October 21, 2016 


Amber Jamil
APF Executive Director
What's Happening at APF: A Message from the Executive Director 

I am excited to share with our readers the stories of our community's resolve in support of APF's mission.  Across the U.S., Pakistani-American leaders are proving the critical role of the diaspora in strengthening ties between the two nations and advancing development efforts in Pakistan. 

Our talented youth leadership is building connectivity with the ease and speed of technology in new and innovative ways.  Thanks to young leaders, our community is registering to vote in record numbers to ensure everyone counts in November.  Regardless of political affiliation, civic engagement is a resounding celebration of one of the great exercises of our great democracy.

It has also been my pleasure to share APF's mission at community events throughout the country in the previous month.  Discussions with community leaders in APPNA, OPEN and others are uncovering newfound opportunities for collaboration in public, private and civic partnerships in the U.S. and Pakistan.  Some of these exciting community events are highlighted in the Community Connection section.  A growing sense of the potential of the diaspora and allies to collaborate through an inclusive, non-partisan and secular platform is building tremendous momentum.

It is especially exciting to witness the role of women in shaping APF's mission at multiple levels.  Women leaders, including BOD members Shazia and Vanessa, are driving critical thought leadership at the national level.  I draw your attention to Vanessa O'Brien, APF's recent BOD confirmation, in the leadership in Action series.  National and regional women leaders, across the US, in cities like Houston, San Jose, New York and Chicago, are building community capacity through partnership.

With Fall in the air and the November elections a few weeks away, it is a great time for us to demonstrate our collective contribution to building safe and prosperous communities everywhere.  I look forward to working with you in APF's commitment to a vibrant and engaged Pakistani-American diaspora.  
   Leadership in Action
 

Vanessa O'Brien
 
Vanessa was the Managing Director of a financial service consultancy focused on developing market entry strategies, building strategic alliances and purchasing credit portfolios until the global recession hit in 2009. The unfavorable business environment led her to re-evaluate her short-term goals while a chance encounter and twist of fate led her towards the goal of summiting Mt Everest - despite her never having walked in a pair of crampons, worn a harness...   Read More
   Strategic Partnerships
 
Naya Jeevan and Unilever
 
Video: Naya Jeevan & Unilever
On a trip from the United States to his native Pakistan, Dr. Asher Hasan bore witness to his family's maid undergoing a medical crisis when her husband, the primary breadwinner for the family, fell victim to a stroke.  The resulting financial crisis, including significant medical expenses, pushed her children out of school and into the workforce.  Remarking on how bright and capable her children were, Asher learned up close how birth and opportunity often go hand in hand.  
   Highlights from Pakistan
 
doctHERs
 
doctHERs is a digital, healthcare platform that connects female doctors ('doctHERs') to underserved patients in real-time while leveraging leading-edge technology. Through a unique business model and a telemedicine platform equipped with Core Diagnostic Instruments, doctHERs provides affordable, quality healthcare to a subset of the "missing middle" population in Pakistan. Out of this missing middle, 80% of doctHERs' clients include women and children, who otherwise would not be able to access quality, affordable healthcare.    Read More
   Membership in Action
 
Abiha Jafri, APF Correspondent


Zulfi Jafri's journey as an APF volunteer leader began at APF's inaugural gala in 2009.  Jafri's personal vision aligns with APF's mission to catalyze development in Pakistan.  He works with like-minded people to support the communities of the young nation.  As APF's Ambassador in NYC, Jafri focuses on creating connectivity within the APF community in support of APF's mission.   Born in Pakistan, Jafri came to the United States as a high school student as part of the American Field Service program and made the country his home.  He went onto complete a degree in accounting...  Read More
Community Connection
 
Join APF's #UnitedWeVOTE Social M edia Campaign

George Mason University Students, Courtesy of APF Team Member, Aleeza Ali

APF's #UnitedWeVOTE campaign reached over 20,000 with participation from student groups and community organizations across the nation.  We're in the final stretch before election day, November 8th and you can participate in the campaign to help reach even more people.  It's a quick and simple way to make an impact.

