Vivek Chhabra
CEO, 21iQLabs
Dynamic, result-driven senior executive with multidisciplinary technical and business experience in automotive, mobile wireless, industrial IoT, smart home, robotics, and hybrid cloud-based infrastructure end-to-end full stack solutions. Proven experience managing global cross-functional organizations, P/L, and operations to drive new areas of business growth in disruptive markets, with strategic C-level partnerships spanning 60+ countries. Served as U.S. country secretary for the Economic Council of India, a nonprofit forging cross-border alliances, and founded the 21iQInnovation entrepreneurship program for youth. Alumnus of IIT and NYU.
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Anuj Dixit
Attorney
Anuj Dixit is an attorney focused on civil rights, voting rights, and congressional investigations. His work centers on protecting democratic participation, advancing constitutional rights, and navigating complex matters involving government oversight and public accountability. He is deeply committed to strengthening democratic institutions and expanding access to justice through public-interest advocacy and pro bono service. Anuj brings to his work a strong dedication to civil rights, civic engagement, and the rule of law.
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Papia Gambelin
Managing Director, State & Local Government Affairs (Western Region), United Airlines
Papia Gambelin leads United Airlines’ government engagement across California and the broader western United States. The daughter of Indian immigrants, she was born and raised in South Carolina, moved to the Bay Area at age 16, and has spoken about her journey as a first-generation woman navigating cultural expectations to find her professional voice. She previously served as President of Platinum Advisors, LLC and as Director of Public Affairs at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, where she managed a team of 30 professionals engaging with over 300 communities. A recognized Exceptional Women Awardee, Papia is known for her active board service across the Bay Area, California, and the west coast, reflecting her commitment to serving diverse communities and building healthy, prosperous places to live and work. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from San José State University.
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Harini Krishnan
Elected DNC Member from California
Harini Krishnan is an elected DNC member from California, National Vice Chair of the DNC AAPI Caucus, and a nationally acclaimed Indian-American Democratic organizer working to advance the political engagement of AAPI, South Asian, and BIPOC communities nationwide. She is Co-Founder and Co-National Director of South Asians for America (SAFA), the largest national, grassroots, all-volunteer organization mobilizing the South Asian electorate nationwide, and a longtime delegate and former Co-Chair of the Finance Committee of the California Democratic Party.
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Keshav Kumar
Director, Lighthouse Public Affairs
Keshav Kumar lobbies on behalf of a diverse portfolio of clients spanning higher education, food and beverage, regulated professions, international affairs, and entertainment before the State Legislature, state agencies, and the Governor’s Office. Keshav co-founded the South Asian Capitol Community alongside Assemblymembers Kalra and Patel, growing it into a thriving network of more than 50 members that has become a cornerstone of South Asian representation and engagement in the California Capitol. He earned his B.A. in History from UC Santa Cruz and his J.D. from UC Davis School of Law, and is a member of the California State Bar.
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Priya Lakireddy
President, Merced City School District Board of Education
Priya Lakireddy is President of the Merced City School District Board of Education and a Staff Advisor to the UC Regents at UC Merced. Born in Hyderabad, India, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis while working in mortgage banking at Citi, and settled permanently in Merced with her family in 2009. A longtime advocate for students and educators, she was first elected to the school board in 2022 and now leads the district’s largest board with a focus on academic achievement, community engagement, and support for teachers and staff.
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Dr. Karthick Ramakrishnan
Founder & Director, AAPI Data
Dr. Karthick Ramakrishnan has served in leadership roles that span academia, government, public policy, and philanthropy. He has authored seven books and is a trusted expert on public opinion, voting behavior, and immigration policy. He is the founder and director of AAPI Data, a nationally recognized think tank based at the University of California, Berkeley. More information at karthick.com.
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Jigar Shah
Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal
Jigar Shah advises organizations on AI, digital technology strategy, and business performance improvement at Alvarez & Marsal, a consulting firm. He holds a master’s degree in Computer Science from UT Dallas and an MBA from UT Austin. Jigar also serves on the boards of the Gujarati Association of San Diego and the Last Journey Foundation of San Diego.
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