Indian American Leaders to Explore Civic Engagement and Public Service at ATA Convention 

66

Baltimore, MD — As the United States commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary (America250), the American Telugu Association (ATA) will bring together an exceptional lineup of elected officials, policy experts, community leaders, and emerging changemakers for a series of thought-provoking discussions on civic engagement, political leadership, and public service.

Under the leadership of ATA President Jayanth Challa and Dr. Srilekha Reddy Palle, Chair of the ATA Political Committee and Chair of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, this inaugural Political Track reflects ATA’s commitment to strengthening civic participation and developing the next generation of Indian American leaders.

Taking place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at the Baltimore Convention Center, the Political Track will feature four panel discussions highlighting the growing role of Indian Americans in shaping the nation’s future. The sessions are designed to inspire attendees—from students and young professionals to seasoned community leaders—to become more engaged in public life, policymaking, and civic leadership.

Dr. Palle, a healthcare entrepreneur, community leader, and Chair of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board, conceptualized and organized the Political Track to bring together distinguished voices representing diverse political backgrounds, public service, advocacy, and leadership. She will also moderate two of the featured panel discussions.

America250: The Indian American Journey in Shaping the Nation

The opening session will examine how the Indian American community has evolved from a small immigrant population into one of the nation’s most influential communities in business, education, healthcare, technology, and public service.

Panelists include:

• Sunny Reddy, Co-Chair, Michigan Republican Party and Governor of Wayne State University
• Bangar Reddy, Texas Community Outreach Director 
• Sreedhar Nagireddi, Former Commissioner, Virginia State Census Commission 

The discussion will explore bipartisan perspectives on civic participation, public service, and the responsibility of Indian Americans as America enters its next 250 years. Moderated by Dr. Palle, the session will set the stage for conversations centered on leadership, unity, and civic responsibility.

Preparing the Next Generation of Public Servants

The second panel focuses on developing future leaders through civic education, internships, public policy, and community engagement.

Participants include:

• Sujit Koppula, Senior Advisor to Virginia Senator Kannan Srinivasan 
• Viswajith Mallampati, Political Media Planner at i360 
• Former Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani

Moderated by Lawrence Roberts, Director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, the discussion will examine practical pathways for young Indian Americans interested in careers in government, public policy, advocacy, and elected office.

Excellence in Political Lobbying: Building Influence, Shaping Policy

The third session will provide attendees with an inside look at how legislation is shaped and how advocacy organizations effectively engage policymakers.

Featured speakers include:

• Saat Alety, Partner, Federal Hall Policy Advisors 
• Former Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani

Moderated by Dr. Palle, the discussion will explore effective advocacy strategies, coalition building, legislative engagement, and how community organizations can successfully influence public policy while strengthening civic participation.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Activism and Civic Engagement

The final session highlights emerging young leaders who are already making meaningful contributions to public life.

Panelists include:

• Esha Nagireddi, Global Finance Analyst and University of Virginia Sorensen PLP Alumna
• Jacob Harber, Director, Fairfax County School Board 
• Aishani Srivastava, Political Strategist, Democratic Party of Virginia 

Moderated by Lawrence Roberts, the conversation will focus on youth leadership, grassroots activism, civic engagement, and encouraging the next generation to participate in public service regardless of political affiliation.

A Bipartisan Vision for Civic Leadership

One of the defining features of ATA’s Political Track is its commitment to fostering respectful dialogue across political perspectives. Republicans, Democrats, policy professionals, community advocates, and nonpartisan civic leaders will share the stage to discuss common goals of leadership, civic responsibility, and service.

Dr. Palle intentionally designed the Political Track to encourage collaboration across political viewpoints, demonstrating that civic engagement and public service transcend party affiliation. By bringing together experienced policymakers alongside emerging leaders, the program aims to inspire meaningful participation in democracy while strengthening the Indian American voice in public life.

As Indian Americans continue to play an increasingly prominent role in American society, these discussions provide an opportunity to reflect on the community’s contributions while encouraging future generations to help shape the nation’s next chapter.

Held during the historic America250 celebration, ATA’s Political Track underscores the growing influence of Indian Americans in civic life and reinforces the message that public service remains one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the American story.

Event Information

ATA 19th Conference & Youth Convention
Political Track

Saturday, August 1, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Room 342 – Baltimore Convention Center

• 2:00–2:40 PM: America250: The Indian American Journey in Shaping the Nation
• 2:40–3:20 PM: The Next Generation of Public Service 
• 3:30–4:10 PM: Excellence in Political Lobbying: Building Influence, Shaping Policy
• 4:15–5:00 PM: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Activism and Civic Engagement