Committee Chair Andy Aujla said the goal was to create space for people in government and nonprofit fields who often lack opportunities to connect outside their own offices.
“This is an opportunity … to bring a lot of the South Asian attorneys together, but also people from any other type of background who want to learn about different careers in government, and different ways to help underserved communities,” Aujla said.
Aujla said representation across all levels of government and nonprofit work remains a priority for the committee.
“Oftentimes, when you come from a minority or less represented background, you see yourself as the only one at a table,” Aujla said, adding that events like the happy hour show “there are other people that look like us” who can reach senior levels of public service while also fostering peer support networks.
Shreya Tewari, a member of the committee, said the group’s mission is to unite South Asian attorneys working across government and nonprofit sectors.
“Our goal for the committee is really to bring together South Asian attorneys that work in the government, but also in the nonprofit space,” Tewari said.
Tewari said the committee also focuses on mentorship and mutual support.
“It’s important to help boost up other people in our community to enter this profession, to be able to break into these areas and work in the public sector,” Tewari said, adding that members aim to help connect one another with resources and opportunities as they advance in their careers.
Organizers said they hope to build on the turnout from Wednesday’s gathering with future events expanding the committee’s network within New York’s legal and public service communities.
The SABANY was founded in 1996 to help advance the needs, concerns and interests of lawyers of South Asian heritage. For more information, visit their website, sabany.org.
With reporting by Ramy Mahmoud
Committee Chair Andy Aujla said the goal was to create space for people in government and nonprofit fields who often lack opportunities to connect outside their own offices.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Shreya Tewari, a member of the committee, said the group’s mission is to unite South Asian attorneys working across government and nonprofit sectors.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Good food and networking was enjoyed at the SABANY happy hour.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
Organizers said they hope to build on the turnout from Wednesday’s gathering with future events expanding the committee’s network within New York’s legal and public service communities.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud 
“This is an opportunity … to bring a lot of the South Asian attorneys together, but also people from any other type of background who want to learn about different careers in government, and different ways to help underserved communities,” Aujla said.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud