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2017 #NAPAUNITY Photo Challenge Champions

In the span of 2 weeks, over 60 active Instagram accounts collectively generated more than 1,000 posts consisting of photos, videos, and animated GIFs that champion #NAPAUNITY in action! NAPA thanks the following fraternity/sorority headquarters and local chapters for completing the “12 Days of NAPA Unity Photo Challenge” on social media: @aphig_uic • @betachi_iu • @betachitheta99 • @cornellakdphi • @dallasdkd • @deltaepsilonpsi • @deltakappadelta • @deltaphilambda • @deltaphiomega98 • @deltasigmaiota • @depsi_ai • @depsi_ak • @depsi_al • @depsi_alphadelta • @depsi_beta • @depsi_bing • @depsi_iota • @depsi_lambda • @depsi_upsilon • @depsitau •  @dkd_beta • @dkd_nyu • @dkd_umass • @dkd_unt • @dkdbaylor • @dkdtamu • @dkduic • @dpo_bing • @dpo_denton • @dpo_gamma • @dpo_lambda • @dpo_newark • @dpo_tau • @dpo_texastech • @dpo_ucf • @dpo_uconn • @dpo_umtc • @dpo.sigma • @dpoalpha • @dsialpha • @dsidelta • @gmuakdphi • @ind1994 • @kappaphigamma • @kpib_mizzou • @kpib_uic • @kusigmapsizeta • @lincolnlphie • @loyolalambdas • @ncsulphie • @niu_chisigs • @pdpsi_ucf • @pialphaphi1929 • @sigmasatuva • @syracuselambdas • @thejadetimes • @uconndphil • @unlsyz • @usf.pdpsi • @usf_akdphi • @usfkappas • @uvakdphi • @uwlambdas • @vtechakdphi • @wiakdphi_caa • @wichitasigmas • @wisconsinakdphi View this post on Instagram In the spirit of the holidays, NAPA invites everyone to participate 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, 2017 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! Swipe left to see last year's photo challenge champions! ? A post shared by NAPAHQ (@napahq) on Dec 12, 2017 at 12:16pm PST NAPA recommends following their Instagram feeds to see more NAPA unity in 2018!

Cindy Loata Appointed as Director of Communications

NAPA announces the appointment of Cindy Loata as its new Director of Communications. In this role, Loata will serve as the point-of-contact for media inquiries and provide training for NAPA member organizations on public relations and social media best practices. “As a passionate leader with over ten years of experience in sales, I enjoy building relationships and helping others grow both professionally and personally,” says Loata. “I have gained a deep appreciation and understanding with what individuals need to succeed. I have positively impacted those who I’ve connected and coached with and want to spend more time serving our community.” Loata is a Fall 2008 initiate of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority at Rutgers University. She contributes over a decade’s worth of experience in sales, business development, and customer service with brands such as Estee Lauder, Mac Cosmetics, and L’Oreal. Envisioning a collaborative year ahead for NAPA, Loata aims “to increase involvement with undergraduates and alumni to improve civic engagement within our communities. You can only accomplish so much when you do things alone, but when you have the support from a group of peers, the magnitude of making a difference is beyond measurable.” According to NAPA Chair Hannah Seoh, “We are excited to have Cindy join the team. She will be able to bridge her professional experience with her passion for improving fraternal experiences in the APIDA community, and NAPA is lucky to have her.” ### 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

