As Hate Rises, South Asian Leaders Convene in Washington to Affirm “We Belong” and Mobilize Political Power

For Immediate Release:
April 16, 2026 

Contact: 
Sarah Shah | sarah@iaimpact.org

**MEDIA ADVISORY April 20, 2026**

As Hate Rises, South Asian Leaders Convene in Washington to Affirm “We Belong” and Mobilize Political Power

WHAT

Amid a sharp rise in hate targeting South Asian and immigrant communities—and record numbers of South Asian Americans running for office—Indian American Impact will convene 300+ leaders, organizers, and elected officials in Washington, DC for its 2026 Summit and Gala under the theme We Belong.

The Summit will feature high-profile keynote speakers, elected officials from across the country, and Action Labs focused on real-time advocacy, including media training, voter outreach ahead of key elections, and tools to engage in public narrative and policy change.

The convening will lead into South Asian Hill Day the following day, where participants will meet with members of Congress to advocate on immigrant rights, voting rights, and community safety.

WHO: 

Attendees and guest speakers will reflect the breadth and diversity of the South Asian American community, including:

• Senior elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels including U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Suhas Subramanyam, and Raja Krishnamoorthi; Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi
• Civil rights leaders including Deepinder Singh Mayell (ACLU Minnesota) and Manju Kulkarni (AAPI Equity Alliance, Stop AAPI Hate)
• Organizers, students, and emerging leaders from across the country

Full program details here.

WHEN: 

Summit: Monday, April 20, 2026 (9:00 AM – 5:30 PM)

WHERE: 

Summit: The Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

Summit and Hill Day are open press while Gala is closed press

WHY

At a time of unprecedented rise in hate targeting South Asian and immigrant communities, South Asian Americans are coming together to affirm a simple truth: we belong.

Through policy conversations, action-oriented trainings, and collective advocacy, the Summit highlights how South Asian Americans are organizing, building power, and showing up to shape a more just and inclusive future.

PRESS MUST RSVP TO RECEIVE CREDENTIALS AT THE DOOR

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