The Indian American Impact Project’s 2024 Summit and Gala: Desis Decide will take place on May 15th-16th in Washington, D.C.! Join us for two days of networking, learning, celebrating, and committing to action with community leaders from across the nation.

Learn more about this year’s event here.

• RSVP and Purchase Tickets

  Our daytime Summit will offer numerous trainings, keynotes from the nation’s top leaders, and networking opportunities.

  Ticket rates for the two-day Summit is only $75 and includes lunch (May 16th) and refreshments (both days). Student and youth tickets are now available for $25.

  Our can’t-miss gala will feature incredible keynotes, entertainment, food and beverages on May 16th. Ticket prices start at $250.

  RSVP for both events and purchase your tickets here.

• Program Information

  Impact Summit  |  May 15th-16th, 2024
  May 15th: Programming 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM EST
  May 16th: Programming 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM EST
  

  View the tentative program here!
  Please join us for pre- and post-event affinity group meetings, networking sessions, and a table expo on both days.

  Impact Gala  |  May 16th, 2024 
  Registration and Cocktail Party: 6:30 PM EST
  Gala Dinner: 7:30 PM EST

• Affinity Groups & Networking Sessions

  MAY 15TH:

  10:30 – 12:00 PM Youth Who Impact

  Join us to explore strategies to amplify youth engagement, dismantle barriers to civic engagement, and ignite the youth vote.While the focus is on empowering young voices, individuals of all ages who share our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and participatory democracy are encouraged to join. 

  Facilitated by Ananya Kachru, Bianca, Shah, and Shivani Parikh with South Asians for America; Chandra Chouhan with Chup Go Vote; Jahnavi Rao with New Voters; Aara Sampath and Shreya Srivastava

  Lunch provided

  11:00 – 12:00 PM Desis in Health

  Whether you’re directly in health or your parents wanted you to be in health, join us for food, networking, and live examples of where health, policy, and civic engagement connect. With special guests!

  Facilitated by Aliya Bhatia with Vot-ER

  Lunch provided

  12:00 – 12:30 PM Honoring the Slashie in All of Us

  Are you a slashie, or someone who devotes your time to various ‘side hustles’ in addition to your nine-to-five? Whether you’re a creative, running for office, volunteering on campaigns, running businesses or organizing in addition to your full-time job, join us to celebrate “non-traditional” career paths,  redefine professional success, and build networks of support.

  Facilitated by Devina Khanna with Brown Girl Magazine

  5:45 – 7:00 PM Women Who Impact Happy Hour by South Asian Trailblazers and Impact

  An opportunity for South Asian women, non-binary folks, and allies to delve deeper This women’s happy hour offers a supportive space for South Asian women, non-binary folks, and allies to build community and engage in dialogue, networking, and empowerment. With special guests!

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  MAY 16TH: 

  8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast for South Asian Elected Leaders and Candidates (invitation-only)

  12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Hour: 

  Desi Economic Policy Professionals

  A great deal of South Asian Americans are currently working in the economic policy space across various government agencies, congressional offices, think tanks, NGOs, and state and local governments. Additionally, many private-sector professionals have a strong interest in economics and may have questions about the economic and policy landscape ahead. If this sounds like you, join us to form new connections, share ideas and strategies, and help guide young, aspiring policy professionals to a career in economic policy.

  Facilitated by Employ America: Skanda Amarnath, Arnab Datta, Vikas Patel

  Tech-Policy Lunch Hour: Bridging the Gap between Programmers and Policymakers

  Are you a South Asian professional passionate about technology? Whether you’re in tech, policy, or just excited about the future of AI and new technology, join us to learn about different opportunities for the public sector and the current (and growing) relationship between budding technologies and policy. Let’s forge relationships across the realms of engineering, lobbying, consulting, and policy writing as they relate to technology.

  Facilitated by Neal Patel and Vick Krishna

  Desis in Climate

  This group is dedicated to desis working in the climate, energy, and clean tech space. The ambition for this session is to help establish professional and personal relationships amongst people working on climate change related issues.

  Facilitated by Radha Adhar with the Bezos Earth Fund

  Building an affirming future for the LGBTQIA+ South Asian Diaspora

  In this session, we invite LGBTQIA+ South Asians, families and allies, as well as allied organizations that serve LGBTQIA+ folks within our Desi communities to engage and

  Commit to nurturing a culture of acceptance and inclusivity within our communities, striving towards a future where everyone feels valued and respected.

  Facilitated by Desi Rainbow Parents & Allies and Khush DC

  4:00 – 5:30 So, You Want to Work in Government or Politics Happy Hour

  Join us to explore pathways for South Asian Americans into politics and government roles. You’ll first hear from a distinguished panel led by experienced Democratic and progressive professionals, focusing on entry points into politics, including volunteering, campaign involvement, and running for office. Then, hear brief talks from seasoned Hill staffers and leaders in the Biden-Harris administration on breaking barriers to working in government before networking with like-minded individuals eager to shape the future of American politics and government.

  Facilitated by Anjan Mukherjee, Pavitra Abraham, Dennis Raj, and Vriti Jain

• Venue Information

  Impact Summit
  Washington Marriott Georgetown
  1221 22nd St NW
  Washington, D.C. 20037

  Impact Gala
  Willard Intercontinental Hotel
  1400 Pennsylvania Ave NW
  Washington, D.C. 20004

• Travel and Accommodations

  Book your hotel stay with discounted rates here!

  Washington Marriott Georgetown
  1221 22nd Street NW, Washington, District Of Columbia, USA, 20037
  202-872-1500

  Reagan National Airport
  Distance From Hotel: 5.4 Miles
  703-417-8000
  
  Alternate Airport Transportation:
  Red Top Executive Sedan Service; fee: 30 USD (one way); on request
  Bus Station: Greyhound at Union Station
  Subway Station: Foggy Bottom (Orange, Silver & Blue Lines)
  Dupont Circle (Red Line)
  Train Station: Union Station

• Event Sponsors

  

  

  By joining as a sponsor for the 2024 Summit and Gala, you are investing in the future of our diaspora’s civic engagement and participation as we work towards better representation of the more than 5 million in our communities.

  Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
  
  For questions about sponsorship or to confirm participation, please contact prerana@iaimpact.org.

• Digital Toolkit

  Help us spread the word! Our Digital Toolkit contains sample messages and graphics you can share on social media.

• Volunteer Opportunities

  Thank you for your interest in supporting our event — we are currently at full capacity for volunteers.

• Questions

  For questions, please email summit@iaimpact.org.

Register today to receive your early bird rates!