Candidate Statements

Sree Sreenivasan

Co-founder and CEO, Digimentors

Journalism experience.

I've been a journalist for more than 30 years. First in India, then in the US, where I came to study at Columbia Journalism School. I stayed on to be a professor and associate dean for 20 years. I focused on teaching digital journalism and also worked as a freelance journalist for local news outlets in NYC. I helped launch DNAinfo, an award-winning hyperlocal news site and have been an on-air contributor to CNBC and other outlets.

In 1994, I co-founded SAJA and in 1999, helped co-found the Online News Association and served as the first administrator of the Online Journalism Awards.

I now run my own social, digital, events and training business and write a weekly newsletter about tech, politics and more. Since May, I have been running generative AI workshops at news organizations and nonprofits across the country.

Why do you want to run?

My proudest and most meaningful achievement has been co-founding SAJA. Almost everything I've gotten in my career — and some of my dearest friends — has been a result of my work with this wonderful organization. When I left the board a decade ago, I didn’t expect to try to come back to the board. I expected to watch and cheer from afar for the rest of my life.

But as we look toward SAJA’s 30th anniversary year, I felt it was important to try to serve one more two-year term. I’ve learned that cheering from afar isn’t that helpful. At a time when journalism and journalists are facing everything from financial disaster to widespread disinformation and attacks on their legitimacy, SAJA can play a critical role in helping its members and the profession at large.

If elected, I would like to introduce more training for early- and mid- career members, offer more networking opportunities and collaborate more with our peer organizations. I will work on raising more sponsorship dollars to increase SAJA’s scholarships and fellowship programs. I will make every effort to make SAJA shine in the years to come and then go back to cheering from afar.

Previous board experience?

I have served on the board of SAJA, Online News Association, Overseas Press Club and more. I've worked on all the aspects described above and know what it takes to make a nonprofit journalism organization successful.

Do you serve on any other boards?

Yes.

If yes, how will you balance your commitments?

I am currently on the board of Nobel Prize Outreach, which involves 3-4 board meetings a year as well as co-hosting the Nobel Peace Conference in August. I am confident I can balance my commitments to SAJA, the Nobel Prizes and my consulting work.

John Laxmi

Volunteer member, SAJA

Journalism experience.

In addition to working briefly as a Contributing Editor of Global Finance Magazine and writing freelance articles, I have been immersed in journalism through my volunteer work at SAJA, as a Member and as a Board Member since 2001 (when SAJA's Board was formed).

Why do you want to run?

I have served as a Board member of SAJA since 2001, initially as secretary and later as treasurer and as an advisor to the Board. I bring experience and continuity. In voting for me, you will be endorsing focus, dedication, discipline and compliance.

FOCUS: Demands and pressures on SAJA’s capacity and resources continue to grow, requiring triage, prioritization and focus on the organization’s core missions. My goals are to sharpen SAJA’s focus on core programs, i.e., scholarships, educational and training programs and SAJA Reporting Fellowship Program.

DEDICATION: SAJA requires each of us to devote CONSISTENTLY to its programs. Over the past two decades, I have actively participated in SAJA’s activities in many different ways, despite the growing demands on my time from my personal and business interests.

DISCIPLINE: While many non-profit and journalism groups have faced financial issues, SAJA’s financial reserves have remained stable and SAJA has ZERO debt. This gives SAJA a strong outlook for maintaining its educational and outreach programs. As treasurer and advisor, I believe I have contributed to SAJA’s financial stability and discipline.

COMPLIANCE: For over two decades, SAJA has entrusted to me important financial management and record-keeping and reporting obligations. These responsibilities have been fulfilled consistently and accurately.

Working with you, volunteers and other board members, I will continue to help in SAJA’s governance, financial management, fundraising and membership drives. I pledge to be a champion of quality, excellence and controlled growth. If you have any questions, please contact me at johnlaxmisaja@gmail.com. Thanks.

Previous board experience?

I have served on SAJA's Board for nearly two decades. I have also served on the Board of other non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.

Roy George

Segment producer and reporter, Mariposa Media

Journalism experience.

Started as a radio reporter, current - segment producer/reporter for Asianet News TV, one of the Sothern Indian popular TV Networks

Why do you want to run?

Assist and Empower the members, lead the organization to the future, build an ethical organization

Previous board experience?

NADP, A national Default/Real Estate Professionals network, board Member, KALA Board Member, County EEOC Commissioner.

Do you serve on any other boards?

Yes. KALA, A South Indian Arts and culture organization.

