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For the last 45 years, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community has celebrated June as LGBT Pride month. Originally to commemorate the Stonewall riots in 1969, the celebration has since grown to be a time to take a stance against discrimination and for the right to live openly and proudly without persecution. Recently, President Obama released a proclamation to recognize June as LGBT Pride Month, just barely a year after the US Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. The LGBT community has made tremendous strides in America to get the country on the right side of history. With the rest of the world, the NAPA Board awoke Sunday morning to the news of the worst mass shooting in recent US history. NAPA is saddened by this unspeakable tragedy and its strike against the LGBT community. It is okay to be upset, frustrated, sad, and confused during this time; many NAPA members are still internally processing this day. As Americans deal with this event and the difficult path ahead, NAPA proclaims its deepest care for its LGBT members. As organizations founded to promote awareness of Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Desi identities, NAPA truly believes that any act of hate is unacceptable and NAPA’s organizations will continue to foster and promote inclusive environments where its members can live authentically. NAPA encourages its members to seek out mental health services available to them on their campus or through a mental health care provider during this time. In addition, NAPA urges its heterosexual members to check in with loved ones, friends, or colleagues who identify as LGBT because it can make all the difference in how they are feeling right now. To better serve its members and the association’s commitment to diversity, NAPA recently created the LGBTQ Initiative Project Lead position and appointed Toubee Yang, from Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity, Inc., to develop initiatives and programs to raise awareness around these LGBTQ experiences. Toubee Yang and NAPA Vice Chair, Vigor Lam, have also facilitated two webinars featuring LGBT-identified NAPA members sharing their experiences and recommendations. Feel free to show pride and support with custom Facebook cover photos made for each NAPA organization. Please follow NAPA’s social media to receive news of upcoming LGBTQ programs and resources or contact NAPA’s LGBTQ Initiative Project Lead at lgbtq@napa-online.org.

NAPA launches workshop series with APIAVote This coming Memorial Day Weekend, NAPA’s Youth Vote Initiative Project Lead Rob Mady will host a workshop to empower young professionals to get engaged in the upcoming 2016 presidential election. In partnership with APIAVote, the “Save the Voter, Save the World” workshop will be presented at the joint International Convention of alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority and Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraternity in Phoenix, Arizona. Although Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are among the fastest-growing ethnic demographic in the United States, they produce the lowest voter turnout rates in the nation. NAPA intends to activate the civic spirit of its membership by hosting voter registration drives, workshops, and phone banks to increase voter turnout this fall. Individuals who attend the workshop will have a better understanding of the specific issues that affect AAPIs—such as immigration reform and student loan debt—and how their votes can impact legislation. “Greeks should be involved in the upcoming election cycle because we are densely connected to active leaders through our fraternal networks,” says Mady, a member of Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity. “A majority of election topics primarily affect students and young professionals. Asian American Greeks have the power to inspire their chapters, universities, companies, and communities to vote this November.” Engagement with first-time voters is a priority to politicians running for office. Candidates seeking to appeal to younger crowds will continue to innovate new ways to reach audiences who can vote. As the AAPI population continues to grow, cultural coalitions and advocacy groups like NAPA will play an even larger role in influencing the outcome of the general election. ### Graphic by Rob Mady.

NAPA is proud to appoint Bilal Badruddin as its new lead for Desi Initiatives! Bilal is a member of Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity and looks forward to elevating the voice of NAPA’s South Asian member organizations. Bilal Badruddin is the Assistant Director of Residential Life and in June will be transitioning to be the Interim Associate Director of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs at Colgate University. He received his M.Ed in Higher Education Administration from Loyola University-Chicago and his B.A. in Advertising Research from Temple University. While earning his masters, Bilal worked at Northeastern Illinois University as a Graduate Assistant in Greek Life. Prior to his current position, Bilal was a Residential Life Coordinator and later an Area Coordinator at Eastern Washington University, where he also had a collateral assignment in Fraternity and Sorority Life. In addition to his work on college campuses, Bilal Badruddin has served as the National Director of External Affairs for Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc since 2013.

