Profile: Network of Indian Professionals

 The Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP) is a professional, non-profit organization dedicated to the overall achievement and advancement of South Asian professionals. The primary focus of the organization is to foster a bond among South Asian professionals to unite and support each other locally, as well as to give back and contribute positively to the communities in which we live and work.

NetIP evolved in Chicago in 1990 initially as a small-scale forum for South Asian professionals to network with each other. Today, the organization has expanded to include over 3,000 members in 22 cities across United States and Canada. Our members consist of successful, highly talented, socially responsible and dynamic South Asian professionals all across North America.

NetIP has four pillars upon which it has built the organization. These four pillars address different aspects of the life of the typical South Asian professional to provide a much needed balance in our fast paced western society. These four pillars of Professional Development, Cultural Awareness, Community Service and Political Awareness are what depict the unique brand of NetIP. 

NetIP programming focuses specifically on the opportunities and challenges for our member base in these four pillar areas:

Professional Development - Professionals are most interested in learning about the different sectors of the economy and the opportunities for long and fulfilling careers in those fields. NetIP strives to educate our members through speakers, literature, email newsletters, and other activities to help South Asian professionals find the career to which they are best suited. NetIP also hosts networking events so that professionals have the opportunity to meet similar minded individuals who work in their respective companies and/or fields to leverage each other's strengths and knowledge.

Cultural Awareness - NetIP hosts events that are designed to raise awareness about South Asian culture. Our cultural awareness activities include book clubs highlighting South Asian authors, concerts featuring well-known and new artists from India and the US, as well as Diwali and Holi cultural shows and parties. We also support South Asian artists in each of our communities by organizing excursions for our members to attend museum exhibits/gallery displays, theatrical premieres, as well as fashion shows of  local designers.

Community Service - NetIP members use their time, resources and connections to help charities in their local community, as well as internationally across North America and India. NetIP chapters have hosted local events that include volunteering at soup kitchens, food banks, and community centers in order to give back to their local communities. NetIP members have also leveraged the resources of their companies, universities, and associations to raise money and awareness for community organizations in US, Canada and India.

Political Awareness - NetIP strives to educate its members about the political process in the United States, at the local, state, and federal level. NetIP facilitates forums where members can hear about current issues in the news from experts and discuss among themselves the relevant issues. NetIP also conducts meetings with elected officials to understand their efforts in assist the South Asian professional community. Many prominent South Asian politicians have recently also spoken at our local chapter events and annual conferences.

For more information on NetIP visit www.NetIP.org.