Surbhi Gupta

South Asia editor, New Lines Magazine

Journalism experience.

I am the South Asia Editor at New Lines Magazine, a global affairs magazine with a focus on politics, culture, and history, based in New York City. Through this role, I have brought unique stories from South Asia and its diaspora that are not often covered in American media – both as an editor and a reporter. I was also one of the Li Global Fellows for 2022, in partnership with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, and travelled to Kashmir to report on climate change.

Prior to that, I was a staff writer with The Indian Express, a leading national daily in India, writing on culture, politics, and the internet. I reported extensively on the diverse arts, culture and literary scene in India. Apart from interviewing artists and writers from around the world, I also covered lesser-reported topics such as the rise of street hip hop in the country, resistance art in Kashmir, and the revival of Dastangoi, an age-old storytelling tradition in Urdu. During the peak of the pandemic, I tracked new beats such as delivery and e-commerce services, changing trends in the retail sector, online healthcare initiatives, citizen-led initiatives, and lockdown induced changes in the lives of Indians.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from University of Delhi, postgraduate degree from Asian College of Journalism and a master’s degree from Columbia Journalism School. At Columbia, I was the vice President of the campus chapter of SAJA and organized talks, workshops and panel discussions with leading journalists for the students.

Why do you want to run?

When I had moved as a mid-career journalist to New York City to pursue a master’s degree from Columbia Journalism School, SAJA, at campus and the national organization, made me feel at home. When I met other South Asian journalists and saw how they had made a place for themselves in American media, it gave me hope that I would be able to do the same. I was and am extremely passionate about furthering South Asian stories in American press and make sure they feel authentic to us. And as South Asia Editor at New Lines Magazine, I have been able to do that.

At Columbia, I was the vice President of the campus chapter of SAJA and organized talks, workshops and panel discussions with leading journalists for the students. And SAJA at Columbia became a space where I made lifelong friends. It turned out to be a such a sacred space for us and we all continue to support each other.

I want to run for the SAJA board because I believe I have the drive and passion required for the role. I love South Asia and our community of journalists, and I feel there is a scope to do more of what we’ve been already doing – organize more meets, create a platform to showcase our work, have a presence in more campuses all over the U.S. and North America, and create more resources for ourselves. Coming from India and living in New York City, I feel I am the perfect link between the two worlds.

Previous board experience?

I was the vice president of the campus chapter of SAJA at Columbia Journalism School and organized multiple talks, workshops and networking meets for the students.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.

Rekha Shanmugam

News planning producer, AJ+, Al Jazeera Media Network

Journalism experience.

Hi, this is Rekha Shanmugam, a news planning producer for AJ+, English, and I’m based in Brooklyn, New York. I’ve been passionate about international news and politics for as long as I can remember and am grateful to have been able to turn my passion into my livelihood.

I have been in the news business for over a decade now. I did my undergrad in Chennai, India, and was working as a reporter for magazines when an itch to purse excellence on the other side of the Pacific as well came over me, and I found myself packing my bags and flying to New York City.

As a student of journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, I found myself having to grow up all over again – to understand the cultural and socio-political landscape of a brand new country and city even hours within my landing. The experience was challenging but brought out a version of me I’d never witnessed earlier.

Right after graduation, I was fortunate to be hired by an organization of international repute such as Al Jazeera and have been working with them ever since. I started off as a news publisher and worked my way up, first transitioning into a social news producer and later moved up to become a planning producer.

As a planning producer at AJ+, I constantly monitor news from all over the world and help the teams plan international coverage, with a specific focus on the emerging Global South regions.

Why do you want to run?

As a journalist of south Asian origin, it would be an honor to be able to serve on the board of an organization such as SAJA, solely dedicated to the visibility of both our stories and the people working hard to shine a light on them.

I have intermittently been a member of SAJA ever since I first landed in the United States over six years ago. As both a south Asian woman and a young and nervous student then, I often found a sense of security and community in knowing that I was a part of an organization working towards the upliftment of people like me – and it would give me immense satisfaction to be able to contribute towards the same.

I have been following a lot of the work SAJA has been doing, up till the most recent SAJA Annual Members Meeting in New York City, during which some incredible work was both recognized and appreciated. It thrills me to be able to contribute in any capacity, leave alone as a board member, to an organization that dedicates time and effort to the elevation of crucial stories and the mentoring of young journalists.