Addition of Delta Phi Omega Reinforces NAPA’s Commitment to South Asian Greek Community APRIL 22, 2016 — The National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA) is proud to welcome its newest member, Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc. With over 46 chapters and colonies nationwide, Delta Phi Omega joins NAPA as the Association’s 18th member organization. “NAPA is excited to welcome Delta Phi Omega and the value they will bring to the organization. With the addition of DPO, this year has been an unprecedented year of growth for NAPA and reinforces our commitment to the South Asian Greek community,” said Hannah Seoh, Chair of NAPA. “We look forward to the collaborations to come.” “Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc. is elated to be recognized by NAPA. This has been a long-term goal for us as we truly value the contribution and commitment NAPA has made to multicultural and Asian-Interest sororities and fraternities,” said Harini Morisetty, National President of Delta Phi Omega. “We look forward to new partnerships, networks, and opportunities as a member organization!” Delta Phi Omega, founded at the University of Houston in 1998, is the nation’s largest South Asian-interest sorority. With over 2,000 sisters nationwide, Delta Phi Omega has committed to advancing children’s education and literacy as its national philanthropy. Its annual Literacy Through Unity Week has raised over $75,000 for philanthropies dedicated to addressing illiteracy, including CARE India and Pratham’s Second Chance Program. Delta Phi Omega will be formally seated in NAPA on April 25th, 2016. About NAPA Founded in 2005, NAPA serves to advocate for the needs of its member organizations and provide a forum to share ideas and resources. NAPA supports the development of positive relations through open communication with interfraternal partners to enrich the fraternal experience.

NAPA proudly stands with our interfraternal sisters in celebrating International Badge Day. On this day we encourage our members to wear our badges, pins, and letters proudly as a reminder of all of the achievements of the women in our lives. Not just today, but every day, we should recognize and celebrate female leaders who make an impact on their chapters, organizations, campuses, and communities. We stand with the National Panhellenic Conference, National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, and the National Multicultural Greek Council in taking a moment to pause and reflect on all that we have overcome and remember the work that still needs to be done.

Addition of Three Fraternities Reflects NAPA’s Commitment to South Asian Greek Community February 12, 2016 — The National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA) is proud to welcome three new members: Iota Nu Delta Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and Delta Sigma Iota Fraternity, Inc. With a strong commitment to raising awareness of South Asian culture, NAPA’s newest members have a combined presence of over 60 chapters across the nation and bring the Association’s overall membership to 17 Asian American Greek Letter Organizations total. “We feel a great sense of pride in welcoming three South Asian-interest fraternities as NAPA members,” said Hannah Seoh, NAPA Chair. “It speaks to the dedication of our membership to be inclusive of the entire APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) community, and we look forward to their contributions as NAPA members.” Iota Nu Delta, founded at SUNY Binghamton in 1994, is the nation’s first South Asian-interest fraternity. With two core philosophies of Brotherhood Eternal & Shakti and three pillars of mind, body, and soul, Iota Nu Delta has forged partnerships with national organizations including Active Minds, National Marrow Donor Program, and South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT). “Iota Nu Delta appreciates the work NAPA has done for the Asian American community, and we are eager to embrace our new strategic partnership,” said Vishal Vyas, National President. “As a member, we look forward to new lines of communication, friendship, opportunity, and collaboration.” Delta Epsilon Psi was founded in October 1998 at the University of Texas at Austin. Since inception, Delta Epsilon Psi has annually donated over $45,000 to its national philanthropy, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and has documented over 20,000 community service hours across the nation. With over 30 chapters and colonies, Delta Epsilon Psi has grown to become the largest South Asian fraternity in the U.S. “Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc. is ecstatic to gain membership in NAPA,” stated Neal Daftary, National President. “We hope that, with this new venture, Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc. & NAPA’s members will combine their resources to continuous to support our local communities through social and service endeavors, and create unique opportunities for young men and women during their academic careers.” Founded in August 2000 at The Pennsylvania State University, Delta Sigma Iota is committed to cultivating men who will leave a positive mark in their communities through the organization’s core pillars of Service, Education, and Unity. Atindra Garigipati, National President of Delta Sigma Iota, stated, “Our fraternity thought that it was in the best interest of our future and continued growth to join NAPA. I believe our fraternity will greatly benefit from the communication and future interactions that we will have with the rest of the member organizations in the Association.” Iota Nu Delta, Delta Epsilon Psi, and Delta Sigma Iota will be formally seated in NAPA on February 8, 2016. About NAPA Founded in 2005, NAPA serves to advocate for the needs of its member organizations and provide a forum to share ideas and resources. NAPA supports the development of positive relations through open communication with interfraternal partners to enrich the fraternal experience.

