News

Announcing NAPA Speakers Bureau

During the 2018 Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, NAPA unveiled its Speakers Bureau to an audience of student affairs professionals. This is the first time NAPA has released such a list, and the hope is that University advisors and member organizations will be able to take advantage of it immediately. “We know that representation matters, so we’ve taken care to curate a list of dynamic speakers that we feel will be able to get messages across to students,” says NAPA Chair, Hannah Seoh. “Sometimes a message is just better received from someone of similar identity and background.” The inaugural set of speakers encompass backgrounds in higher education, fraternity and sorority advising, nonprofit management, and industry. A wide portfolio of talking points include student conduct, mental health, career transitions, restorative justice, women empowerment, healthy masculinity, alumni relations, LGBTQ awareness, decolonization, multiculturalism, and leadership assessment. “The NAPA Speakers Bureau exemplifies NAPA’s commitment to being a resource to Fraternity and Sorority Advisors,” says NAPA Vice Chair Bilal Badruddin. “The Speakers Bureau provides an opportunity for campuses to highlight the voices of NAPA-affiliated individuals while providing critical conversations for the entire fraternity and sorority community.” University officials may reach out and make arrangements with speakers individually on a campus by campus basis. Speakers are vetted by the NAPA Board and are selected for their longstanding advocacy for APIDA fraternities and sororities. “Having collective and unique stories that represent the Asian American fraternity and sorority experience is what NAPA strives to provide,” says NAPA Director of Research Vigor Lam. “I am so excited to provide speaking engagements to campuses that value the culturally-based fraternity and sorority experience, as well as values shared across the collegiate student experience.” A complete roster of speakers and their contact information is available on the NAPA website. ### About NAPA NAPA organizations set the gold standard for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) fraternities and sororities. In addition to meeting the association’s base standards, NAPA member organizations are exposed to resources and expertise to help them continually improve and be the best they can be. Universities, Greek Councils, and students want the best APIDA fraternities and sororities on campus and they can find them in NAPA. Contact Hannah Seoh, Chair National APIDA Panhellenic Association chair@napa-online.org Welcome to NAPA

2018 #NAPAUNITY Photo Challenge Champions

In the span of 3 weeks, 88 active Instagram accounts collectively generated more than 1,000 posts consisting of photos, videos, and animated GIFs that champion #NAPAUNITY in action! @akdphi • @akdphi_csusm • @alumni.unccpaphi • @aphig_uic • @aphig_umn • @betachitheta99 • @betachithetauf • @ccny_ind • @deltaepsilonpsi • @deltaphilambda • @deltaphiomega.denton • @deltaphiomega98 • @deltasigmaiota • @depsi_ae • @depsi_ai • @depsi_ak • @depsi_al • @depsi_alphadelta • @depsi_alphatheta • @depsi_beta • @depsi_bing • @depsi_iota • @depsi_upsilon • @depsi_xi • @depsitau • @dkd_umass • @dkd_unt • @dkdtamu • @dpo_bing • @dpo_lambda • @dpo_tau • @dpo_ucf • @dpo_uconn • @drexelsigmas • @ecu_ind • @epsilonalphasigmainc • @ind_adelphiu • @ind_georgemason • @ind_newark • @ind_nyc • @ind_nyit • @ind_philly • @ind_sbu • @ind_sju • @ind_theta • @ind_umd • @ind1994 • @kappaphigamma • @kphig_nu • @kphigpi • @kphigrho • @lambdaphiepsilon • @lambdapsirho • @lincolnlambdas • @madisondphil • @ncsulphie • @niu_chisigs • @nyu_ind • @pdpsi.ucf • @phisyz • @ritlambdas • @rutgersind • @sigmabetarho • @sigmapsizeta • @sigsigrho_theta • @syracuselambdas • @texasdkd • @uab_dpo • @uconndphil • @uconnkpl • @uconnlambdas • @uconnpdpsi • @uicakdphi • @umcpsigmas • @umnpdpsi • @umnsyz • @unccdphil • @unlsyz • @usf_akdphi • @usf_depsi • @usf.pdpsi • @usfkappas • @uvakdphi • @uvasigmas • @wichitachisigs • @wichitasigmas • @wisconsinakdphi • @wisconsinlphie In the spirit of the holidays, NAPA invites everyone to share in its annual "12 Days of #NAPAUNITY" Photo Challenge! Starting today, tag #NAPAUNITY in photos with other fraternity and sorority members. Those who complete the entire photo challenge by Dec… https://t.co/w9G4mugAq2 pic.twitter.com/hWo8tvJcjY — NAPA (@NAPAHQ) December 10, 2018

