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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 29, 2025 | The Indian Eye 32

IAPAC Launches Inaugural “Conversation

Over Coffee” Focused on Juvenile Justice

Vaishali Dev, At-Large Member of the IAPAC Leadership Council from San Antonio, welcomes
the panelists. From left to right: Judge Shaw, Judge Sosa, Chief Probation Officer Jill Mata, Juvenile audience members engage in a thoughtful and candid dialogue with Judge Shaw and
and Lauren Leftin, moderator, criminal defense attorney, and former Associate Judge Judge Sosa on issues related to the justice system

OUR BUREAU
San Antonio, TX
n Sunday, July 27, the Indi-
an American Public Affairs
OCouncil (IAPAC), a 501(c)
(3) nonpartisan, secular organization,
hosted its inaugural San Antonio edi-
tion of Conversation Over Coffee, a
civic dialogue series designed to con-
nect public officials, legal experts, and
residents around critical social issues.
This first event centered on the juve-
nile justice system in Texas, drawing a
diverse and enthusiastic audience.
Vaishali Dev, member of
IAPAC’s Leadership Council, opened
the event with a warm and thoughtful
welcome, underscoring the impor-
tance of creating community spaces Some members of the audience pictured with the panelists following the discussion
for candid civic engagement.
Dr. Roopa Gir, President of cades of experience in juvenile justice. how juvenile advocacy became central panelists, moderator, attendees, and
IAPAC, provided a comprehensive Judge Shaw shared how his to her legal identity. “This work isn’t leadership. He offered special ap-
overview of the organization’s mission journey—from defense attorney to just procedural—it’s deeply person- preciation to Tulsi Fine Indian Cui-
and the driving philosophy behind the city council member to judge—has al,” she said. “Each case reflects a sine for their gracious hosting of the
series. “Conversation Over Coffee is in- shaped his understanding of justice child’s future, their family’s well-be- event at their San Antonio location,
tended to foster meaningful, unfiltered and empathy. “Many families can’t ing, and the fabric of society.” supporting IAPAC’s mission of open,
discussion with those shaping public afford to miss work for court. That A highlight of the event was inclusive dialogue.
policy,” she said. “We strive to ensure awareness changes how you view the presence of middle school, high IAPAC connects with the com-
that community voices—especially from scheduling, judgments, and support,” school, and college students, who par- munity via multiple engagement plat-
our youth—are heard and included.” he emphasized. ticipated actively in the Q&A session. forms: Conversation Over Coffee
The panel was expertly moder- Judge Sosa, whose tenure has fo- Their insightful engagement high- (COC@IAPAC), the Women Em-
ated by Judge Lauren Lepton, a San cused heavily on juvenile law, spoke lighted IAPAC’s focus on youth in- powerment Series (WE@IAPAC),
Antonio native with a robust legal ca- candidly about the emotional weight volvement through its YOU@IAPAC and youth-focused programming
reer spanning prosecution, defense, of each decision involving youth. initiative, which promotes civic devel- under Youth Outreach and Uplift-
and municipal service. Panelists in- “You see potential in some kids but opment, leadership, and internship ment (YOU@IAPAC). Each year
cluded Judge Cruz Shaw (436th Dis- must consider community safety. That opportunities for young people. concludes with Gratitude with Global
trict Court), Judge Rose Sosa (289th tension shapes every ruling.” The gathering concluded with Cultures and Religions, an intercul-
District Court), and long-serving pros- Jill Mata provided historical con- a heartfelt vote of thanks by Chirag tural reception honoring public ser-
ecutor Jill Mata, each bringing de- text, sharing her early aspirations and Soni, who expressed gratitude to the vants and elected representatives.

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