The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) successfully hosted its annual “Youth and Young Professionals Luncheon and Networking Event,” a highly engaging and informative program designed to support high school and college students as they prepare for academic, professional, and personal transitions. Held on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, at Hampton Inn and Suites in Stamford, the event featured a dynamic panel discussion titled “College and Beyond,” bringing real-world insights to students and families.

The event showcased an impressive lineup of college students, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals who offered practical guidance, shared personal experiences, and addressed student questions about college life, academic preparation, career development, and navigating early professional pathways.

The event’s sponsor, LCR Capital Partners Founder and Executive Chairman Suresh Rajan, delivered motivational remarks, highlighting the value of networking as a lifelong asset.

Preparing Students for Success – The program aimed to demystify the college admissions process, highlight the realities of university life, and provide strategies for academic success and professional growth. Panelists offered perspectives from leading universities and industries, helping students better understand how to make informed decisions and build a strong foundation for future careers.

Panel and Program Highlights – The discussion was moderated by Mrs. Subha Pandalai, Head of IT at J.M. Wright Technical High School, Stamford. Panelists included:

• Amika Chavan — Freshman, University of Maryland, College Park
• Nitish Gannu — Sophomore, Cornell University
• Aryan Wadhwa — Junior, Purdue University
• Brian Thomas — Junior, NYU Stern School of Business
• Jay Rathod — Senior, University of Connecticut
• Vedant Gannu — Master’s Program, Columbia University; Professional at Google, California
• Sandesh Gawande — CEO, ICEDQ.AI, Stamford, CT
• Mirat Joshi — Director and Global Strategic & Regulatory Initiatives Leader at Citibank; GOPIO-CT Secretary

MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

For over 35 years, OCA National Center has hosted one of the longest-running internship programs in the nation’s capital for college students interested in uplifting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.

The internship program seeks to cultivate future leadership in the next generation of youths by providing opportunities to work in the public sector and learn about issues affecting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Based in the nation’s capital, interns will learn to build relationships, meet with legislative officials, and engage in leadership development workshops.

The program has successfully led past interns to become more active on their college campus and increased the presence of the AANHPI community in local, state, and federal governments. OCA intern alumni have become executive directors, legislative staffers, OCA National Executive Council members, and are leaders in the private and public sector.

Selected applicants relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of their internship, where they are placed to work full-time at nonprofits, federal agencies, congressional offices, for-profit corporations, and other organizations. Each Friday, interns gather at the OCA National office to discuss issues and engage in workshops dedicated to AANHPI issues. We call these convenings “Sama Sama,” which is Tagalog for “together.” Interns also must attend and staff OCA’s National Convention, an APIA-U: Leadership training, and participate in Advocacy Day, in which they’ll be split into groups to meet with their respective members of Congress to advocate for causes important to the AANHPI community. In addition to these events, OCA interns are provided opportunities to build their professional, personal, and advocacy skills to create compassionate leaders in the AANHPI community.

MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

On Tuesday, September 16, leaders, advocates, and community members from around the country met in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 AANHPI Unity Summit. Hosted by the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC), the two-day event brought together Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities to celebrate identity, culture, and civic power.

Dr. SK Lo, Founding President and Board Chair of AAUC, opened the Summit with a message of pride and gratitude, acknowledging the significance of the moment and the collective energy in the room. The opening ceremony featured an enthusiastic recognition of the Summit’s co-hosting organizations, including Asian Culture and Education USA, Asian Pacific American Public Affairs, Coalition of Asian American Leaders of MN, Hindu American Foundation, Muslim Educational Trust of Portland, Overseas Chinese Americans of Sacramento, Polynesian Association of Alaska, South Asian Women Network, SEWA–Asian Indian Family Wellness of MN, and Vietnamese Social Services of MN. Their financial support and dedication were met with a resounding applause.