Congratulations to our newest NAPA appointees serving the 2016-17 leadership term! Executive Board Chair: Hannah Seoh, Delta Phi Lambda Vice Chair: Vigor Lam, Pi Delta Psi Secretary: Teri Chung, Kappa Phi Lambda Directors Director of Communications: Angela Ju, alpha Kappa Delta Phi Director of Finance: Alison Kao, Delta Phi Lambda Director of Interfraternal Relations: Prashant Kher, Beta Chi Theta Director of Operations: Michelle Wu, Sigma Psi Zeta Director of Technology: Bryan Dosono, Lambda Phi Epsilon Director of Undergraduate Affairs: Chee Ia Yang, Delta Phi Lambda Co-Director of AAGLO Summit: Kiran Wadhwa, Sigma Sigma Rho Co-Director of Programs, Initiatives: Jose Pangelinan, Sigma Lambda Beta Co-Director of Programs, Work Groups: Christiana Cabrera, Sigma Lambda Gamma Project Leads Project Lead, LGBTQ Initiative: Toubee Yang, Lambda Phi Epsilon Project Lead, Mental Health Initiative: Patrick Lin, Pi Delta Psi Project Lead, Youth Vote Initiative: Rob Mady, Pi Alpha Phi Project Lead, Domestic Violence Work Group: Seju Patel, Sigma Sigma Rho Project Lead, Hazing Prevention Work Group: Brian Gee, Pi Alpha Phi Project Lead, Desi Work Group: VACANT* * Note: We are still recruiting a Project Lead for our new Desi Initiative. If you or any colleages are interested in serving, please reach out to Vigor Lam at vicechair@napa-online.org.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015 — The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association (NAPA) is excited to announce the appointment of Christiana Cabrera, sister of Sigma Lambda Gamma, and Jose Pangelinan, brother of Sigma Lambda Beta, to the 2016‐17 National Board. Christiana will serve as Director of Programs, Work Groups, and Jose will serve as Director of Programs, Initiatives. These appointments signify the first time in NAPA history for non‐NAPA members to join the association’s National Board. With this development, NAPA advances its mission of providing a forum for member organizations to share ideas and resources across interfraternal partners. “NAPA is excited for this new chapter for our association,” says Chair, Hannah Seoh. “While we have always been supported by Mary Peterson as our long‐term external advisor, this is the first time we will have non‐NAPA members on the Board helping with day‐to‐day operations. We stand to gain much from Christiana and Jose’s Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters experience and feel fortunate that they were willing to volunteer with us. ” ABOUT CHRISTIANA CABRERA Christiana has three and a half years of experience as a director for the Sigma Lambda Gamma National HQ, serving Director of Expansion and Director of Education. She has extensive development expertise, due to the numerous programs she has created and revised for Sigma Lambda Gamma over the past three years: Panther Prep Academic Program, Amethyst Entity Development Program, and Associate Member Educator Certification. Additionally, she has previous experience in generating national, regional, and entity retreat content such as networking activities, values alignment workshops, resource navigation workshops, and panel discussions. She currently resides in Iowa City, IA. ABOUT JOSE PANGELINAN Jose Pangelinan was born in Guam and raised in California. He completed his Bachelor’s at the University of Texas at San Antonio, in Psychology, where he had the pleasure of joining Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity. Jose was involved and president of his chapter and Multicultural Greek Council. He currently works as the Director of Member Services at the Executive Office of Sigma Lambda Beta and resides in North Liberty, IA. ### About National APIA Panhellenic Association The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association (NAPA) is a collective of 17 intercollegiate fraternities and sororities with an interest in culture and serving the APIA community. NAPA advocates the needs of its member organizations, provides a forum to share ideas and resources within its members, and supports the development of positive relations through open communication with interfraternal partners to enrich the fraternal experience. National APIA Panhellenic Association contact: Angela Ju Director of Communications communications@napa‐online.org

NAPA is excited for new leadership and continued progress for our interfraternal community. Please congratulate Hannah, Vigor, and Teri. They are all excited to attend AFA Annual Meeting & NAPA Annual Meeting and everyone. See you there!

NAPA and NAAPIMHA Continue Mental Health Initiative Partnership FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 20 August 2015 CONTACT:  VIgor Lam | Director of Public Engagement (NAPA) public.engagement@napa-online.org Denver, CO – The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association (NAPA) and the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) has renewed its partnership to bring mental health education and awareness to Asian and Asian American students on college campuses for the 2015-2016 year. Through the Friends DO Make a Difference initiative, collegiate chapters of NAPA will have access to programming and resources to promote mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking in a community that may face cultural and language barriers when accessing treatment. The campaign continues to include materials with imagery and messaging targeting the APIA student audience. The two partnering organizations will be continuing its Mental Health Summit in Boulder & outreach initiatives in Atlanta, as well as expanding its outreach to campuses in Los Angeles and San Francisco. In addition, the partnership will continue to present and facilitate workshops at regional/national conferences focusing on APIA empowerment and mental health awareness. NAPA serves to advocate the needs of its fourteen member Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) inter/national fraternities and sororities and provides a forum to share ideas and resources within its members. http://napa-online.org/ NAAPIMHA’s mission is to improve the mental health of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders living in this country. http://naapimha.org/ # # #