12 Days of #NAPAUNITY 2018

In the spirit of the holidays, NAPA invites everyone to share in its annual “12 Days of #NAPAUNITY” Photo Challenge! Starting today, tag #NAPAUNITY in photos with other fraternity and sorority members. Those who complete the entire photo challenge by December 30, 2018 will receive a social media shoutout from @NAPAHQ! Submissions from chapter and organization accounts are encouraged! Membership in a NAPA organization is not required to participate. Please repost and retweet to share the word! ?? Previous “12 Days of #NAPAUNITY” Participants: 2017 Photo Challenge Champions 2016 Photo Challenge Champions

2018 NAPA Standards of Excellence Award Recipients

Indianapolis, IN—The National APIDA Panhellenic Association hosted its annual Standards of Excellence Awards at the close of the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors Annual Meeting (AFAAM). “Our organizations and members work hard all year and this is our way of recognizing and acknowledging all of their accomplishments in front of their peers and advisors,” says NAPA Chair Hannah Seoh. “In our second year of presenting the awards we have seen an uptick in the number of applicants and we hope to see even more next year.” 2018 Award Recipients Individual Recognition Advisor of the Year: Michael Wiseman, Office of Fraternities and Sororities at University of Massachusetts Amherst Change Agent of the Year: Sagar Kaushik, Delta Epsilon Psi Professional of the Year: Amy Duong Kim, alpha Kappa Delta Phi Undergraduate of the Year: Anooshe Khan, Delta Kappa Delta Volunteer of the Year: Bryan Dosono, Lambda Phi Epsilon Local Chapter Recognition Outstanding Cultural Programming: Binghamton University Delta Phi Omega Outstanding Educational Programming: Cornell University alpha Kappa Delta Phi Outstanding Philanthropic Programming: University of Houston alpha Kappa Delta Phi Outstanding Recruitment Programming: University of Pennsylvania alpha Kappa Delta Phi Outstanding University Council: University of Illinois at Chicago’s Greeks of the Pan-Asian American Council (GPAAC) National Recognition Alumni Initiative of the Year: The Alpha Alpha Chapter of Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Incorporated at University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Alumnae Angel Fund Foundation of the Year: Delta Phi Lambda Foundation Publication of the Year: Delta Epsilon Psi Banquet Booklet, Vicennial Edition Social Media Campaign of the Year: University of Iowa alpha Kappa Delta Phi – @UIThroughMyEyes Collaboration of the Year: Be The Change 2018 “It’s inspiring to see the great work our organizations are doing, and how they continue to change the impact on individual campuses as well as nationally. NAPA continues to push our organizations to do better and innovate in ways that our organizations could not do alone,” says Delta Kappa Delta Sorority National Advisor Nandini Pillai. “These national recognition awards truly show how our organizations are making a large-scale impact and prospering as a whole.” 2018 Award Judges The 2018 application cycle received 73 submissions reviewed by 12 judges across a mix of student affairs, fraternity/sorority headquarters, and corporate professional backgrounds. Individual Recognition Award Judges Michelle Gee, Alumnae, Clemson Delta Phi Lambda Sorority Rula Othman, National President & Founder, Epsilon Alpha Sigma National Sorority Jaleesa Reed, National President, Delta Phi Lambda National Sorority Michelle Lebrias, Vice President, alpha Kappa Delta Phi National Alumnae Association Local Recognition Award Judges Aurusa Kabani, Enforcement Extern, National Collegiate Athletics Association Bilal Badruddin, Vice Chair-Elect, NAPA Executive Board Ruchir Dixit, External Vice President, Delta Epsilon Psi National Fraternity Victoria Yeow, Treasurer, alpha Kappa Delta Phi International Sorority National Recognition Award Judges Tanya Arditi, Public Relations Coordinator, National Multicultural Greek Council Evan Ditty, Assistant Director for Training and Development, Fraternity and Sorority Life at The Pennsylvania State University Nandini Pillai, National Advisor, Delta Kappa Delta National Sorority Tracy Wang, National Vice President of Records, Delta Phi Lambda Sorority “On behalf of the National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC), it’s a privilege to be able to read about the wonderful contributions and powerful impact that the NAPA organizations are making and having on their members, and in their campus and communities,” says NMGC Public Relations Coordinator Tanya Arditi. Celebrating Interfraternal Unity This year also marked the 20th anniversary of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO). Officers from NAPA attended their Awards Reception to commend the special milestone of the umbrella council. “As an interfraternal partner, we wish them continued success and look forward to continuing to partner and support their organizations and members,” says NAPA Vice Chair Vigor Lam. A social exchange with alumni from NALFO and NMGC took place shortly after the NAPA awards reception. “It’s truly affirming when three trade associations for culturally-based Greek-letter organizations get together,” says NAPA Vice Chair-Elect Bilal Badruddin. “The fellowship builds on the networks developed throughout the conference.” ### Photos from the NAPA Standards of Excellence Awards are available on NAPA’s Facebook page. ### About NAPA NAPA organizations set the gold standard for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) fraternities and sororities. In addition to meeting the association’s base standards, NAPA member organizations are exposed to resources and expertise to help them continually improve and be the best they can be. Universities, Greek Councils, and students want the best APIDA fraternities and sororities on campus and they can find them in NAPA. Contact Hannah Seoh, Chair National APIDA Panhellenic Association chair@napa-online.org Welcome to NAPA