2017 NAPA Standards of Excellence Award Recipients

For Immediate Release Atlanta, GA—The National APIDA Panhellenic Association hosted its inaugural Standards of Excellence Awards at the close of the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors Annual Meeting (AFAAM).“This marks an important milestone for NAPA and we are very proud to be able to recognize those who contribute to making our community better,” says NAPA Chair Hannah Seoh. Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at the 2016 AFAAM, NAPA has doubled in size in just a decade. What started as an alliance of nine chartering constituent organizations flourished to a coalition of 18 APIDA fraternities and sororities. Congratulations to the following award recipients! Individual Recognition Change Agent of the Year: Sagar Shah, Delta Epsilon Psi Professional of the Year: Victoria Lee, alpha Kappa Delta Phi Advisor of the Year: Huey Hsiao, Campus Advisor for Syracuse University Lambda Phi Epsilon NAPA Volunteer of the Year: Teri Chung, Kappa Phi Lambda Undergraduate of the Year: Aakash Trivedi, Delta Epsilon Psi Local Chapter Recognition Outstanding University Council: Multicultural Greek Council at University of Alabama at Birmingham Outstanding Philanthropic Programming: University of Florida alpha Kappa Delta Phi Outstanding Educational Programming: Syracuse University Lambda Phi Epsilon Outstanding Cultural Programming: Cornell University alpha Kappa Delta Phi National Recognition Alumni Initiative of the Year: alpha Kappa Delta Phi National Alumnae Association – aKDFit Virtual 5K Social Media Campaign of the Year: Delta Kappa Delta – #BubblesForOmran Collaboration of the Year: Delta Epsilon Psi & Delta Kappa Delta – National Convention The 2017 application cycle received 49 submissions reviewed by nine judges across a wide range of student affairs backgrounds. NAPA is grateful to have the support of volunteer reviewers that encompass a diverse range of student affairs perspectives. We thank them for their tireless service to the profession! #AFAAM #NAPAUNITY pic.twitter.com/mSJXX4AR3h — NAPA (@NAPAHQ) December 5, 2017 “It gives me immense pride to see the multitude of individuals who are dedicated to NAPA’s mission and am so impressed with all of their contributions, commitment, and innovation in serving our communities, says Delta Kappa Delta Sorority Past President Pujitha Kallakuri. “They truly deserve for their work to be acknowledged, and am excited to see how this will inspire more members.” “As a veteran student affairs professional, the talent, engagement, and dedication to living fraternal values shown by a number of the applications is impressive,” says Eastern Washington University Director for Budget and Administrative Services Samantha Armstrong Ash. “The world is a better place because these nominees are making a difference.” ### 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 Bryan Dosono NAPA Director of Membership membership@napa-online.org

