fun and connectedness that helped us achieve what none of us had even imagined we could.  It was a truly humbling experience, and I was proud to receive these Boscars in Seattle, on behalf of my board of directors and my awesome members, whom these awards really honor.”

-Nisha Desai, President, NetIP San Diego

Best Chapter President 2010

This year’s winners are two incredible ladies who embody all these qualities, and much more! They bring never-ending dedication and enthusiasm to their roles, and have taken their chapters to new heights in 2010!!!

Things we are looking for, in this category:

• Dedication and passion
• A Sense of innovation and creativity
• Ability to motivate and lead the entire chapter board
• Support of NetIP initiatives

And the Winners are…

• Best President, Small City – Sonia Kotecha, NetIP Austin
• Best President, Large City – Nisha Desai, NetIP San Diego

“Someone once told me if you believe it, if you can see it, then you can achieve it! This definitely holds true when I think about NetIP Austin’s Boscar winnings. Earlier this year we developed a written vision and goal statement that included winning best chapter (small city), which at the time seemed unrealistic given our newness as a chapter and little visibility in our community; however, with drive, determination and passion we did it!”

-Sonia Kotecha, President, NetIP Austin

Gandhi statue sought for Zilker Park

Local Indian community leading effort for memorial in Austin

When Nehal Sanghavi thinks of Austin, he sees a community that embraces diverse cultures and values progressive ideas and public service a model place, he says, for a memorial honoring one of the world’s iconic figures of peace, Mohandas Gandhi.

If Sanghavi and supporters realize their dream, the tranquil, bespectacled face of Gandhi will gaze upon the Zilker Park lawn, perhaps as soon as next year. Members of Austin’s rapidly growing Indian community are leading the effort and submitted a proposal to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department board. Sanghavi said supporters have financial commitments from the community to cover the estimated $35,000 cost for a bronze statue. He said they prefer a Zilker Park location but are open to suggestions from the city.

The campaign corresponds with supporters’ plans for an annual day of service in Austin. This year’s event is set for Oct. 2, the birthday of the late leader .

Be the Change Day will be patterned after traditional observances in India, where the date is a national holiday and a day of service, said Sonia Kotecha, president of the Network of Indian Professionals of Austin.

Supporters hope to unveil the Austin memorial on Be the Change Day in 2011.

Known to his worldwide followers as “Mahatma,” or “the Great Soul,” Gandhi galvanized millions in India’s nonviolent struggle for freedom from British rule. With his philosophy of civil disobedience, Gandhi influenced the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and South African leader Nelson Mandela, who used his principles to cultivate their own nonviolent struggles for equality, Sanghavi said.

“A Gandhi memorial would just serve as a reminder to the human community of the humanity that he brought to us, especially his principles of nonviolence,” said Sanghavi, 36, a local attorney and president of the India Community Center of Austin.

He said he’s puzzled why Austin doesn’t already have a Gandhi memorial — by his count, at least 30 U.S. cities have one, and there are countless others around the globe.

“It doesn’t matter what religion, what generation, nationality, race, you’re usually going to be for nonviolence, peace and progressive change. Gandhi represented all of those things,” he said.

A Gandhi memorial has the support of Mayor Lee Leffingwell, who said he first heard about it at a meeting with Asian American residents earlier this year.

“Gandhi is an international hero and did so much good in the world,” Leffingwell said. A former airline pilot, Leffingwell said he flew often to India and visited the Gandhi memorial in New Delhi. He has a photo of himself standing beside a stone marker at the entrance to Gandhi’s home, he said.

A memorial on city parkland would require approval from the city Parks and Recreation Board and the City Council, said a city spokeswoman.

Sanghavi said supporters are collecting proposals from sculptors and hope to choose one by the end of summer. The memorial will consist of a 2-foot granite pedestal base and a 7-foot cast bronze statue of Gandhi with his walking stick in his 1930s protest march against the British salt tax. It’s an easily recognized image, depicted in memorials in San Francisco and elsewhere.

Kotecha, a community liaison with the nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, or CASA of Travis County, said Be the Change Day is an attempt to build on inaugural events last year that drew a few dozen people. “We started planning a little late in the game,” she said.

This year, supporters, including the local network of Indian professionals, are planning early and reaching out to other racial and ethnic communities, including organizers of Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities.

Events are likely to include service projects across the city, a lunchtime picnic with speakers and children’s performances, and possibly a children’s essay contest about Gandhi’s legacy.

“We really want to inspire people to learn more about the ways they can give back to the community on an ongoing basis,” Kotecha said.

A self-described second-generation South Asian American who moved to Austin with her family in the 1990s, the 34-year-old Kotecha said the local Indian community “wants to feel like it’s a part of Austin.”

“Having a Gandhi statue just kind of symbolizes what we’ve contributed in this country as well,” she said.

The Austin metro area’s Indian population is the fastest growing segment of the area’s Asian population, said city demographer Ryan Robinson.

According to American Community Survey 2008 estimates from the Census Bureau, Indians made up 20,685, or about 28 percent , of the 73,375 total Asian population. Asian residents comprise the fastest-growing ethnic community in Austin by percentage, Robinson said. They represent about 6 percent of the city population.

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Sonia Kotecha is the president of NetIP Austin. NetIP North America commends Sonia for her selfless efforts and for galvanizing support in her community. We our very proud of her and wish her the very best in all endeavors.

Subsequent to the original publishing of this article on Statesman.com, there was a slew of commentary that prompted two follow up editorials, they can be accessed by clicking these links:
1. http://bit.ly/9UqdFT 2. http://bit.ly/aYExeK