Badruddin and Kallakuri Elected to NAPA Board

NAPA announces the election results of Bilal Badruddin as its new Vice Chair-Elect and Pujitha Kallakuri as its new Treasurer-Elect. The NAPA Executive Board now comprises half of its leadership from members from South Asian fraternal organizations, signifying increased representation from NAPA’s growing Desi American community. Badruddin is a summer 2008 initiate of Delta Epsilon Psi at Temple University. “My goals for NAPA, are that we empower our member organizations to act, and that we set the standard for fraternal trade-associations,” says Badruddin. “I believe that this goal can be achieved by meeting the expectations of our organizations, and then being proactive about how we support member organizations in the future.” In addition to his pursuing his doctoral studies in higher education leadership and policy, he currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at Howard University. Kallakuri is a Fall 2009 initiate of Delta Kappa Delta at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “I have had the privilege of seeing all of the organizations under the umbrella grow in tandem with NAPA over the last several years, and believe we are in an optimal position to take the mission and vision of NAPA to new heights by increasing visibility in the fraternal community through engagement and communication, both within and outside of our member organizations, and setting and achieving goals more assertively,” says Kallakuri . “A vital contributor to these goals will be NAPA’s financial health and investments. I understand that the allocation of resources is extremely important to our organizations, and want to make sure that not only are we in good financial standing, but that we are also using our resources to invest in our member organizations growth appropriately.” She currently works as the Regional Therapies Program Manager of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. According to NAPA Chair Hannah Seoh, “It is always exciting to see new leadership emerge, especially when our Directors move into Executive Board roles. I know that Bilal and Pujitha will bring their perspectives to further NAPA’s mission, and I’m looking forward to working with them in the next year.” Both Badruddin and Kallakuri have previously served as the National President of their respective fraternity and sorority. Their newest term on the NAPA Executive Board begins at the conclusion of the NAPA Annual Meeting, scheduled on December 1st, 2018 at Indianapolis, Indiana. ### About NAPA NAPA organizations set the gold standard for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) fraternities and sororities. In addition to meeting the association’s base standards, NAPA member organizations are exposed to resources and expertise to help them continually improve and be the best they can be. Universities, Greek Councils, and students want the best APIDA fraternities and sororities on campus and they can find them in NAPA. Contact Hannah Seoh, Chair National APIDA Panhellenic Association chair@napa-online.org Welcome to NAPA

Apply for 2018 NAPA Standards of Excellence Awards

? NAPA organizations set the gold standard for APIDA fraternities and sororities. To continue fostering a spirit of excellence and growth, NAPA recognizes individuals, councils, and organizations who continue to advance NAPA’s mission and vision in its annual Standards of Excellence Awards Ceremony. ?Nominators may submit a maximum of 5 nominations per award category. Nominations should be based on achievements that occurred within one year leading up to the submission deadline. Submission deadline: October 15th at 11:59 pm EST. Find more information about each award category, visit https://www.napahq.org/programs/#award-categories. Loading…

