Statements of  Purpose from Candidates for  SABA-DC 2025 Board of Directors

Statements will be posted as they are received. 

President-Elect

Amal Rafiq

My name is Amal Rafiq, and I am running for President-Elect of SABA-DC. My involvement in the South Asian legal community has been a cornerstone of my professional journey, from my tenure as President of the South Asian Law Students Association to my roles as a board member for SABA-Philly and currently as Treasurer of SABA-DC. This experience has profoundly enriched my career, and I am eager to leverage it in service of our organization.

As President-Elect, I intend to enhance the strong relationships we have established and to expand our impact. My goals include increasing organizational efficiency, forging strategic partnerships with law firms and corporations throughout the DMV, and amplifying our programming on issues that resonate deeply with our community.

My years of service on the SABA-DC Board as Treasurer have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of our organization’s operations. Through various committees, I have been proud to contribute to significant initiatives, including the review and award of Racial Justice Grants, the empowerment of law students through our Public Interest Fellowship, and participating in our mentorship program both as a mentee and mentor. On the Women’s Committee, I played a key role in organizing panels and social events that foster connections among our members and support local South Asian-owned businesses. Additionally, my involvement with the Gala Committee has allowed me to contribute to a platform that showcases the excellence within our community.

As President-Elect, I will prioritize the following initiatives:

It is essential for SABA-DC to adapt to the evolving needs of our community. I am committed to strengthening our existing relationships and innovating our fundraising efforts to ensure sustainable support for our programming and annual Gala, all while maintaining the integrity of our organization.

I am eager to take on this new role to better serve the members of SABA-DC, our profession, and our community. If elected, I promise to dedicate myself to this service, actively listen to your needs, and work diligently to address them. Thank you for your consideration.

Anand Shah

I am running to be SABA-DC’s next President-Elect because I believe the experience and the vision to drive SABA-DC forward to the next level while maintaining the commitment to our mission and affinity among our members. It’s been an privilege to be on the Board for two years – this past year as your Vice President of Communications and previously as a General Director – and it would be an honor to continue to serve at the helm.

SABA-DC is at a critical junction. Despite our ranks growing and our members achieving professional success, we have so much more to offer in the way of expanding our outreach, offering timely and practical programming, mentoring the next generation, and serving the community within the DMV. As your President-Elect, I will partner with next year’s President and Board of Directors to lead a plan of action to strengthen SABA-DC’s impact.

During my tenure on the Board, I focused on fostering a collaborative environment where our members could thrive both professionally and personally. I spearheaded initiatives that enhanced our networking opportunities, provided valuable professional development resources, and strengthened our community outreach efforts. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of our members. One of the key initiatives I led was the revamping of the In-House Counsel Section. By introducing targeted professional development programs and creating more organic networking, we were able to increase participation and provide opportunities for outside counsel to interact.

Currently, as your Vice President of Communications, I have been responsible for enhancing our association's visibility and engagement. I have worked diligently to ensure that our communications are relevant and impactful. By leveraging various platforms, including our newsletter and social channels, I have helped to amplify our voice and highlight the achievements of our members. My goal has always been to create a more connected and informed community, and I am proud of the progress we have made together.

If voted President-Elect, I will continue to build on the strong foundation that our current and past Presidents and Boards have established. My vision for the future includes expanding our mentorship programs, increasing our advocacy efforts, taking a more strategic approach to fundraising, and fostering greater inclusivity within our association.

With over a decade of in-house, government, and law firm experience, I have seen how SABA-DC has evolved – from promoting professional growth to our Public Interest Fellowships, Racial Justice Grants, and mentorship program. My career has benefited immensely from SABA-DC’s support, mentors, and programming – something I wish to pay forward. I am confident that I have the skills, vision, and experience to deliver as your new President-Elect. Thank you for your consideration and I hope together we can take SABA-DC to greater heights.

Vice President of Membership

Yasaswi Raparla

Thank you for considering me for the SABA-DC 2025 VP of Membership. My goals for this position in 2025 would be to push for strategic membership growth, enhance member retention, and find new, decentralized opportunities for mentorship and networking.

Strategic Membership Growth: The DMV is home to a large number of legal and South Asian professionals, which should provide a strong and diverse membership base for the variety of programming and initiatives of SABA-DC. We need to find ways to reach our large community and actually onboard our colleagues as members. Through tailored outreach, we can continue to increase membership and overall engagement to set up our organization for success. 

