Himanshu Pathak
President
I have moved to Iowa in 2008 and since then started engaging myself in community work here. Helping the community grow has always been my passion and that is how I got myself involved with IAAI. It all started with me participating in the Indian cultural and charity events and continued as I found pride and motivation in it. I have always believed in giving back to the community and have followed the path towards fulfilling it. IAAI gives me the platform to spread our rich Indian heritage and culture within Iowa as well as across the nation. My goal as the President of the board would be to strengthen our (IAAI) vision and expand our culture across the state and beyond by involving ourselves with other community groups and organizations.
Sumit Chawla
Vice-President
I am Sumit Chawla. I have been living in Iowa for seven years. I believe our society will be able to express our religion and culture even when far from our motherland and this believe is empowering me to support cultural events for Indian community in Iowa. I look forward to expressing our religion and culture in our families and IAAI has provided me the platform to accomplish my thoughts.
Manish Nathwani
Treasurer
I moved to Iowa in 2007 with my wife, Shriti and two daughters. Being an IAAI board member not only provides an opportunity to influence, give back and make a difference to our community through organization of cultural events, it also allows my family to maintain a deep connection to a unique heritage that continues to evolve without losing its identity.
– Manish
– Manish
Dhriti Chatterjee
Associate Secretary
I have been a resident of Iowa since 2007. Before that we lived in Minnesota. I was fortunate enough to organize the annual events for the Bengali Association and that experience gave me the confidence to take on the responsibilities of being a board member. Being on the board gives me an opportunity to give back to the community I am so proud of and help others get a glimpse of the different cultures which are a part of India thru the events organized by IAAI.
Prakash Kopparapu
Director
Promoting civic engagement and contribution to American society has been a key driver to continually serve the community past 25 years. Recognizing the importance of citizen diplomacy as a key contributor to US-India relations, as a Board member, it is my responsibility to facilitate the much needed goodwill in US-India socio-economic relations. Through promotion of rich Indian culture & heritage in Iowa, both Iowans and our young generation has a first hand opportunity to experience the Indian way of life.
Tarun Dhall
Director
Des Moines has been my home city since 2008. I believe that to volunteer is the best way to contribute to the society. IAAI provides that opportunity to showcase Indian culture and share the heritage with our kids and rest of the world. I am excited with this chance to be able to engage in organization of the events to celebrate and experience the festivities from
different parts of India.
different parts of India.
Ankush Bhatia
Director
My name is Ankush Bhatia and I moved to the Iowa in 2005. I volunteer at Waukee YMCA to teach Taekwondo, Meals from the Heartland, and several other organizations. Getting involved with IAAI gives me opportunity to promote Indian culture and give back to the community.
Nishant Kumar
Director
My name is Nishant Kumar and I have been calling Des Moines my home since 2005. I am very passionate about the community work, giving back to community and its enrichment. My passion to lead by an example completely aligns with the IAA mission. Being part of the IAA board it gives me a platform to promote, share and celebrate rich cultural heritage of my country India. This also helps my kids and their generation to stay connected with our roots. I am a firm believer of everyone should have an opportunity to learn and grown in the community. I am fortunate that IAA provides me that opportunity to nurture and preserve my cultural heritage through various cultural activities.