As a potential board member, I am also excited at the possibility of meeting several other like-minded professionals in the community, and at the prospect of being able to channel my subcontinent-based expertise in a meaningful manner to further the already incredible journalism that many in the community so passionately bring to the fore.

Previous board experience?

During my school and college years I was a part of the young wing of the Rotary Club in my city - and often participated in community-based and fundraising events for the organization.

I was also a crucial part of the college board during my undergrad years, which me gave an opportunity to flex my leadership muscles.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.

Aysha Qamar

Senior reporter and content curator, The Messenger

Journalism experience.

I currently work for The Messenger specializing in hate crimes and political content dealing with immigration and race issues. While I studied journalism in undergrad I initially pursued policy work and only freelanced. I went full-time with journalism in 2020 when I began working with Daily Kos as an immigration, race, and gender politics reporter. While most of my work revolves around political and news content, I do write entertainment pieces occasionally. I have been published in over 10 outlets from mainstream to indie.

Why do you want to run?

I want to run for the SAJA board because I am passionate about writing and want to help spread that passion to others. I also want to help others who may feel imposter syndrome as a South Asian writer not only build their skills but also feel confident in the work that they do. Overall, I want to be more involved in these spaces to help empower others the way I have been by colleagues and friends. While I have also been interested in joining I too felt I needed more experience to apply. Having recently moved to NYC and developed my writing over the course of the years I have finally claimed my voice and silenced the insecurities I’ve had with sharing my work. I want to make sure others also feel this and want to contribute to help not only students but other journalists of color to network and connect.

Previous board experience?

I have been on various nonprofit boards in the past including Thaakat Foundation, Noor Project and Muslim Women Professionals. I have often organized their social media pages but most of my experience has revolved around planning fundraising events including Galas and Music Nights.

Do you serve on any other boards?

Yes.

If yes, how will you balance your commitments?

Muslim Women Professionals, I have a monthly meeting with team members and contribute 2-3 pieces of content a month on issues that impact Muslim women. It is very manageable as the timeframe of when I'd like to submit the pieces is up to me and the meetings are monthly every first Sunday.

Angeli Kakade

Reporter, KING 5

Journalism experience.

I'm a two-time Emmy nominated reporter for NBC (Seattle) where I've spent the last 2.5 years on the morning show. I’m a GA reporter covering a bit of everything from environmental and health pieces to breaking news, including the historic Whatcom County floods in 2021 that displaced more than 500 families.

Prior to Seattle, I spent 2 years at the CW affiliate in Indianapolis and also worked on the digital side - most recently at the New York Post as a video producer and host of the weekly online show Price Tagged by Page Six.

I started my career on the red carpet as an entertainment reporter covering the Tribeca and Sundance Film Festivals, fashion weeks and the Grammy Awards.

I was born in Minneapolis to Indian immigrant parents who shared with me their pride and passion for our culture and its values. Values like hard work and a respect for others that continue to guide my personal and professional life.

Why do you want to run?

The importance of highlighting South Asian issues in news has always been an essential part of my career; however, it’s only been in the last few years I have felt truly seen as a South Asian reporter.

The distinction between a South Asian reporter and reporter is important, because diversity in the newsroom matters. For me, this became especially true this year while covering an Indian engineering student who was hit and killed by a Seattle police cruiser. Months after the accident, bodycam footage was released in which another officer can be heard making light of her death.

The story was incredibly personal for the Indian community in Seattle, including many who turned to me looking for ways to help. We could talk openly and they trusted me to share their stories.

Examples like this are why earlier this year, when a newly elected board member stepped down, I was happy to step in and take their place. Now, after serving on the SAJA board and seeing its impact on our industry first hand, I am running to serve for another term. I believe in SAJA’s mission to uplift South Asian journalists.

One of my goals this year was to increase our presence and consistency on social media. I feel I’m starting to settle into the role and I’d love to take it even further with more takeovers, live events, and a greater sense of online community.

Previous board experience?

Help run social media for SAJA and organized the first West coast SAJA mixer in Seattle.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.

Tania Rahman

Social Media Director, Fast Company

Journalism experience.

I currently work as the Social Media Director at Fast Company, where I sit at the helm of editorial, art, video, podcast, advertising, and marketing teams. My responsibilities support our journalism through a social media lens, with an eye towards growing our collective 6 million social followers. I actively write articles, capture multimedia content, and moderate discussions with high-profile subjects at tentpole events like SXSW and Fast Company Innovation Festival.

Prior to Fast Company, I worked in tech for 5 years, but remained a freelance journalist. I was part of Brown Girl Magazine, where I served as a writer and newsletter manager for six years, and my work appears in India.com, The Independent, Fast Company, and From Day One.