The AAUC Board of Governors was also honored for its ongoing leadership and commitment. Board members such as Angela Anand, Yen Marshall, Jack Hanna, Jan Xie, Marsha Golangco, Lucy Hansen, Wajdi Said, and Mie Mie Strickler were recognized alongside key members of the Summit Planning Committee, including Ramya Ramakrishnan, Anjuli Cameron, ThaoMee Xiong, and Summit Manager Ted Fong. Volunteers, friends, and family members who supported the event were invited to stand and be celebrated, reinforcing the communal spirit that defined the Summit.

The first day centered around exploring identity, culture, and community power. Attendees reflected on AANHPI contributions to U.S. progress and democracy, examined policies that shape lived experiences, and engaged in a session focused on mental health and collective well-being. A keynote address by civil rights icon Helen Zia and the launch of the AAPI Hub and News Portal inspired and equipped participants with new tools for advocacy.

The second day of the Summit shifted to action, as attendees headed to Capitol Hill for a day of civic engagement. Delegates received training from leaders like Texas State Representative Gene Wu and met with congressional offices to advocate for policies that support AANHPI communities.

Throughout the event, participants were encouraged to connect, learn, and lead. The Summit was designed not only to inform but to mobilize, a space where personal stories and shared goals converged into a powerful force for change.

As the Summit officially began with a cultural blessing and a video message from former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, the tone was set for two days of unity, empowerment, and transformation. The 2025 AANHPI Unity Summit was more than a conference. It was a testament to the strength and solidarity of a diverse and dynamic community.

Watch recordings of Unity Summit sessions.

Summary

Asian Pacific Islanders in Higher Education (APAHE) and AAPI Data have partnered to create a playbook for defending AAPI access to higher education. With various threats facing higher education and our communities, it is time to take meaningful action, one that is informed by the insights of good policy and the realities of public opinion.

The playbook provides a strategic overview of various threats facing higher education in 2025, particularly as they affect Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students and communities. It details executive and budgetary actions that could harm access, funding, and crucial programs. It demonstrates the ways that federal programs and policies have benefited Asian American and Pacific Islander students. The report also highlights AAPI community sentiment on these educational policies, largely demonstrating opposition to cuts and other recent federal government actions. Finally, the playbook outlines a roadmap for effective action, emphasizing advocacy, communication strategies, and the continued role of APAHE and its partners in defending access to higher education.

Visit AAPI Data to download the playbook.

The Hawaiian Council is holding its annual convention from October 6 to 9 in Seattle, Washington, in the state that has the third-largest Native Hawaiian population outside of Hawaii.

The organization operates a wide range of programs aimed at creating real, lasting impact. Their economic development initiatives support Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs through training, grants, and access to capital. These efforts have helped launch and sustain hundreds of local businesses, strengthening Hawai‘i’s economy from within.

Their educational programs include scholarships, cultural workshops, and leadership training for youth and adults alike. A strong emphasis is placed on culturally grounded learning, blending modern skills with Hawaiian values and traditions. Programs in language revitalization, land stewardship, and digital literacy have reached thousands of participants across the islands. Additionally, the Hawaiian Council continues to support affordable housing, financial literacy, and workforce development, creating pathways to opportunity for families who face systemic barriers.

Advocacy with Impact

Advocacy remains a core pillar of the Hawaiian Council’s work. The organization engages in public policy efforts to protect Native Hawaiian rights, promote equitable access to resources, and defend sacred lands. Their advocacy has played a pivotal role in increasing funding for Native Hawaiian programs, expanding access to federal and state grants, and elevating Native voices in legislative processes.

During crises—like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Maui wildfires—the Council mobilized resources rapidly to support recovery, delivering direct aid, coordinating relief, and ensuring community-led response efforts were prioritized.

Over the years, the Hawaiian Council has grown from a grassroots organization into one of the most influential Native-led institutions in Hawaii. Its rebranding signifies not a departure from its roots, but a renewed focus on inspiring a new generation of leaders and changemakers.

Preview of the Hawaiian Council’s 2025 Native Hawaiian Convention

Visit www.hawaiiancouncil.org.