On May 29, 2025, SAPHA organized an advocacy workshop, “The Hidden Costs of the Model Minority Myth: Advocating for Economic Justice in South Asian Communities”. The workshop was led by Sydelle Barreto, MA, Policy Manager at NAPAWF.
Sydelle is a dedicated and creative policy and advocacy professional who is committed to moving the needle a little closer to collective liberation each and every day. Sydelle began her career in education policy, where they worked on issues such as diversifying the educator pipeline and fighting for a thriving wage for child care workers. Prior to joining NAPAWF, they served as the Assistant Director of Federal Policy at SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, where they championed inclusive and evidence-based sex education. Sydelle is deeply passionate about fighting for a world where the marginalized are affirmed in their identities and have the power, information, and resources to make decisions about their own health, pleasure and wholeness. Sydelle is a proud 1.5 generation Indian American who was born in Mumbai and raised in New Jersey. They received a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Northeastern University and an M.A. in Philosophy and Social Policy from George Washington University. SAPHA Board Member and Advocacy Co-Chairs Nawal Umar, MPH and Anmol Sharma, MGH, helped to facilitate.
The workshop explored the importance of advocating for fairer systems to create stronger, healthier futures for all.
Sydelle walked attendees through how public health and the movement for economic justice are intertwined, how the South Asian community, in particular, is impacted by unique economic disparities, especially subgroup differences, and how we can respond to current political threats. Attendees also were able to participate in a discussion activity reviewing unique case studies to understand the way factors like immigration status, education, identity, and other determinants impact economic mobility and overall health and well-being.
The workshop concluded with a call to action for individuals and organizations to advocate for economic policy reform that will improve health outcomes for South Asians living in the United States.