Why do you want to run?

I originally joined SAJA back in 2015 – fresh out of college, optimistic, and seeking mentorship and like-minded folks to build a community with as I pursued freelance journalism. I am highly interested in reviving that sense of community among young South Asians in media. The combination of an increasingly polarized world – often instigated by combative media itself – with the added affliction of a loneliness epidemic as declared by the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has left many journalists in a state of despair, as their work often draws them to exist in the epicenter of the aforementioned.

While working in social media for the past decade, I witness first-hand how the impact of an increasingly digital world is eroding the third place. I have had a positive experience over the years engaging with SAJA, from the Iftars to the holiday parties and other events, and I hope to leverage my background working across journalism, tech, and nonprofits, to serve the SAJA community and entice new members to join our growing group.

Previous board experience?

I worked pro bono for Brown Girl Magazine for seven years, and was tasked with managing their newsletter and growing subscribership. At my full-time job at Fast Co, I co-lead our AAPI ERG and plan activities year round, including working with 3rd party vendors and managing budgets for internal events. I have been working in social media marketing for the better part of a decade, and actively volunteer my skills to support various initiative and smaller groups.

I currently volunteer as a writer for the Bengali Mental Health Movement, working with a team of mental health professionals and writers to develop content that speaks to the unique struggles experienced by the Bengali diaspora. We create material designed to elicit engagement from our community members, grow followers, develop infographics shared across our social channels, and collaborate on community events.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.

Karishma Vanjani

Markets Reporter, Barron's and Dow Jones

Journalism experience.

I began my career covering startups in India. As a producer and an on-camera reporter, I traveled across the subcontinent to talk to the most promising entreprenuers helping India move to the table of global powers. That included heads of Urban Company, (now in the U.S.) a marketplace for gig labor, as well as Myna Mahila, an organization empowering women to discuss menstruation in low income communities.

The next leg of my career started in New York back in 2018. I studied at CUNY and freelanced for publications like The Juggernaut where I wrote a story titled 'Not Just Yet: The Asian American Ceiling,' which used company filings to highlight how Asians were least likely to be promoted to managerial posts within select companies.

For Quartz, I wrote a story with NPR reporter Mary Childs talking about the best employee benefits at the top US financial firms; it got retweeted by Reddit’s founder.

Following a stint as a private equity beat reporter for PEI, I’m now a markets reporter for Barron’s, Dow Jones. At my current role, I write about the bond market, SVB blow up and really all things that are moving the market. I routinely get opportunities to shine light on issues in India; a recent piece called to attention the high sugar prices and their impact on farmers in India, the world’s second largest sugar exporter.

Why do you want to run?

It’s just the right time for me to give back to the community.

As an international student when I was still learning the ropes, SAJA just through its presence had shown me that we have a large community and that it was possible for me to succeed, much like the others. I’m now looking forward to helping other South Asian immigrants and new journalists within our community recognize that they have support too and while it may all look daunting at first --it all works out.

Previous board experience?

I was a part of the student council at my college. I volunteered briefly at the Samaritans, a suicide prevention helpline center, and with JASAChat, a program that connects you with seniors for a weekly phone call, in 2021.

Most recently, I was a writing consultant for students at Baltimore City College in March and an advisor to students participating at the National History Day (NHD) competition in June. I routinely volunteer at soup kitchens.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.

Divya Karthikeyan

Race and Equity Reporter, Louisville Public Media

Journalism experience.

I began my journalism career in Tamil Nadu, India as a Chennai native, and covered caste inequality, gender violence, climate change, and South Indian politics as a freelancer for 4 years. As more national and international orgs began to invest in coverage outside of major metro cities and focus on South India, I learned to build on that demand for coverage and advocate for stories that were underreported from the region. I reported on a range of subjects: uncovering the Indian govt's failure to pay millions in wages to MNREGA workers, corruption in real estate development, casteism and its pervasiveness in daily lives across various communities, and the scourge of sexual assault in women's sports.

I moved to NYC for the literary reportage grad program at NYU. After graduating, I was curious about life in the South and exploring journalism as public service for hard-to-reach communities. I moved to Louisville to cover Kentucky state politics for NPR affiliate 89.3 WFPL post Dobbs and when a barrage of anti-LGBTQ+ bills were championed by GOP legislators, marking a seismic shift in American politics.

