FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        
October 22, 2020

New Jersey Young Democrats Announce The Establishment of South Asian Caucus
Join the NJYD South Asian Caucus For A Virtual Kickoff Headlined by Rupande Mehta

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Young Democrats (NJYD), driven by the core principles of diversity and inclusive representation, is pleased to announce the creation and establishment of the NJYD South Asian Caucus that will further organize, engage, mobilize, and advocate for young South Asian Democrats working to effect progressive change in the State of New Jersey.

“The New Jersey Young Democrats is proud to bring on a brand new caucus that will not only uplift young South Asian leaders but also, bring awareness to and address issues that impact the South Asian community. I am excited to witness the work of our newly-founded South Asian Caucus and leadership from our co-chairs,” said NJYD President Fatima Heyward. 

The NJYD Executive Board elected founding members Hira Shaikh, a public affairs practitioner in political and corporate campaigns with Kivvit and Intashan Chowdhury, Borough Administrator for the Borough of Prospect Park, NJ under the leadership of Mayor Mohamed Khairullah to serve as the NJYD South Asian Caucus co-chairs.

"Starting this caucus is incredibly important for young South Asians across New Jersey who will now have another avenue to become more politically involved as our community grows in the state,” Co-Chair Hira Shaikh stated. “A hallmark of the South Asian community is our interconnected and welcoming nature, and that is exactly the type of environment we want to cultivate through the South Asian Caucus of NJYD,” Shaikh added.

The NJYD South Asian Caucus will be hosting a virtual kickoff event and night of action that will feature Special Guest Rupande Mehta, Democratic Nominee for LD25 State Senate. The event will take place Tuesday, October 27, 2020 6PM EST – 7PM EST via Zoom Format. To RSVP, please click here.

"I am excited to partner up with the New Jersey Young Democrats' South Asian Caucus because I believe representation matters,” said Rupande Mehta, candidate for LD-25 State Senate. “Across the country, everyone is trying to elect firsts. New Jersey is the state with the third-highest South Asian population in this country. Yet, if elected this November, I will become the first South Asian woman elected to the New Jersey legislature ever. Our young South Asian community is the fastest-growing population in the state of New Jersey. It’s 2020, it’s about time we elect people that represent us,” Mehta added.

About New Jersey Young Democrats (NJYD)

The New Jersey Young Democrats (in conjunction with the NJDSC Youth Caucus) is the official youth arm of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. From ages 14-36, our members are making a difference at all levels of government. From grassroots activists to governmental staffers to elected officials the NJ Young Dems are working to effect progressive change in the great State of New Jersey.

For more information and to learn how to get involved, please visit www.njyoungdems.com or follow NJYD South Asian Caucus on Facebook and Instagram at @NJYDSouthAsians.

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