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Photo: William Xu and Maui Orozco with Congresswoman Dr. Judy Chu (D-CA), the first Chinese American woman elected to U.S. Congress. Las Vegas, NV—This past August, NAPA engaged in a historical gathering of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA). Four U.S. presidential campaigns met representatives of APIA affinity groups from around the nation at the 2016 APIA Vote Presidential Townhall. The candidates and their political surrogates appealed to the gathering of APIA leaders for their support. Alpha Phi Gamma’s Maui Orozco, along with Pi Delta Psi’s Will Xu, represented the NAPA community at the public forum. The presidential candidates present, which included Jill Stein of the Green Party and Gary Johnson of the Libertarian party, sat down with NBC anchor Richard Lui to discuss salient topics ranging from immigration reform to national security. Gary Johnson was even quizzed on what “AAPI” stood for. President Bill Clinton took the stage for his partner and democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. He framed the racial and political plurality of our nation as a defining strength and advocated for unity amidst narratives of extreme divisiveness. Finally, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes addressed the crowd on behalf of Donald Trump. He leveraged his Filipino roots to discuss the conservative, hardworking values instilled in him by his immigrant parents, and how these values can help our community achieve a shared American dream. The town hall coincided with the Asian American Journalist Association and the National Asian American Association of Professionals Conventions, bringing together the largest gathering of Asian American professionals in recent memory. NAPA’s participation in the APIA Vote youth civic engagement training sessions opened future opportunities to expand coalitional programming efforts. Student leaders learned how to galvanize campus populations and utilize non-profit resources to improve “Get Out The Vote” campaigns across the country. With the NAPA logo projected on the backdrop as a supporting partner of the APIAVote Presidential Townhall, NAPA has now taken part in its fourth Presidential Town Hall, continuing its tradition of partnership with APIAVote that gave birth to NAPA over a decade ago. NAPA’s participation ensures a pipeline of leaders from Asian-interest fraternities and sororities to the public sector, exposing its membership to opportunities in non-traditional career paths where APIAs continue to be underrepresented. NAPA’s youth vote advocacy initiative maximizes exposure to the community it serves, combats existing stigmas of apolitical involvement, and forges crucial partnerships that will define NAPA a decade from now. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NAPAHQ (@napahq)

Project Abstract The history of collegiate fraternal organizations can be traced over the past two centuries in America, but little is known about Asian American Greek letter organizations (AAGLOs). What is their purpose, what unique benefits do they afford their members, and what kind of impact, if any, do these organizations have on their members’ racial and identity development? This study aims to answer these questions in order to better understand and illuminate the undergraduate experience within Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) fraternities and sororities. Findings from this study will inform student affairs professionals about the unique role and opportunity for cultural identity development provided by APIDA fraternities and sororities, as little research currently exists investigating this matter. We want to acknowledge those before us that have explored and researched this often forgotten population in higher education. Our hope is to continue the work and provide more literature to campus-based professionals, volunteers, advisors, and others of the growing AAGLO community. Timeline 9/1: Survey launches! 10/15: Survey closes 11/1: Qualitative interviews outreach Want more updates? Please subscribe to our newsletter here. Contact Information Email: research@napa-online.org IRB #1702006917 Research Team Vigor Lam, M.Ed., Project Director Vigor holds a Masters of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation. While in graduate school, he worked for departments including campus activities, multicultural affairs, campus life, and residential life. He also did fieldwork and explored the Asian Greek Council at University of Southern California, interviewed and proposed recommendations for Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS), the cultural center on campus. His involvement with the APIA community in the Midwest led him to work for nonprofits in Washington DC, including Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote). He also serves as the Co-Chair for Asian Pacific American Network (APAN), within the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Vigor currently works at Cornell within the Office of the Dean of Students as the Assistant Director of the Asian & Asian American Cultural Center. Mai Nguyen, M.A., Project Investigator Mai attended Colorado State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Technical Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations. She then attended California State University, Sacramento to earn a Master of Arts in Education: Higher Education Leadership. Before joining Texas Woman’s University as the Assistant Director for the Center for Student Development, she worked as the Leadership Initiative Coordinator at California State University, Sacramento for three-and-a-half years. Mai has experience in many areas of Student Affairs, including Greek Life, Leadership, Clubs and Organizations and Orientation. Ari Stillman, M.A., Project Investigator Ari’s background converges his pedigree in research and experience in Greek Life. In the former category, he earned his BA in history and religion from the University of Rochester, MA in sociology of religion from Vanderbilt University, and MA in sociology from the University of Chicago. In the latter category, he advised the Multicultural Greek Council at the University of Pennsylvania and served his fraternity, Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity, Inc., on the national board for four years in a variety of roles including National President. Drawing from this background, Ari now focuses his research on fraternity and sorority advisors in an effort to elevate their profession. Other research interests include ritual studies, mythmaking and deconstructing, and organizational change. Dr. Ajay Nair, Ph.D., Research Advisor Dr. Ajay Nair, Senior Vice President and Dean of Campus Life at Emory University, is an accomplished scholar and student affairs leader whose interests include immigration, race, and ethnicity. Ajay’s research interests include quality assurance in educational systems, service learning and civic engagement, and Asian American identity. His co-edited book, Desi Rap: Hip-Hop in South Asian America, focuses on the complexities of second-generation South Asian American identity. His current book project explores the current state of multiculturalism in higher education.

Just last month, NAPA celebrated its LGBT Pride Month and stood beside its brothers and sisters in mourning after the Pulse Shooting. The time has come once again to stand beside brothers and sisters in mourning in light of the killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the 5 officers killed in Dallas. NAPA organizations were founded with primarily Asian and South Asian roots and its oldest member organization was founded in 1929 because of rampant discrimination during that time. The NAPA Board acknowledges, appreciates, and remembers daily all of the work and sacrifices of previous generations that affords certain opportunities and privileges today. The NAPA Board also understands, though, that its organizations have come a long way in terms of diversity and inclusive membership. NAPA has many members with different identities and also intersectional identities. NAPA organizations must unite under support, comfort, mutual understanding, and respect. During these very difficult times, it can be very normal, expected even, to go through a wide range of emotions. On the heels of the start of National Minority Mental Health Month, the NAPA Board encourages all of its members to check in on each other, seek help if needed, and be supportive in whatever ways they can: Bring in a speaker at National Conventions to discuss racial trauma Host Google Hangout sessions where members can share their lived experiences Include identity and allyship as part of new member education Write to local politicians about pressing concerns http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ http://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/ The NAPA Board wants its individual members to know that we see, we hear, we feel for, and are with them. The NAPA Board knows that much work still needs to be done and will not rest until it is completed.

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.