After a year, I shifted to cover race & equity in a city that has immense potential and people who I deeply care about, but is increasingly becoming unsafe for marginalized communities. In my new role, I'm trying to bring an intentionality and focus towards highlighting South Asian stories, prioritizing visibility that doesn't perpetuate model minority tropes and digs deeper, and laying out how immigrants do not have the same access to spaces and privileges that citizens enjoy. I focus on accountability and solutions-based journalism around racial disparities, juvenile justice, cops, food insecurity, homelessness, gentrification and LGBTQ+ communities.

Why do you want to run?

I'm interested in running for the SAJA Board for a couple of reasons.

As a recent immigrant covering KY politics, I found myself being hyperaware of my presence in white majority spaces in journalism and institutions in general, and I knew this was an all too familiar feeling. But it was hard to reach out for support for various reasons. In certain regions in the US, including in KY where I live and work, South Asian PoC and WoC journalists are few and far between. I've found there's very few spaces for some of us in the Midwest and South to commune and talk about our challenges and share them with South Asian journalists in other regions.

Organizations like SAJA have provided an opportunity for growth and telling diverse stories for decades. I want to play a part in showing media professionals, especially aspiring and early-career folks, that SAJA can support them in some ways: Expanding mentorship, providing a space to have honest conversations on the state of our industry, building a chapter for the Midwest + South region and publicizing reporting grants in different regions across the US, because there are so many South Asian stories in these regions that are yet to be told, and we can encourage a new generation of journalists to take that on.

While I acknowledge I'm very new to learning the ropes of volunteering/being a board member, I promise to show up, contribute and put in the work towards making SAJA a place of connection, comfort, and opportunity for South Asian journalists, and for established journalists who've "been there" to meet and support young professionals who can feel alone and are beginning to navigate a fraught yet vital industry.

Previous board experience?

I have not had previous experience serving on a board.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.

Allana Akhtar

Journalist

Journalism experience.

I’m an award-winning journalist with experience covering culture, health, tech, labor, and more.

During my four years at Business Insider, I crafted a beat reporting on the crisis facing nurses prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting that amassed more than 10 million pageviews, won an award, and brought about change in health systems and the federal government. I reported on Walmart workers, flight attendants, and Uber drivers feeling harassed and unsafe during the height of COVID-19, and I carefully followed the racial disparity in the vaccine rollout. I pushed back against the whitewashing of Eastern and Indigenous practices rebranded as “wellness.”

At The Juggernaut, I wrote a response to the Hasan Minhaj controversy from the lens of Brown Muslims, for which I appeared on NPR's It's Been a Minute to discuss and that Hasan himself pointed to in his video response. I centered South Asian women, including those choosing to be child-free and those destigmatizing divorce. In every story, I aimed to highlight numerous countries outside of India, and mention as many religions and ethnic groups as possible.

I've appeared on ABC News, NBC News, and SiriusXM to discuss my work, and I've moderated panels with investors, founders, labor leaders, and academics. In college, I was awarded the Best News Story in Michigan for my coverage of Ta-Nehisi Coates' lecture at University of Michigan. I've always tried to go above and beyond my job description, while centering underrepresented voices and advocating for people whose stories are often overlooked.

Why do you want to run?

I care deeply about helping the South Asian community and diversifying media. As a Pakistani Muslim, I’ve sometimes felt alienated by mainstream South Asian coverage. At The Juggernaut, my mission was to be inclusive of every South Asian: those from countries outside India; religious, ethnic, and caste minorities; LGBTQ+ folks; people from every part of the workforce and socioeconomic sector; and more. I’m no longer at The Juggernaut, but I still want to ensure every South Asian feels included and represented by the media.

I believe I can continue my mission as a board member of SAJA. First, I’d ensure we are not only being mindful of the diversity of award recipients, but also the subject matter and historically oppressed groups. Second, I’d invite event attendees and panelists from every South Asian nationality, and showcase topics and foods from different cultures. Lastly, I’d make SAJA a fun, comfortable environment where everyone feels accepted and leaves with a sense of purpose.

Growing up Muslim after 9/11, I remember my friends and teachers at the masjid talking about the racist way The New York Times reported on our community. I’ve been wary of Western foreign coverage even as an adult, but journalists of color have given me hope that our community can make long-lasting change so that our children won’t have to deal with what I and countless other people like me did. Now more than ever, our community must stand united, which is why I am running to lead SAJA.

Previous board experience?