NAPA Supports Anti-Hazing Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 13, 2017 Fraternal ‘Umbrella’ Organizations Unanimously Support New Anti-Hazing Legislation Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., and Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio Introduce the Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act WASHINGTON — Officials from the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC), National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association (NAPA), National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC), and Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA), issued the following statements today endorsing anti-hazing legislation introduced by Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., and Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio. The Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act would require colleges and universities to disclose information about hazing on campus in their annual crime reports. It would also require any college or university that accepts federal funding to provide hazing prevention education to all students. This united support for the REACH Act comes from all the fraternal “umbrella” organizations, which collectively represent more than 140 fraternities and sororities, as well as the association that provides development to professionals who work with fraternities and sororities. Statement from the National Panhellenic Conference “Students have long had access to accurate and timely information about security issues on campus, and they deserve the same transparency about incidents of hazing,” said Dani Weatherford, NPC Executive Director, on behalf of the organization’s Board of Directors. “No single piece of legislation can eradicate hazing on campus, but it can ensure that students, administrators and parents have access to the tools and information they need to hold organizations and campuses accountable. The battle against hazing is not a problem for fraternities alone, but a call-to-action for all campus-based organizations – including the sorority community. We stand with elected leaders, campus officials and students nationwide as committed partners in this fight.” Statement from the North-American Interfraternity Conference “Research shows hazing prevention is best accomplished through comprehensive measures, including proactive education, transparency and accountability around standards,” said NIC President and CEO Judson Horras. “The North-American Interfraternity Conference backs the REACH Act because it focuses on these critical strategies. NIC member fraternities stand united in providing positive, hazing-free, meaningful rites of passage that strengthen and develop young men.” Statement from the National Pan-Hellenic Council “The Council of Presidents of the National Pan-Hellenic Council commends the bipartisan leadership of Rep. Pat Meehan and Rep. Marcia Fudge and supports the objectives of the REACH Act,” said Dr. Paulette C. Walker, Chair of the NPHC Council of Presidents and National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  “The organizations of the NPHC are resolute in the commitment to nurture the ideals of sisterhood and fraternalism and uphold the dignity and self-respect of all persons seeking membership in the respective organizations,” said Jennifer Jones, NPHC President. “Hazing is antithetical to this commitment. NPHC organizations collaborate with universities regarding hazing concerns and believe that university-sponsored hazing education and annual reporting of hazing incidents will be important tools in a more comprehensive and proactive approach to combat hazing.” Statement from the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations “Many of our members—first- and second-gen students—are sent to college by parents unfamiliar with the traditions that occur at some universities. Our students look for places of belonging and trust that universities are doing their best to prevent harm to their students,” said NALFO President Maria Diaz. “Through our shared standards and membership requirement for each organization to have clear anti-hazing policies, NALFO strives to assure that each student is able to participate in our organizations’ traditions in a safe and supportive way. The REACH Act will arm our students and parents with access to information that will help them make an informed decision on what institution to entrust with their well-being.” Statement from the National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association “NAPA strictly opposes hazing and any activities that do not contribute to the positive development and welfare of potential new members and initiated members,” said NAPA’s Executive Board. “In solidarity with our fellow umbrella organizations, we believe the REACH Act will support our commitment to empowering our member organizations to operate with the safety and sustainability of their members as a top priority.” Statement from the National Multicultural Greek Council “The National Multicultural Greek Council organizations each dedicate substantial time and resources to improving the lives of individuals and bettering their communities,” said NMGC President Jen Rencher. “Accordingly, a membership intake process that utilizes and/or condones acts of hazing is contrary to the mission and purpose of the NMGC and its Member Organizations. As such, we support the REACH Act for providing transparency about hazing incidents and education on how to combat it for the campus community.” Statement from the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors “Hazing on college campuses is a complex problem and addressing it requires a multi-faceted approach,” said Lynda Wiley, Executive Director of AFA. “A combination of information, education and accountability is necessary to eliminate this behavior. Including hazing information in Clery reporting will help students and parents as they ask important questions related to joining a variety of organizations, including fraternities and sororities. AFA is committed to continual professional education for our members and would provide training around implementation of the REACH Act if it becomes law.” # # # 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 380,000 undergraduate members and more than 4.5 million alumnae. About the North-American Interfraternity Conference Founded in 1909, the NIC is the trade association that represents a diverse range of inter/national men’s fraternities, including historically black, multicultural and emerging organizations. NIC’s 66 member organizations boast more than 6,100 chapters located on more than 800 campuses in the United States and Canada, with approximately 380,000 undergraduate members and nearly 4.2 million alumni. About the National Pan-Hellenic Council NPHC is comprised of local councils drawn from the ranks of 1.5 million college and professional members of the nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities, namely: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.; and the Council of Presidents of these member organizations who come together on issues that promote the common purposes and general good for which these organizations exist. About the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations NALFO is the coalition of 16 Latina/o based sororities and fraternities in the United States. NALFO exists to unite and empower its Latino organizations and their communities through advocacy, cultural awareness and organizational development while fostering positive interfraternal relationships and collaborating on issues of mutual interest. About the National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association NAPA shares a commitment to fraternal unity and assisting our membership in advancing the fraternal experience. Formally organized in 2006, NAPA currently is comprised of 18 culturally-based member organizations. About the National Multicultural Greek Council NMGC is an umbrella council for a coalition of Multicultural Greek-Letter Organizations (MGLOs), established in 1998. The purpose of NMGC is to provide a forum that allows for the free exchange of ideas, programs and services between its constituent fraternities and sororities; to promote the awareness of multicultural diversity within collegiate institutions, their surrounding communities, and the greater community-at-large, and to support and promote the works of its member organizations. About the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Through programs, publications, networking opportunities and other resources, AFA represents the community of campus-based fraternity and sorority advisors and is the leading voice in aligning the fraternity/sorority and higher education experiences. ### Download statement as PDF.