Enhanced Member Retention: One of the difficulties for an organization like SABA-DC is retaining members in an inherently transient city like DC. We can already expect some turnover in the coming year, especially in the public sector. Through regular member check-ins and feedback opportunities, we can reduce our attrition rate, learn how we meet member needs, and ensure that our programs continue to deliver value.

Strengthened Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Working with the VP of Events, we can continue the strong mentorship program already in place, including providing specific opportunities to meet. Additionally, our organization can serve as a key communication gateway for members through formal communication mechanisms (e.g. interest committees) and more personal channels like group chats. 

Looking forward to a strong 2025 for SABA-DC. I have previously served as Secretary for SABA-NY and would like to continue supporting our colleagues and the South Asian Bar. Thank you for your consideration!

Vice President of Programming

Manasi Raveendran

Hi Fellow SABA-DC Members!

My name is Manasi Raveendran, and I am running for the VP of Programming position on the 2025 SABA-DC Board of Directors. Since moving to DC a few years ago, SABA-DC has been such an important part of my DC community. After serving as a General Director on the SABA-DC Board the past two years, I am thrilled to be considered for a position that would allow me to continue serving the DC-area South Asian legal community.

As part of my professional and personal life, I have placed importance on giving back to my community and making sure that we create a diverse attorney pipeline. In my role as General Director the past two years, I co-chaired the SABA-DC Public Interest Fellowship (PIF) program. Together, with my co-chair, we worked to review an unprecedented number of applications for the PIF program and awarded law students with funding to pursue public interest internships during their 1L and 2L summers. In addition to monetary support, we facilitated mentorship and networking opportunities for these students. I also co-chaired the Government Section. Together, with my co-chair, we worked to host substantive and networking events for the large group of government lawyers in the DMV area. Lastly, as General Director, I helped contribute to and plan events such as our Summer Kulfi Social, which attracted many new members to SABA-DC, as well as career-development related events, such as our “Ask for What You’re Worth (and Get It!)” Panel. My previous experiences on the Board, including helping run the PIF program, will serve me well as VP of Programming, which includes facilitating SABA-DC wide events and programming. 

If elected as VP of Programming, I would like to capitalize on my previous experiences within SABA-DC and my other professional connections and experiences to coordinate events that fall into two categories: events that are fun and culturally centered and events that focus on different interests of our membership, such as in-house lawyers, working as a lawyer abroad, government service, running a pro bono program, joining a non-profit board, and other professional development and community programming. I hope to be able to continue to give back to this important South Asian legal community as VP of Programming for SABA-DC.

Thank you for your consideration!

Thanks,

Manasi

Vice President of Communications

Steven Kappen

Dear SABA-DC,

SABA has been a constant in my experience in DC. We have an inclusive, vibrant community that constantly offers an opportunity to learn from incredible attorneys. I have been involved for several years, and I am excited to apply to be the Vice President of Communications.

I have experience in marketing, social media management, and digital design. I have run pages for membership organizations and small businesses. Currently, I help run social media for a local bar association, and those skills map directly to what I could do for SABA-DC. In my professional life, I am currently a staff attorney at a civil legal nonprofit in Baltimore. The nonprofit provides its services through pro bono attorneys, and an important part of my current role is managing a newsletter and communications strategy. I work routinely to design communications and marketing for attorneys in our program.

As your Vice President of Communications, I would like to build on a great communications network and emphasize how we can use messaging platforms in new ways. I want to focus more of our communications strategy on member stories, and the stories of the impact that SABA-DC has in the community. I also believe we can utilize our platforms more strategically, using some for professional networking touchpoints and others specifically for branding.

SABA-DC has been an incredible community to be involved in. I cherish the friendships and professional connections that I have received, and I hope to contribute as your Vice President of Communications. I appreciate your consideration.

Co-Vice Presidents of Gala

Secretary

Stevin George

My name is Stevin George, and I am seeking election to serve as Secretary. Currently, I am a technology transactions associate at King & Spalding LLP, where I focus on complex commercial negotiations involving technology, particularly artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The role of Secretary is straightforward but incredibly important due to the tasks involved, namely, keeping all non-financial records, undertaking correspondence in a professional manner, updating membership regarding upcoming events, and ensuring that the actions of the Board are properly memorialized. The skills and knowledge I have acquired over my legal career effectively demonstrate the qualities needed to excel as Secretary for SABA DC.

You should know this about me – I am a serial volunteer, the type of individual who raises their hand to see what they can do to make a difference. For example, I deferred law school to serve as a high school English teacher through Teach for America in rural Arkansas for two years. While there, I started afterschool enrichment clubs for my students, many of whom were reading several years behind grade level. I also put in countless hours every day after school for two years calling the parents or guardians of each of my students, which ensured that there was stakeholder support for student success at home. Several of my students, who started their ninth-grade year reading and writing at a middle school level, have broken barriers previously thought unimaginable (for example, entering medical school, graduating with honors from law school, interning with Microsoft).