At Time Inc., I was one of three executives on Media Upstarts, a resource group for young professionals and the first in their families to work in a white-collar environment. We held panel discussions with different executives of color from brands like People, Time, and Entertainment Weekly. I also took the lead role organizing a summer happy hour in 2018, securing music and food, and creating online and in-person flyers.

During The Juggernaut summit in September — which welcomed notable South Asians including Richa Moorjani, Sahil Bloom, and Sadiq Khan — I was part of a 5-person team coordinating the event by setting up chairs, managing the guest list and checking people in, giving instructions to student volunteers, cleaning up the venue, and moderating a panel.

I’m adept at social media marketing, which was one of my roles at The Juggernaut and, at MONEY Magazine, I helped the print publication grow its online audience through innovative Instagram ideas.

I’m organized, quick to say “yes” and volunteer to help, and I lead by being friendly and personable.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.

Jasmine Sheena

Reporter, Morning Brew

Journalism experience.

I’m currently a business and tech reporter at Morning Brew. When I was initially trying to get my foot in the door in our industry, I was also a freelancer/stringer for the New York Times and the New York Daily News. I’ve also worked for the NYC-based outlets City & State and Crain’s.

Why do you want to run?

I’m 25 and I think I could bring a new, Gen Z(-ish) perspective to SAJA :) I also am involved with several other local Asian/South Asian orgs like AAJA, Aangan, the Indo-American Arts Council, the Manhattan Sikh Association, and South Asian Americans for Change (SAAFC). I could facilitate partnerships between SAJA and others orgs.

I’d like to see SAJA host more meetings or events where members can socialize and connect more frequently. Monthly events like a book club, panels on how to cover current events, or happy hour networking sessions could also drive member retention.

Previous board experience?

I am a volunteer with SAAFC. I also briefly served on the member council for American India Foundation (AIF). This year I volunteered with South Asian New York Fashion Week, South Asian events groups And/Aur and PopShift. Finally, I’m getting involved with the South Asian supper club Sewing Tin and plan to volunteer with Sakhi NYC in the new year.

In terms of non-South Asian involvement, I used to run Women’s March San Francisco’s Instagram and Twitter accounts when I lived there. I was also secretary of the Northwest chapter of Young Democrats of America.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.

Mythili Sampathkumar

Freelancer

Journalism experience.

My reporting work has appeared in The New York Times, LA Times, NBC News, Forbes, Fortune, Vox, Teen Vogue, Daily Beast, The New Republic, Foreign Policy, Digital Trends, The Hindu, and others. I was also a staff reporter in the US bureau of The Independent. I've also been part of the erstwhile Facebook and Twitter news curation teams and worked with the Committee to Protect Journalists and Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma.

Currently, I manage newsletters, social media, and communications strategy for the Center for Community Media at CUNY's Newmark Journalism School and NYU's Center for Faculty Advancement's Public Interest Technology Alliance.

Why do you want to run?

As the current President of SAJA, I would like to help the new Board continue the kind of work we did this past year.

In 2020, I began the newsletter featuring links to members' work, TV and radio hits, and accomplishments. I think we can do more with the newsletter, like continuing to feature guest writers and promoting events in which our members are involved.

We have also been pushing for diversity the past few years to include more South Asian identities in SAJA programming. I was lucky enough to organize and moderate an all-female panel at the 2023 AAJA conference exploring how to report on various communities from the perspectives of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indo-Caribbean, and Persian journalists. We also made efforts to diversify scholarship recipients not just in terms of identity, but also which schools they attend. I'd like to continue those efforts with more panels, being more conscious about involving South Asian journalists of all identities in events and programs, and outreach to schools in Canada, the Midwest, and lesser-known journalism programs.

I'd also like to continue helping expand SAJA's reach outside the NYC/DC areas. I worked with AAJA to co-host a mixer in Chicago, and have been talking to members in Texas, Atlanta, and the Bay area to host events in 2024.

I'd also like to help organize an event for SAJA's 30th anniversary in 2024, more panels focused on South Asians with our friends at the AAJA conference, and fulfill requests for the kind of programming members would like to see.

Previous board experience?

I'm the current SAJA President. In addition to the newsletter featuring members' work, TV/radio/podcast hits, and accomplishments and being able to help keep a talented group of Board members organized and on track, I help put on book talks, a panel and mixer at the AAJA conference, screenings, a mixer in Chicago, and the awards gala. I was also able to represent SAJA at various events, including panels at the Media Impact Funders conference and Nasdaq's first-ever closing bell ceremony celebrating Diwali.

Do you serve on any other boards?

No.