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YIPNE gives New England diaspora a “home away from home”
Young Indian Professionals of New England founder Neeharika Munjal tells New India Abroad how the idea from a breakfast discussion grew to a forum of 3,000+ members.
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Neeharika Munjal, Founder of Young Indian Professionals of New England / Image-Supplied
After graduating from Boston University and entering the job market, Neeharika Munjal noticed a lack of resources devoted to fostering relationships among young Indian professionals in the region. To address the problem, Munjal started the Young Indian Professionals of New England (YIPNE) group in 2022.
In an interview with New India Abroad, group founder and organizer Munjal described the organization as a "collaborative platform to promote networking between young adult professionals who are of Indian origin in the New England area who are looking to diversify and build themselves as professionals and also to stay connected to their cultural roots and heritage."
Munjal had a couple of job offers before she graduated from one of Boston's top hospitals. Her first position was as an administrative assistant at the Harvard-affiliated Beth Deaconess Medical Center. She currently works at the Encompass Health Hospital of New England as an administrative supervisor.
However, Munjal wanted to broaden her social circle by connecting with other Indians so that she could maintain ties to her own cultural background. The idea for YIPNE originated in a conversation between Munjal and her mother over breakfast, she revealed.
A Facebook page was set up for YIPNE on that very day. “My main goal for the networking platform is to get inspired by other highly accomplished professionals, create a home away from home for other Indians, diversify mine and other networks, and lastly grow as a professional.”
At present, YIPNE's social media platforms have 3,500 combined users. The organization has assembled a board of advisors made up of prominent members of the Boston Indian community to help guide it toward its stated goals.
(Caption: An event organized by Young Indian Professionals of New England (Image-Supplied))
To stay connected to their Indian heritage and culture, YIPNE collaborates with cultural organizations in the New England area to celebrate Indian festivals and holidays such as Holi and Indian Independence Day. “We strive to create a home away from home because we understand that members might not be able to visit India so often and also many might have immigrated to America and feel somewhat lost in the western culture,” Munjal explained.
The founder wishes for YIPNE to establish a stronger network, reputation, and image in New England's Indian community. “On a larger scale, I would love to see Young Indian Professionals of New England expand nationwide so we can create a stronger South Asian Indian professional network in the United States.”
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