Announcing 2017 NAPA Leadership

Tuesday, February 21, 2017 — The National Asian Pacific Islander American Panhellenic Association (NAPA) is excited to announce the appointment of its 2017 officers. “I am so thrilled to be working alongside this group of talented leaders that push me and NAPA to be the best it can be,” says Chair, Hannah Seoh. “With their tireless dedication and passion for advancing the fraternal movement, I’m confident that we will be able to achieve the goals we have set forth for this year.” Executive Board • Chair: Hannah Seoh, ΔΦΛ • Vice Chair: Vigor Lam, ΠΔΨ • Secretary: Teri Chung, ΚΦΛ • Treasurer: Alison Kao, ΔΦΛ • Consultant: Mary Peterson, ΑΦ, ΣΛΒ, ΣΛΓ Headquarters Staff • Director of Administration: Prashant Kher, ΒΧΘ • Director of Communications: Angela Ju, αΚΔΦ • Director of Membership: Bryan Dosono, ΛΦΕ • Director of Operations: Bilal Badruddin, ΔΕΨ • Director of Programs: Kristine Medina, ΔΦΛ At-Large Volunteers • Graphic Design Coordinator: Andrew Cristiani, ΛΦΕ • Higher Education Coordinator: Taylor Phoumivong, ΑΤΩ • LGBT Initiatives Coordinator: Toubee Yang, ΛΦΕ • Risk Management Coordinator: Brian Gee, ΠΑΦ The Executive Board oversees the long-term strategic planning for NAPA, whereas Headquarters Staff manage the day-to-day operations of the Association. At-large volunteers advance initiatives of key issue areas relevant to NAPA and the APIDA community. While the NAPA Leadership comprises mostly of returning officers, Kristine Medina joins NAPA leadership in her new role as Director of Programs. “As I transition from being a NAPA volunteer to a position on the association’s executive board, my goal is to create a space to enhance the synergy between its member organizations. Being a part of my sorority, Delta Phi Lambda, has always been about serving others, and I look forward to continue doing the same for our entire fraternal community.” Officers serving on the Executive Board express their commitment to continued service. “It has been more than a decade since NAPA’s founding, and I am excited to continue the work with our new and returning national volunteers. With each new year and board, I am excited to utilize our volunteers and their passion to further the mission of NAPA, while providing support to our member organizations,” says Vice Chair Vigor Lam. ### About NAPA The National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association shares a commitment to fraternal unity and assisting our membership in advancing the fraternal experience. Formally organized in 2006, NAPA currently comprises of 18 culturally-based member organizations. Contact Hannah Seoh, Chair National APIDA Panhellenic Association chair@napa-online.org https://napahq.org/

Mary Peterson Appointed Administrative Consultant

Boston, MA — NAPA is excited to announce the appointment of Mary Peterson as Administrative Consultant, a new position on the NAPA Executive Board and a milestone for the association as it embarks on a new stage of growth. In this role, Mary will provide guidance and administrative support to the NAPA Executive Board, support the planning of NAPA meetings, and interact with other national interfraternal umbrella councils and higher education associations on NAPA’s behalf. “Bringing Mary on board in an official capacity will allow us to provide better service to our member organizations,” said Hannah Seoh, NAPA Chair. “Mary’s support will also enable the Board to concentrate their efforts on thinking bigger and bolder to ultimately take NAPA to the next level.” Mary Peterson is one of a handful of individuals who was instrumental in the creation of NAPA in the mid-late 2000s. An experienced adviser to many fraternities and sororities across various councils, Mary has worked with several NAPA member organizations one-on-one and brings a wealth of expertise to NAPA’s Executive Board. “I am honored and humbled that NAPA has chosen me to aid them in their endeavors. NAPA organizations and its members are incredible organizations that are committed to making a difference in the lives of undergraduate students. I look forward to the great things we will accomplish.” The motion to add a new position to the Executive Board was presented at NAPA’s Annual Meeting last month in Boston. The addition of the new role, as well as the responsibilities for the Administrative Consultant, were voted and passed among NAPA’s 18 constituent organizations. According to NAPA Secretary Teri Chung, “With the newest addition to NAPA’s Executive Board, an Administrative Consultant will advance NAPA to new heights since its inception 10 years ago. This growth will foster collaboration and coalition-building between one another and with other organizations nationwide.” ### About NAPA The National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association shares a commitment to fraternal unity and assisting our membership in advancing the fraternal experience. Formally organized in 2006, NAPA currently comprises of 18 culturally-based member organizations. Contact Hannah Seoh, Chair National APIDA Panhellenic Association chair@napa-online.org https://napahq.org/