2018 Elections for Vice Chair, Treasurer

The NAPA Board announces the 2018 elections for Vice Chair and Treasurer open. All applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for candidacy: Must be a member of a current NAPA member organization. Must be an alumna/alumnus in good standing, preferably a member who is 4 years post graduation. Responsibilities The Vice Chair closely with the Executive Board on strategic planning of NAPA and the advancement of the AAGLO fraternal movement. A successful Vice Chair will maintain strong communications with the Past Chair, Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Staff Directors, our membership organizations, and other stakeholders. Duties and Responsibilities Sets the strategic direction of NAPA with Executive Board Presides over NAPA Board meetings if Chair is unable to attend meeting Sets the strategic direction of NAPA with Executive Board Spearhead leadership pipeline Lead Presidents Academy Review expansion applications with board and provide feedback Keep organized, detailed records of all projects and documents Develop initiatives as needed Maintain relationships with higher education associations/community (ad-hoc) Oversees AAGLO Research Initiatives (ad-hoc) Required Skills 3+ years in the NAPA affiliated organization Alumni status in member organization Prior NAPA board appointment and service Preferred Skills 4+ years of volunteer board experience on National Board and/or related nonprofit and community organization The Treasurer works closely with the Executive Board on strategic planning of NAPA and the advancement of the AAGLO fraternal movement. The Treasurer maintains the NAPA budget, maintains non-profit status, and provides development opportunities for NAPA. A successful Treasurer will maintain strong communications with the Past Chair, Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Staff Directors, our membership organizations, and other stakeholders. Duties and Responsibilities Sets the strategic direction of NAPA with Executive Board Oversee and manage NAPA finances Develop and release a (bi)annual internal and public annual report Work closely with Board develop an annual budget for the association Help maintain 501(c)4 status and appropriate documents Work closely with Chair develop an annual budget for the association Develop and work with NAPA staff to release a (bi)annual internal and public annual report Keep organized, detailed records of all finance documents, projects, and documents Develop initiatives as needed Required Skills 3+ years in the NAPA affiliated organization Alumni status in member organization Experience in accounting and/or finance Preferred Skills 4+ years of volunteer board experience on National Board and/or related nonprofit and community organization Professional experience in banking, finance, accounting CPA credential Required Meetings Monthly NAPA remote conference calls with member organizations Monthly NAPA Board remote conference calls Attendance at two NAPA Board Meetings (April and October) Attendance at Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) Annual Meeting in December Application Materials Submit applications via email to elections@napa-online.org. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, August 31st Completion of the Online Application: https://goo.gl/forms/JUMajsoBlpfQWThv2 Resume or Curriculum Vitae (academic, work, and involvement history) Professional Headshot The elected officers will begin their two-year terms in October. Both positions are volunteer positions with expected 10-15 hours of service per month. Candidates are expected to attend and participate in a Q&A session that will be held during NAPA’s conference call on Sunday, Sept. 9. More information will follow after the application period.

Multicultural Greeks Featured in INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine

The March 2018 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine is now available online. The article “Multicultural Fraternities, Sororities Offer Communities of Support for Students Traditionally Excluded from Greek Life”, featuring NAPA, is on page 36. For those already familiar with their cultural background or who come from communities where everyone shares their ethnicity, these types of Greek organizations can “provide a safe space where [they] are free to be themselves and celebrate their culture and heritage,” says Vigor Lam, vice chair of the National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association (NAPA). NAPA’s fraternities and sororities encompass a wide range of ethnicities and interests-from Delta Kappa Delta, an Asian-interest service sorority, to Delta Sigma Iota, a fraternity for South Asian men who seek to live by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. While each organization has its own unique membership focus and values, they all share the common goal to advocate for the inclusion, representation, and rights of Asian Americans on college campuses and in the broader community.

Interfraternal Organizations Unite to Challenge TN Rep. John DeBerry’s Misguided Legislation