Passion by itself, however, is not a sufficient condition for success. One must obsess regarding the myriad necessary details and processes. To achieve the results above, I built relationships with my high school’s administration and community members, maintained detailed records on specific areas where students needed additional support, and drafted weekly reports for stakeholders’ attention to track progress and learnings.

I have continued this focus on execution during my time as a member of SABA DC. For example, I developed an idea for programming on AI-related issues, which culminated in the February 2024 SABA DC event “From A(i) to Z: What In-House Counsel Need to Know Yesterday.” I drafted event materials, recommended speakers, and moderated the event, which was standing room only and one of the highlight SABA DC programming moments of this year. This event could not have occurred but for detailed focus on the hundred plus necessary items and regular status updates to the SABA DC Board, which I provided on a regular basis.

In the coming year, the following three things will be true. First, the weekly newsletter will go out by Monday morning. Second, SABA DC membership will be more regularly informed of cross-affinity group events (for example, the Diwali Celebration event). Third, the Secretary will provide the SABA DC Board recommendations regarding streamlining communication and improving organization efficiency.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Treasurer

Aditya Patel

My name is Aditya "Adi" Patel, and I am running for the position of Treasurer on the 2025 SABA-DC Board of Directors. Having served as Secretary on the Board this past year, I have gained valuable insight into SABA-DC's operations and am eager to continue serving our organization in this new capacity.

As an associate attorney at Clark Hill P.C., I focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate compliance, and taxation matters. My LL.M. in Taxation from NYU School of Law, combined with my experience handling complex financial matters for business clients, provides me with the analytical and organizational skills necessary to excel as Treasurer.

During my tenure as Secretary, I worked closely with the Board to ensure efficient operations and clear communication with our membership. This experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of SABA-DC's financial needs and organizational structure. As Treasurer, I will leverage this knowledge along with my professional expertise to:

My background in corporate law and taxation, combined with my previous Board experience, positions me well to serve as a careful steward of SABA-DC's finances while supporting our organization's continued growth and impact in the DMV area.

I am committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by previous Treasurers and working collaboratively with the Board to ensure SABA-DC's financial health and sustainability. I would be honored to serve our community in this role.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, 

Adi Patel

General Directors (9 positions available)

Sohil Khurana

My name is Sohil Khurana, and I am running for the position of General Director for the 2025 SABA-DC Board of Directors. Currently, I am an associate counsel in the United States Senate, where I focus on economic policy. Prior to my current role, I was a policy advisor at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, and before that, practiced law at Latham & Watkins LLP.

As a General Director on the SABA-DC board for the last two years, I have found SABA to be a welcoming and caring community, and have been excited with the progress we have made with several initiatives. For the last two years, I have been co-chair of the Public Interest Fellowship (PIF) program for law students. Our hard work resulted in a significant increase in the number of law student applications received as compared to that in years past. I was very excited to see the progress made with the PIF program over the last few years, and look forward to enhancing the program even more in the new year. Ultimately, during these past few years, I have found that our programming was both fun and informative for all types of members. I look forward to facilitating additional programming covering a wide array of topics of interest to the broader South Asian legal community.  

As a General Director, I would focus on enhancing the number of opportunities hosted and/or sponsored by SABA-DC. The last few years have demonstrated the benefits of virtual programming, particularly in broadening the scope of participants and experts involved in our events. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, I will plan to continue the balance of in-person and virtual programming so that SABA-DC members can continue to benefit from developing personal connections that are more easily developed in-person, while also taking advantage of the benefits afforded via virtual programming. Examples of programming I would like to further develop are the mentorship program, practice or industry group happy hours and other social activities, as well as partnership opportunities with similarly situated groups in the DMV area. 

Given these experiences and ideas, I believe that I can continue to contribute to the South Asian legal community in the DMV area. My goal will always be to gather member feedback to ensure that we are providing the best possible opportunities in an inclusive and effective manner. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Asha Bhatiani Scielzo, Esq.

Thank you for this opportunity to be considered for the SABA-DC 2025 Board of Directors.

