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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MAY 09, 2025 | The Indian Eye 24

IAPAC Hosts Inaugural “Conversation

Over Coffee” in Frisco, Texas

Frisco Community Engages in Candid Dialogue with City Council and School Board Candidates

OUR BUREAU highlighted IAPAC’s cornerstone ment and reconstruction are a neces- where it matters most.”
initiatives including the “Conversa- sity. We need infrastructure that ac-
Frisco, TX
tions Over Coffee”( COC@IAPAC) tually saves lives, not just looks good LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
n a landmark civic event, the In- series, Women’s Empowerment Fo- on paper.” When asked to define leader-
dian American Public Affairs rums ( WE@IAPAC), and the an- DIVERSITY & INCLUSION ship, Sangita Dutta stated, “Lead-
ICouncil (IAPAC) of North Texas nual Thanksgiving Reception, which Candidates stressed the need for ership is taking important decisions
hosted its first-ever “Conversation honors elected officials and cele- decision-making that reflects Frisco’s even if you stand alone—owning
Over Coffee” forum on Easter Sun- brates global cultures and religions. diverse population. Gopal Ponangi mistakes, learning, and growing from
day, April 20. More than 50 Frisco-ar- The forum was organized and noted, “45% of Frisco ISD is Asian— them.”
ea residents participated in the town led by IAPAC North Texas leaders yet we see very little representation In his closing remarks, Gitesh
hall-style gathering, engaging directly Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, Ashish Patel, on decision-making boards.” Other Desai expressed gratitude to all par-
with candidates for Frisco City Coun- and Gitesh Desai, all of whom em- candidates advocated for language ticipating candidates, community
cil and Frisco ISD Board of Trustees. phasized the importance of inclusive inclusion in school curricula and members, and local volunteers. He
Dr. Shehzad Batliwala, IAPAC civic participation in one of the fast- offered special thanks to Pradeep
Member-at-Large, and JD Digan- est-growing cities in Texas. greater support for small businesses. Patel, who generously sponsored the
vker, journalist with New India EDUCATION & EQUITY event by providing the venue at Hot
Abroad, served as moderators for Key Issues Discussed Included: School board candidates ad- Pizza in Frisco, Texas, along with Ira-
the forum. The event provided a dressed teacher retention, funding nian tea and refreshments for attend-
meaningful platform for open and gaps, and academic achievement. Dr. ees.
transparent dialogue between candi- GROWTH & INFRASTRUCTURE Amit Kalra emphasized the role of This inaugural event marks a
dates and community members. Candidates discussed how to culturally responsive education and key milestone as IAPAC expands its
The event opened with remarks manage Frisco’s rapid growth re- mental health support: “Test scores civic engagement programs across
from Dr. Roopa Gir, President of sponsibly. Jared Elias, candidate don’t always reflect intelligence. Eq- Texas. The organization encourages
IAPAC, who shared the organi- for City Council Place 4, remarked, uity includes emotional and cultural continued community involvement
zation’s mission to foster civic en- “The problem is man-made. We’ve factors too.” as Frisco navigates its next chapter of
gagement, promote transparency in overbuilt apartments and underbuilt Candidate Muni J urged a re- growth and leadership.
governance, and support leadership roads.” allocation of resources: “We must The Election Day is Saturday,
rooted in community service. She Sangita Dutta added, “Reinvest- stop overbuilding and start investing May 4.

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