Impact Summit Showcases South Asian Leadership, Civic Engagement

By Fatema Baldiwala

WASHINGTON, DC – South Asian American leaders, organizers, and advocates from across the nation gathered here, for the Impact Summit & Gala and the first-ever South Asian Day on the Hill, hosted by Indian American Impact.

The event brought together more than 350 elected officials, community leaders, students, healthcare experts, and refugee advocates under the theme: ‘Desis Persist: Our Stories, Our Strength.’

The Summit opened on September 16 with panels on topics of cultural and civic relevance at the Marriott Hotel, followed on September 17 by a full day of advocacy on Capitol Hill, coinciding with National Citizenship and Constitution Day. Over 150 South Asian Americans from 24 national organizations met with lawmakers to discuss issues central to the community, including immigrant rights, combating hate and discrimination, advancing health equity, and strengthening democracy.

“South Asian Americans are the second-largest immigrant community in the U.S. and one of the fastest-growing electorates,” organizers said. “But numbers alone aren’t the story. The Summit and Hill Day show how South Asians are turning presence into power.”

A highlight of the Summit was the Congressional Panel, moderated by Simi Shah, founder of South Asian Trailblazers, featuring three South Asian members of Congress: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI), and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA).

Rep. Krishnamoorthi emphasized the stakes of elections, saying, “One election can radically change the nature of government and even how we think about our place in America.” He highlighted how ICE raids in his district were tearing families apart and linked these actions to broader threats facing immigrant communities nationwide.

Rep. Thanedar shared his own immigration journey—rejected four times for a student visa before finally making it to the U.S.—to illustrate the perseverance of South Asian Americans. “That same perseverance is needed to combat hate, push for immigration reform, and ensure civil political discourse,” he said.

Rep. Subramanyam addressed rising political violence and divisive rhetoric, urging the community to defend democratic institutions and public safety. “There are voices who don’t want us here. It’s on us to push back and show the power of a united, diverse community,” he said.

The panel concluded with a call to action. Shah reminded attendees that advocacy extends beyond Washington: “Even if you’re not on the Hill, there’s a role for you. Organize at home, register voters, keep building power long after this Summit.”

The broader summit featured plenaries, trainings, performances, and awards, highlighting South Asian voices across sectors—refugee leaders, healthcare professionals, student organizers, and business executives. From Capitol Hill meetings to cultural celebrations, the 2025 Impact Summit and Hill Day showcased a community shaping its own future.

As Rep. Krishnamoorthi said, “We need to highlight real stories of real people. That’s how we hold power accountable, and that’s how we preserve the American dream.”