My skills and experiences with membership development and retention will support SABA-DC’s mission. In my current professional position, I direct American University Washington College of Law’s (AUWCL’s) Health Law and Policy Program. I implement our program’s strategic goals to serve students, alumni, and the broader community.  I am also privileged to serve as the President (2024-2025) of the American Health Law Association (AHLA) (the nation’s largest, 501(c)(3) educational organization devoted to legal issues in the health care field with 12,000+ members). Through these experiences, I have gained insight into membership development strategy and best practices. Also, as the first AHLA President of South Asian descent, I hope to advance our community’s goals and spotlight our fantastic contributions to the health law bar.

My skills and experiences with developing meaningful and engaging events and programs will support SABA-DC’s mission.  In my day-to-day work at AUWCL, I organize national conferences and symposia, virtual speaker series, and panel events that bring together thought leaders to consider challenging and complex issues such as health inequity, digital health and AI, health care fraud and abuse, and the Covid pandemic.

SABA-DC is very active in offering terrific educational programming and networking opportunities. SABA members are seeking both substantive content and professional development, as well as activities that are light and fun. One of SABA’s greatest strengths is its strong sense of community and emphasis on inclusion. My experiences planning numerous events for AUWCL and AHLA with the mission of creating an inclusive community through educational and engaging programs will be valuable for SABA-DC.

My skills and experiences with mentoring and career development will support SABA-DC’s mission.  In transitioning to academia after 15 years of private practice, I have focused my energies on bringing health law practice to the classroom with an emphasis on practical applications. I lead the development of an innovative curriculum and robust career programming to ensure that students graduate practice-ready and connected to opportunities. I am deeply committed to mentoring law students and junior lawyers to support them in finding a path for career success. I especially enjoy my role as an advisor for AUWCL’s South Asian Law Students Association. My experiences with mentoring and career development at AUWCL and AHLA will be valuable for SABA-DC.

Anupma Sahay

Dear SABA-DC,

I, Anupma Sahay, currently serve as Vice President of Programming, IP Section Co-Chair, and on the Communications Committee for SABA-DC. I would be privileged to join the 2025 Board as a General Director.

This year, I planned a significant portion of our substantive programming. In particular, I planned the SABA-DC panels on Leadership in Community, Federal Government Careers, and U.S.-India Trade & Investment, and led execution of our AI panel. I also supported our sections and committees with their events. As a result of my organized efforts to target interested parties, our programming saw a sharp increase in registration to attend our events. I led our graphic development and social media communications this year as well to increase event engagement. I create our graphics to best highlight each individual event for our various sections and committees. Our graphics and my efforts for social media resulted in significant increases in engagement with our accounts. My efforts also directly affected expanding our mentorship program, applications for our public interest fellowship and racial justice grant programs, and interest in our annual gala, for which I led a well-received social media campaign to highlight our past galas and community.

As a patent attorney in the software and mechanical arts, I endeavor to be a diverse voice. My personal goals align with the mission of SABA to promote inclusion in the legal field and our larger community. Outside of SABA-DC, I represent the Reed Smith DC office as our AAPI affinity group liaison and plan internal events to foster community. My firm is a leader in diversity and inclusion and is a sponsor of SABA-DC. Outside of practice, I work with patent diversity pipeline organizations to increase diversity in the patent field. I also write arts and events features for the Washington City Paper’s City Lights section, through which I strive to platform local artists and venues to continue centering our community.

On the 2025 SABA-DC Board, I will propose diverse programming that is inclusive to all in our bar and further leadership training, collaboration, and mentorship opportunities, including connecting with practitioners in similar practice areas, discussing career goals, and partnering cross-chapter. I will continue to support substantive programming for the IP Section to build on our successful 2024 year and support the Board in other areas where needed. I would be excited to contribute these ideas and experiences as a 2025 SABA-DC Board member.

Aliya Manjee

My name is Aliya Manjee, and I am running for the position of General Director for the 2025 SABA-DC Board of Directors. I am currently a Director and General Counsel at Qorvis, and previously served as Counsel on the House Committee on Ways and Means, focusing on oversight.

Over the past year, serving as a General Director has deepened my appreciation for SABA’s mission and the sense of community we create. Continuing in this role would allow me to build on this experience and contribute in new, meaningful ways.

During this time, I organized events for the in-house counsel team, served on the endorsements committee, and assisted with gala preparations. I also had the rewarding experience of serving as a mentor, which allowed me to guide and support emerging professionals—a role I found deeply meaningful and hope to continue.

If re-elected, I aim to further expand programming for the in-house counsel team across the DMV, ensuring it remains relevant and timely. Additionally, I am committed to supporting membership growth, understanding member needs, and enhancing our event planning to create inclusive, impactful experiences for all.