1. Take a photo with a sign:  tinyurl.com/votenov8

2. Email it to [email protected]

3. Post it across your social media pages with this caption:  "Register to vote on November 8th:  americanpakistan.org/vote  #Uni tedWeVOTE"

Select posts will be featured in APF's next newsletter and posted on APF's social media pages.  Please tag APF @AmericanPakistan on  Facebook
and  Instagram ,  and  @AmPakFdn on Twitter

PAKISTAN'S EMERGING ECONOMY

 
The American Pakistan Foundation in partnership with the Woodrow Wilson Center invites you to join a discussion to explore the underpinnings of Pakistan's emerging economy including regional interconnectivity projects, human capital, and strengthening democratic institutions paving the way for a business enabling environment.
 
November 9; 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston: 3303 Main Street, Houston
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Developments in Literacy (DIL) believes that every child in Pakistan, no matter how poor, deserves a quality education.  The DIL New York Annual Gala is one of the largest and most important fundraising events of the year for DIL schools. With the help of their generous donors, DIL U.S. raised $2.7 million in 2015, of which over $895,000 was raised at the DIL New York Gala. With 89 cents of every dollar raised going directly to their programs, contributions towards DIL allows them to:
  • Increase enrollment by 9 percent, surpassing 23,000 students.
  • Train 2,465 DIL and Non-DIL teachers and principals, affecting more than 60,000 students
  • Provide quality management of 124 DIL campuses.
  • Procure 14,968 library books, bringing the total to 110,968 books.
  • Integrate technology into education by introducing tablets with multi-level books for children.
Please join DIL's Annual Gala on Friday, October 28th, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. 

Learn more and purchase tickets: http://www.dil.org/event/dil-new-york-gala-2016/ 

APF Community Presentations

   
Amber Jamil in  Schaumburg, Illinois and Riaz Siddiqi in Houston, Texas

APF's Executive Director, Amber Jamil presented at The Pakistani-descent Physicians 
Society Grand Meeting in Schaumburg, Illinois.

APF's Board Chair, Riaz Siddiqi presented at the Citizen Foundation's Houston Gala and at the Houston International Fashion Festival.  He shared his personal commitment service via APF to help youth, especially girls and women have access to every opportunity that his granddaughter will.



Dr. Monira Hamid-Kundi, a volunteer leader in the APF Houston Chapter will represent the organization at the Social Forum of the APPNA Fall Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.  Dr. Hamid-Kundi is an active member of national and international medical societies including serving as the current Chair of International Medical Graduates Council at the Texas Medical Association, a Delegate of the Harris County Medical Society, and a Capitol Club member of TexPac. She continues to serve  on councils and committees at the TMA and HCMS. She is also a member of the Board  of Directors of Emerge USA, - a non-partisan political action organization that helps to improve  and increase the involvement of minority groups in mainstream politics.


K2 and the Invisible Footmen Film Screening and Development Discussion


American Pakistan Foundation, the Johns Hopkins Graduate Muslim Students Association, and YAPP: Young American Pakistani Professionals hosted a sold out film screening of K2 and the Invisible Footmen and a development discussion featuring Iqra Fund and Aga Khan Foundation moderated by APF's Executive Director Amber Jamil.  Silveth Khawaja moderated the event.




The American Pakistan Foundation served as a publicity partner for  Pakathon 's Hackathon's that took place last weekend in DC at General Assembly and Harvard University.  Teams collaborated on solutions for Pakistani social issues by formulating business plans.  Learn more at: pakathon.com



APF seeks interns for its Washington, DC Dupont Circle office and remote interns nationwide.  There are communications, correspondent, campaign management, student outreach, copywriting, research, and general office positions available.  Interns will receive direct training and instructions by APF staff.  Once trained, the interns will work as independent team members with guidance provided as needed.  The obligation is 10-15 hours per week.

While the positions are unpaid, this is an excellent opportunity to gain direct hands on substantial experience.  APF staff will complete paperwork for class credit and/or external funding if available.  Interns who complete their duties well will receive letters of recommendation.  While interns for the Washington, DC office are preferred, there are remote nationwide positions available.  Please share this opportunity with your friends.

To apply, please send your resume, a brief note of interest, and two writing samples for the communications, correspondent, and copywriter positions to [email protected] 

Only select applicants will be contacted for an interview.  Thank you.