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It’s officially a wrap on SAPHA’s 2025 Inaugural Gala and Conference!
At our Gala, we celebrated the strides SAPHA has made towards advancing South Asian American health these last 25 years. These events could not be possible without the help of our amazing Board, Planning Committee, Volunteers, Sponsors – and YOU, for supporting our mission and work. We cannot thank everyone enough for believing in the future of South Asian American health. To all the changemakers who were with us in presence or in spirit, we thank you for your contributions and look forward to continuing working with you.
During our conference the day after, we discussed what to do with this momentum, and what the future of South Asian American health may look like.
One of the most energizing moments of the two-day event was our interactive “Professional Speed Dating” session. Designed to spark fast-paced conversations across policy, practice, and research, this activity brought professionals from every corner of South Asian public health together in meaningful, high-impact exchanges.
We loved seeing the room come alive. We saw participants leaning in, sharing ideas, discovering common challenges, and forming connections that we know will carry forward long after the conference. The energy, curiosity, and generosity of spirit in this session truly embodied what SAPHA aims to build: a collaborative community driving public health forward.
Read more to explore our expert panels and key discussions.
Panel 1 – From Pioneer to Pathmakers: Leadership and Legacy in South Asian Public Health
This keynote panel brought together trailblazing leaders, Alka Kanaya, MD,; Arnab Mukherjea, DrPH, MPH; Susan Ivey, MD, MHSA; Amita Vyas, PhD, MHS; Nitasha Nagaraj, DrPH, MPH, moderated by Aisha Bhimla, PhD, MPH whose work has defined the field of South Asian public health. Panelists reflected on mentorship, leadership, and legacy, and shared lessons learned from their journeys.
Panel 2 – Funding What Matters: Mobilizing Cross-Sector Investment for South Asian Health Equity
This panel convened leaders from philanthropy, foundations, and corporate social impact to explore how to elevate South Asian health as a funding priority. Panelists, Giridhar Mallya, MD, MSPH; Leena Patel, MPH; Sapna Pandya, MPH; Nelly Ganesan, MPH; Niloufer Memon, MS, moderated by Pooja Mittal, MD, discussed barriers with institutional support, innovative funding models, and strategies for cross-sector collaboration to drive long-term, sustainable equity.
Panel 3 – Power in Action: Advocacy for South Asian Health Equity
This panel highlighted South Asian advocates and policy leaders working to build coalitions, advance equity, and sustain long-term movement building. Panelists, Karthick Ramakrishan, PhD; Deepa Iyer, JD; Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD, Kamal Menghrajani, MD, MS, moderated by Shamsun Nahar, BA, discussed the power of advocacy and strategies for translating community voice into meaningful policy change.
Panel 4 – Driving Innovation: Reimagining South Asian Health Through Technology and Storytelling
This panel explored how South Asians can lead at the forefront of health innovation—bridging public health, technology, and leadership. Panelists, Nabeel Kaukab, MB; Abdul Shaikh, PhD; Sravya Durbha, MBA; Faraz Zubairi, BA, moderated by Umair Shah, MD, MPH discussed opportunities and risks in digital transformation, the role of storytelling in shaping narratives, and how to ensure South Asian communities are not left behind in this era of disruption.
Closing Keynote – A Vision for the Future of South Asian Health
Dr. Ashish Jha, MD, MPH's keynote speech reflected on lessons from the past, the urgent challenges of today, and the bold opportunities ahead for the future of public health and the role South Asians can play.
We are so grateful to have been able to host these events with and for our community, and we are hopeful to carry this energy forward to enact more progressive change with our academic and professional partners.
SAPHA extends our deepest gratitude to the sponsors and vendors who made our inaugural Gala and Conference possible. Your generous support, partnership, and belief in our mission strengthened every part of this event, from the thoughtful programming to the meaningful connections formed throughout the two days.
Thank you for investing in South Asian public health and for helping us create an inspiring, community-driven experience. We are truly grateful for your commitment and collaboration.