NASHVILLE—Officials from the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), National APIDA Panhellenic Association (NAPA), National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC), North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), and Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA), issue the following statements in response to legislation introduced in the Tennessee House of Representatives by Rep. John Deberry (D) that would ban fraternal organizations from state colleges and universities. Joint Statement from Represented Interfraternal Organizations “One million undergraduate students and 10 million alumni have found great value through their fraternities and sororities—including tens of thousands of students at Tennessee universities, which provide opportunities for personal growth, foster local hands-on service and philanthropic contributions, and build communities of support for young men and women. While colleges and universities are facing critical challenges, fraternities and sororities are actively partnering with campuses to implement measures to enhance health and safety, and we invite true collaboration and dialogue with public officials as we focus on solutions. Representative DeBerry’s legislation would sever the partnership between Tennessee colleges and universities and the fraternities and sororities on their campuses. It is a misguided approach that has not only failed to garner a Senate companion, but won’t solve deeply-rooted campus culture issues and would likely make them worse. Together, as interfraternal organizations, we call on Rep. DeBerry to withdraw his bill, which if implemented, would have a chilling effect on a student’s basic constitutional rights of freedom of expression and association.” ____ Dani Weatherford, Executive Director of the National Panhellenic Conference “From leading programs to combat sexual violence to volunteering as mentors to empower future female leaders, sorority women are consistently among the most active members of our campus communities. They’re committed students at the forefront of some of the most pressing challenges facing women today. This disappointing and short-sighted piece of legislation not only attacks basic student rights, but turns a blind eye to the contributions made by more than 10,000 sorority women on 16 campuses and by thousands of sorority alumnae in countless communities across the Volunteer State.”  Francisco Lugo, President of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations “Our organizations provide a powerful experience for underrepresented students on campuses. Allowing this legislation to move forward would greatly impact the ability for state schools to continue to provide a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment on their campuses.” Vigor Lam, Vice Chair of the National APIDA Panhellenic Association “NAPA believes in the mission and values of our association and the fraternal experience. With the past 2016 House bill proposing to divert UT’s diversity funding, our organizations are more important than ever to advocate for and to be a strong voice for the Asian American identity and issues, as well as the fraternity and sorority experience.”  Victoria Valdez, President of the National Multicultural Greek Council “Multicultural fraternities and sororities like those in the National Multicultural Greek Council are integral to the lives of the students who find safety and community in their organizations, particularly those who face the daily trauma of existing as students of color or other underrepresented communities. We stand firmly against hazing, but believe banning Greek-letter organizations and their activities will hurt those students, who are committed to the promotion of multiculturalism, scholarship, leadership, diversity, and advocating for justice on their campus and in their communities. It would also push hazing and other dangerous behaviors underground, potentially harming those it seeks to protect.” Judson Horras, President & CEO of the North-American Interfraternity Conference “The way to bring out the best in young men is to utilize brotherhood to mentor, inspire, and hold them accountable to shared standards—not to limit their basic constitutional rights. Fraternities acknowledge the challenges in college communities and remain committed to working with our trusted higher education partners in Tennessee to improve campus culture.” Lynda Wiley, Executive Director of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors “Prohibiting public universities from recognizing fraternities and sororities does a huge disservice to the overwhelming number of students that have a positive membership experience. Doing so does not solve systemic problems of alcohol abuse, sexual assault or hazing that occur within the college community or broader society. On the contrary, strong university recognition, which includes employing trained professionals that work with fraternities and sororities, is key in educating students and preventing problems from occurring in the first place.” # # # About the National Panhellenic Conference NPC is the umbrella organization specifically charged with advocating on behalf of the sorority experience. It is comprised of 26 national and international sororities that are autonomous social organizations. Collectively, NPC sororities are located on more than 670 campuses with approximately 418,000 undergraduate members and nearly 5 million alumnae. About the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations The National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, Inc., (NALFO) is an “umbrella” coalition established in 1998 to promote and foster positive interfraternal relations, communication, and development of all Latino fraternal organizations through mutual respect, leadership, honesty, professionalism and education. About the National APIDA Panhellenic Association NAPA organizations set the gold standard for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) fraternities and sororities. In addition to meeting the association’s base standards, NAPA member organizations are exposed to resources and expertise to help them continually improve and be the best they can be. Universities, Greek Councils, and students want the best APIDA fraternities and sororities on campus and they can find them in NAPA. About the National Multicultural Greek Council The National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC) is an umbrella council for a coalition of Multicultural Greek-Letter Organizations (MGLOs). Established in 1998, the NMGC’s mission is to promote multiculturalism by advocating for justice and equity, cultivating interfraternal relationships, and empowering its member organizations. About the North-American Interfraternity Conference The NIC is the trade association that represents a diverse range of inter/national men’s fraternities. NIC’s 66 member organizations boast more than 6,100 chapters located on more than 800 campuses, with 385,000 undergraduate members and 4.2 million alumni. About the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Through programs, publications, networking opportunities and other resources, AFA represents the community of headquarters and campus-based fraternity and sorority advisors and is the leading voice in aligning the fraternity/sorority and higher education experiences.

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