#NAPAUNITY Photo Challenge

In the span of 2 weeks, over 60 active accounts collectively generated more than 1,000 photos that champion #NAPAUNITY in action. Looking for a fun way to celebrate the holidays? Take part in our "12 Days of #NAPAUNITY" photo challenge! https://t.co/PyWNowtJ0j pic.twitter.com/eUYgG84uFX — NAPA (@NAPAHQ) December 12, 2016 NAPA thanks the following entities (headquarters, chapters, councils) for completing the “12 Days of NAPA Unity Photo Challenge” on social media: @akdphi_csusm • @alphaphigamma • @aphig_depaul • @aphig_lambdachapter • @arlington.akdphi • @betachitheta99 • @bing_depsi • @cornellakdphi • @cudphil • @dallasdkd • @deltaepsilonpsi • @deltakappadelta • @deltaphilambda • @deltaphiomega98 • @depsi_ae • @depsi_ai • @depsi_ak • @depsi_al • @depsi_alphadelta • @depsi_alphatheta • @depsi_kappa • @depsi_lambda • @depsi_theta • @depsitau • @dkd_beta • @dkdalpha • @dpo_gamma • @dpo_lambda • @dpo_phi • @dpo_tau • @dpo_xi • @dpu_lphie • @etasigsigrho • @gtmgc • @gtsigsigrho • @gwusigsigrho • @ind1994 • @kappaphigamma • @kpib_betachapter • @lambdaphiepsilon • @lucdphil • @lusigsigrho • @ncsulphie • @nevadakappas • @pialphaphi1929 • @rusigmasigmarho • @sdaphig • @sigmasigmarho • @sigmasigmarhopsu • @sigsigrho_erau • @sigsigrho_theta • @syracuselambdas • @syzxi • @texasdkd • @thejadetimes • @uabsigsigrho • @uncakdphi • @unccdphil • @usfkappas • @uvakdphi • @uwlambdas • @wichitachisigs In addition to photo uploads, organizations also shared video testimonies, animated GIFs, and curated memes that fit the daily theme of the photo challenge. NAPA recommends following their Instagram feeds to see more NAPA unity in 2017! [View the story “Celebrating #NAPAUNITY” on Storify]

NAPA Name Change Affirms Commitment to Desi Community

Boston, MA—The 2016 NAPA Annual Meeting convened leadership from its 18 constituent organizations to advance fraternal policies and practices. Upon a unanimous vote from all 18 organizations, NAPA has updated its name to the National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association. The term “Desi” references people of the Indian subcontinent or South Asia and their diaspora. While the NAPA acronym remains consistent, the acronym APIDA within N(A)PA reflects a cultural shift within higher education to acknowledge and recognize the Desi community within the larger racial categorizations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Nine out of 18, or half of the currently recognized NAPA organizations, were historically established as South Asian fraternities and sororities. Earlier this year, NAPA’s intentional appointment for a Project Lead on the Desi Workgroup sought to better understand the needs of historically South Asian fraternities and sororities. Bilal Badruddin, National President of Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Project Lead for the NAPA Desi Workgroup, commends the decision. “I am elated that NAPA, which serves as an empowering voice to APIDA fraternities and sororities, has agreed that the representation of South Asian organizations is important and has created a space for the Desi narrative.” Toubee Yang, a professional campus-based fraternity and sorority adviser states, “It’s a symbolic move for NAPA at this time to acknowledge and include the Desi community in its name. Representation matters and this will speak volumes for every student who is seeking the Desi-Greek experience. It matters to our students to see themselves as part of our organizations and institutions, and it should matter to us as well,” says Yang. According to NAPA Chair Hannah Seoh, “There is still much work to be done to educate others on the heterogeneity of the Asian diaspora, but including Desi in our name is a meaningful notion we can support to get these conversations started.” Originally conceived as the National Asian Greek Council in 2005, the umbrella council’s latest update to its name demonstrates that NAPA has always strived to be the best advocate for its members. ### About NAPA The National Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Panhellenic Association shares a commitment to fraternal unity and assisting our membership in advancing the fraternal experience. Formally organized in 2006, NAPA currently comprises of 18 culturally-based member organizations.

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