- In keeping with its mission to bolster the next generation of globally-minded leaders, AIF established its Young Professionals Program for driven young adults.
- As young professionals for social impact, these individuals gain hands-on experience in event planning and fundraising for charitable causes, hone their professional development skills, and expand their networks.
- Members of the New York chapter share how the young professionals network offered them a unique community to bond with like-minded, first-generation Indian-Americans.
- This young professionals’ nonprofit network hosts community-centric and fundraising events like galas and golf tournaments, as well as knowledge-focused panels to support AIF’s mission.
Over four years ago, when Prachi Makkar’s cousin suggested she attend one of AIF’s Young Professionals Program (YP) meetings in New York City, she didn’t hesitate to say yes. She was relatively new to the city and thought it would be a great way to meet people. As a first-generation Indian-American, she was also drawn to AIF’s mission of championing change for India’s most underserved populations. However, what she thought was just another Tuesday evening turned into so much more. In the young professionals network, Prachi, a Vice President at TPG who now serves as co-lead of the New York YP Board, has found purpose, community, professional gains, and deep friendship.
As the largest Indian-diaspora-led philanthropy focused on poverty alleviation in India, AIF’s mission has always been to empower India’s most vulnerable groups through multi-pronged interventions in education, public health, and livelihoods. Central to AIF’s work is strengthening the US-India corridor and nurturing the next generation of leaders who will be integral to driving sustainable, scalable change.
In keeping with that vision, AIF created the young professionals network over 15 years ago. Through its chapter-centric approach, with current chapters in the Bay Area, Chicago, and New York, the program serves as a space for social-impact-driven and globally minded leaders to bolster AIF’s mission, build a community, and enhance their professional skills and networks.
Through the years, this network of young professionals for social impact has routinely participated in ongoing peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, such as the annual Light a LAMP campaign to support migrant children’s continuing education. NY YP member Hrideja Shah shared her perspective on their efforts: “Seeing how our work directly supported education and public health initiatives in rural India was both humbling and inspiring. It reinforced the power of community and philanthropy, reminding me why we do what we do.”
Events Form the Backbone of the Young Professionals Program
As a young professionals’ nonprofit network, the YPs host numerous events, including mixers and galas, to support AIF’s programs. The annual galas are a particular highlight, with Prachi noting that people have mentioned to her, “Tell me when the gala is, I want to come to it,” months in advance to ensure they don’t miss a night that is always full of camaraderie, connection, and fun.
These events offer opportunities for community members to connect over a shared interest in social change, playing an instrumental role in one’s personal and professional fulfillment. As Prachi noted, “Living in New York, you get so caught up in the social scene. You’re going to dinners, you’re going out with your friends, you have work – you have so many different priorities. This gave me an outlet – to be part of a community that does something bigger while also meeting like-minded people.”
Besides community-focused evenings, the YP network also curates knowledge events that allow community members to delve deeper into pressing topics affecting the US-India corridor. The NY YPs recently co-hosted an event at the Consulate General of India in New York to discuss cross-border entrepreneurship and the immense opportunities awaiting young professionals and investors who engage with India. NY YP member Isha Joshi, who attended the event, remarked: “It was inspiring to witness the social impact being created through greater investment in the Indian market and amazing to meet so many trailblazers who are paving the path through their incredible work.” Past events have also included a chefs’ panel with Indian-American restaurants, including the teams behind Michelin-star restaurants SEMA, Dhamaka, and others.
Members of the Young Professionals Program Gain Both Community and Skills
The YP network offers a unique opportunity for professional development through network expansion and tangible experience in leadership, marketing, event management, community organizing, public speaking, fundraising, and more.
In the YPs, Prachi found not only her future roommates and some of her best friends but also a community of inspirational trailblazers. She shared her perspective on the benefits of this young professionals’ network: “YPs are the future. The network is extremely valuable and the people you meet are driven, passionate people in whatever industry they’re in – they’re excelling and crushing it. They are there because they also want to be part of a community. They want to do something bigger than themselves. They want to help out with whatever they can.”
Visit the Young Professionals Program page to learn more about joining a local chapter and being part of driving sustainable, scalable change.
