What unique perspectives do immigrant leaders bring to building a more inclusive political landscape?

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is a trailblazing leader in American politics, known for her dedication to immigrant rights and progressive change. From her beginnings in India to her impactful role in Congress, Pramila’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to justice. This episode explores her pathway from community organizer to U.S. Congress, illuminating her influential role in building coalitions and inspiring a new generation of leaders.

In this episode, Pramila shares her invaluable insights on;

• (01:10) Immigrating to the U.S.
• (08:08) Founding OneAmerica
• (11:32) Why Congress
• (13:43) Importance of Representation in Politics
• (16:05) Segment covering the Indian American influence on US political parties with Karthick Ramakrishnan
• (20:22) Immigration Reform
• (22:45) Segment covering why it’s difficult to pass laws on immigration reform with Steve Yale-Loehr
• (30:25) Advice for those who want a career in advocating for equity and justice.

Desi Roots and Routes: Pathways to Success of Indians in America is brought to you by the Roundglass India Center at Seattle University. Join our host, Sital Kalantry, Professor of Law and Director of the Roundglass India Center as she delves into the incredible stories of Indian Americans exploring their roots in India and the routes they took to become inspiring leaders in America.

Subscribe to Desi Roots and Routes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. And stay up to date on our latest episodes and insights by visiting our website and following us on LinkedIn and YouTube!

And if you want more information on the Roundglass India Center, subscribe to our newsletter here! Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep building bridges and creating connections.

Additional Resources:

• Voter Registration and Information
• OneAmerica
• Roundglass India Center - Indian Americans and Politics with Karthick Ramakrishnan
• The Indian Express article: The long history of immigration in the U.S.
• Cornell White Paper: Immigration Reform: A Path Forward

What does it take for an immigrant woman to become a powerful voice for authenticity and mentorship in the U.S. legal system?

Pallavi Mehta Wahi is the Managing Partner at K&L Gates’ Seattle Office, representing one of the largest law firms in the United States. Her journey from India to becoming a leader in the legal field is marked by a deep commitment to mentoring, fostering inclusivity, and building authentic communities. Pallavi’s path highlights the importance of embracing identity while navigating challenges in the professional world.

In this episode, Pallavi shares her invaluable insights on:

• (01:26) Immigrating to Seattle
• (03:09) Finding Success at K&L Gates
• (08:37) Nalini Iyer’s Segment: Intersectionality in the Workplace
• (13:17) The importance of being authentic
• (17:35) Recognizing your own power
• (19:22) Building communities from the ground up
• (24:05) Creating a better world for the next generation

Desi Roots and Routes: Pathways to Success of Indians in America is brought to you by the Roundglass India Center at Seattle University. Join our host, Sital Kilantry, Professor of Law and Director of the Roundglass India Center as she delves into the incredible stories of Indian Americans exploring their roots in India and the routes they took to become inspiring leaders in America.

Subscribe to Desi Roots and Routes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. And stay up to date on our latest episodes and insights by visiting our website and following us on LinkedIn and YouTube!

And if you want more information on the Roundglass India Center, subscribe to our newsletter here! Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep building bridges and creating connections.

Additional Resources:

• K&L Gates
• Book - On Intersectionality: Essential Writings by Kimberlé Crenshaw
• South Asian Bar Association of Washington
• API Chaya
• SU News: University Designated as Minority Serving Institution

How does a hate incident spark a storyteller’s successful film career and inspire a lifelong commitment to confronting difficult experiences and shining a light on them?

Rita Meher is a filmmaker, activist, and co-founder of Tasveer, the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival. Her path from a small village in India to becoming a leader in the arts community of Seattle is one of resilience and purpose. Inspired by the challenges she faced as an Adivasi and the post-9/11 climate in America, Rita has dedicated her career to creating space for marginalized voices and becoming a trailblazer within the film community for social change and justice.

In this episode, Rita shares her invaluable insights on:

• (1:45) Growing up as an Adivasi
• (4:40) Nalini Iyer’s historical segment: how caste discrimination persists in the Indian diaspora
• (11:30) The effect of post 9/11 hate incidents in America
• (17:05) The role of film festivals and film markets
• (23:51) Growing to love Seattle
• (27:06) The importance of staying focused

Desi Roots and Routes: Pathways to Success of Indians in America is brought to you by the Roundglass India Center at Seattle University. Join our host, Sital Kilantry, Professor of Law and Director of the Roundglass India Center as she delves into the incredible stories of Indian Americans exploring their roots in India and the routes they took to become inspiring leaders in America.

Subscribe to Desi Roots and Routes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. And stay up to date on our latest episodes and insights by visiting our website and following us on LinkedIn and YouTube!

And if you want more information on the Roundglass India Center, subscribe to our newsletter here! Thanks for tuning in and remember to keep building bridges and creating connections.

Additional Resources:

• Tasveer Film Festival
• Tasveer Film Fund
• Tasveer Film Market
• Art Beat - Office of Arts & Culture
• Equality Labs
• Article: Suraj Yengde - Global Castes