The South Asian community in the United States has grown in influence, representation, and engagement in all aspects of American life. The many backgrounds within the community have a lot to learn and share with one another. In the spirit of community empowerment, please join APF and senior policy leaders for a discussion of the lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities when it comes to the community's role in civic engagement and political representation.

Speakers

Ambassador Shirin Tahir Kheli has a distinguished career in public service, during which she served in senior positions at the White House National Security Council and at the Department of State. She holds a M.A. degree and a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Ambassador Richard Verma is Vice Chair and Partner at The Asia Group, where he leads the firm’s growth in South Asia. He previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017. A leading expert on trade and diplomacy in Asia, Ambassador Verma brings 25 years of experience across senior levels of business, law, diplomacy, and the military.

Dr. Sadaf Jaffer is a scholar, activist, and elected official. She is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Princeton University where she teaches courses on South Asian, Islamic, and Asian American Studies. Dr. Jaffer is also the mayor of Montgomery Township, New Jersey where she has focused her administration on good governance and increased transparency, communications, diversity, and inclusivity.