The SABA community has been an invaluable support to me throughout my career in the DMV, and I am eager to give back through continued service.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Vishnu Tirumala

Hello! I’m Vishnu Tirumala, and I am seeking another term on SABA-DC’s Board of Directors. I currently serve as a Co-Vice President of Gala alongside Shaina Vinayek. This year we coordinated one of our largest galas to date. This involved a considerable amount of planning and logistics, and ultimately I was proud of the event we were able to throw - raising a near record amount for our fellowships and racial justice grants; celebrating our trailblazers; and securing dosas and a dhol player.

I now seek a General Director position to broaden how I can assist SABA-DC, particularly with a focus on outreach to build a durable network of South Asian professionals in the DMV. I would also be available to assist the new Vice Presidents of Gala as needed, and hope to once again co-chair our Junior Lawyers Network.

Over the past year, members have shared with me how much they appreciate that an organization like SABA-DC exists to facilitate connections and recognize talent. I hope to contribute to that effort by not only organizing informative discussions and networking opportunities, but also connecting us to the larger South Asian community in DC. I began some of that work this past year by including the DC South Asian Arts Council at our gala - an opportunity for us to elevate another community organization and to connect our members to interests beyond the law.

These are my goals for the upcoming year: (1) consistent casual networking events; (2) maintaining our steady pace of substantive panels with leading practitioners; and (3) expanding outreach to the larger South Asian community in DC. I would be honored to serve another term, and I hope to have your support in that effort.

Vishnu

Lavanya Hospeti

Dear SABA-DC community,

My name is Lavanya Hospeti, and I am running for the position of General Director for the 2025 SABA-DC Board of Directors. As a young lawyer, I have found the SABA-DC community to be welcoming, helpful, and inclusive due to the many networking and mentorship opportunities and I hope to continue to contribute to these programs as a General Director.

Currently, I am a legal advisor at Technical Resources International. I work with the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) Division of AIDS (DAIDS) Regulatory Support Center, on the drafting, negotiation, and tracking of clinical trial agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, and other research agreements between the federal government and biologic and drug product manufacturers. Prior to my current role as legal advisor, I worked full-time as a paralegal while attending and graduating with honors from the evening program at North Carolina Central University School of Law. Throughout my law school career, I took on additional responsibilities for the benefit of my peers, such as representing my class in the Student Bar Association (SBA).  As representative, I noticed that many of the law school’s networking and educational events were held during working hours, making it difficult for evening students to benefit. To help bring more opportunities for professional development to the evening program, I organized and hosted panels with local lawyers outside of working hours. I plan to bring my perspective as a former working student to inform future outreach and programming.

As a General Director, I plan to support membership outreach and programming to help create opportunities for networking, through virtual panels, and in-person social events, such as run clubs or happy hours. I am elated to have the opportunity to contribute to SABA-DC as a member of the Board of Directors. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, 

Lavanya Hospeti

Jomy J. Methipara

My name is Jomy J. Methipara, and I am running for a fourth term as General Director on the 2025 SABA-DC Board. Since 2016, I have been deeply impressed with SABA-DC’s programming and am committed to continuing its upward trajectory.

I grew up in the Chicagoland area and moved to the DC area to start my legal career nearly 15 years ago. My practice focuses on patent law but has expanded to encompass all areas of intellectual property, as well as an outside general counsel role covering healthcare, corporate, and securities law. I also have a personal dedication to supporting startups and small businesses.

In the coming year, I aim to strengthen connections within the South Asian community, identifying experts to deliver programming that enriches our members’ experiences. Over the past year, I co-chaired the IP Committee with Anupma Sahey, organizing an AI panel and a Section 337 ITC panel, among other events. Next year, I plan to host panels on the intersection of IP with M&A and with tax, and will continue seeking input from members to provide the programming and networking events they desire.

Mentoring has also been a core component of my contributions to SABA-DC. Through Seedspot, a DC-based accelerator, I’ve helped entrepreneurs grow their businesses across diverse industries. I have led panel discussions at Mount St. Mary’s, George Washington, Georgetown, and conferences like the ABA and NAPABA. Additionally, I’ve mentored young attorneys through SABA-DC and AIPLA, helping to guide their professional growth. These experiences enable me to further support SABA-DC’s mission by fostering relationships, mentoring, and providing development opportunities to the next generation of South Asian legal professionals.

Thank you for considering my candidacy for General Director of the 2025 SABA-DC Board. If re-elected, I will continue to engage with our members, enhance our programming, and work to strengthen our community. It has been an honor to serve on the 2024 Board, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute in 2025!