May is Asian Heritage month and we are excited to partake in this annual celebration thatacknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada.

NetIP Toronto is proud to offer four exciting events to help you learn, engage and celebrate Canadians of Asian heritage including:

• IROCK to Help End Global Poverty: Lunch and Music Party
• World Partnership Walk
• Launch of NetIP Toronto’s Young CEO Series with Vinay Chopra, Founder of Mobiroo
• Women in Leadership, Politics and Advocacy Panel Event

As many of you are aware, NetIP Toronto launched our Charity is Colourblind community service initiative with the goal to take a stand against global poverty and help provide education for poor children in Asia and Africa. This month our members have another opportunity to support the World Partnership Walk with the IROCK: Help End Global Poverty Lunch and Music Party. Join NetIP Toronto on Sunday May 6th, 2012 at Singar Banquet Hall at12:00pm in Brampton as we experience a live concert by musical talent Sajid Ali Khan. Bring out your entire family for a fun afternoon of great food, music and entertainment. See below for more information.

If you are looking for a more intimate event with leadership and networking, then join NetIP Toronto on Wednesday May 23, 2012 at 6:30pm at Network Orange – ING Direct Centre as we launch our Young CEO Series with Vinay Chopra, founder of Mobiroo.

Mobiroo is a Toronto-based company and global market leader in mobile application gift cards. Mobiroo created an app platform for top paid Android™ and BlackBerry® apps to be used as gift-with-purchase incentive for major telecom providers, to differentiate their offerings and increase sales.as a gift-with-purchase incentive for major telecom providers, to help differentiate their offering and sell more handsets. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn about Vinay’s journey of taking a seed idea and nurturing it to fruition. Space is limited – so get your tickets in advance and avoid disappointment. Limited advanced tickets available for $10 for NetIP Toronto, Multiplicity, student associations, and $15 for non-members. See details below.

With spring in full bloom, put on your walking shoes and join us on Sunday May 27th, 2012 as NetIP Toronto participates in the 2012 World Partnership Walk!The World Partnership Walk is Canada’s largest annual event dedicated to raising funds and awareness to fight global poverty. Organized by volunteers in ten cities across Canada, last year’s Walk raised more than $7 million. We believe that ending global poverty is possible – through small efforts by many individuals like you. Join us at Metro Hall at 11:00-4:00pm as the NetIP Toronto team walks to end global poverty. Our target for this year is to raise $10,000.00. With your support, we are confident that this can be easily achieved! You can create your own Personal Fundraising Page and reach out to your family, friends and colleagues to spread the word. Simply go tohttp://fundraise.worldpartnershipwalk.com/goto/netip-toronto. The walk is a FREE event and will be followed by lots of great entertainment and food. Looking forward to having you as part of our team – together we can make a difference!

For those who enjoyed last month’s Social Media Panel, then you do not want to miss this month’s exclusive panel event. Join NetIP Toronto on Thursday May 31st, 2012 at 6:30pm as we host our first Women in Leadership, Politics and Advocacy Panel Event. Hear their stories, learn from their leadership style and engage in an inspirational discussion on how they elevated themselves beyond the glass ceiling.

Our esteemed panel includes the following:

• Councillor Karen Stintz (TTC, Chair)
• Natasha Fatah (CBC Journalist and advocate)
• Alejandra Bravo (Maytree, Schools4Civics program)
• Deepika Damerla (MPP Mississauga East-Cooksville)
• Gillian H. Smith (Executive Director and CEO of Institute for Canadian Citizenship)

Limited advanced tickets available for $10 for NetIP Toronto and $15 for non-members. See below for details.Venue details to follow shortly.

Lastly, we would like to wish the best of luck to Mallika Das, Professional Development lead, as she has decided to step down from our Board and to focus on her career. Mallika has help leadseveral successful events including our first Negotiations event in March. We are sad to seeMallika depart but wish her lots of luck in her future endeavours. We are delighted to have Aleem Visram shift into the role of Professional Development lead. Aleem has been an integral team player in many of NetIP Toronto’s events including our financial seminar, social networking and social media events – I am confident that Aleem will do a fabulous job in this new role. In addition, I would also like to welcome our new Finance lead, Raj Krishnan to our Board. Raj joins us with a wealth of knowledge and we are happy to have Raj on the team!

As always, NetIP Toronto is keen to hear your feedback and event ideas. If you have any ideas and/or suggestions on events that you would like to see come out of NetIP Toronto, please send us an email at info@netip-toronto.org

Neeti Passi,

President, NetIP Toronto

Spring is in the air and NetIP Toronto is ready to help put a little “spring” in your step. So come out of hibernation, leave the blanket on the couch and immerse yourself into something new!

This month we have six dynamic events to offer you including three collaborative events with exclusive offers for NetIP Toronto members:

• World Partnership Walk Charity Fundraiser
• Gaurav and Amar present High Fashion – NetIP Toronto Member Value Event
• MyBindi presents InDance’s Nine and Quicksand – NetIP Toronto Member Value Event
• MyBindi presents Anosh Irani’s My Granny the Goldfish – NetIP Toronto Member Value Event
• Taking Social Media to the Next Level: A Leadership Panel
• Charity is Colourblind Launch Party

Help NetIP Toronto as we take a stand against global poverty. Join us on Tuesday April 3rd, 2012 at 6:30pm at Network Orange – ING Direct Centre as we host a World Partnership Walk Fundraising Party to raise awareness and funds for the World Partnership Walk to help provide education for poor children in Asia and Africa. Come out for a fun networking event in support of a great cause.The party will feature DJ Arif (www.djarif.com) spinning the best in R&B, hip hop, house, old skool and bhangra. Non-alcoholic refreshments, and samosas, courtesy of Sultan of Samosas, will be served (along with a cash bar). Advance tickets are available – NetIP Toronto members $5.00 ($10.00 at the door) and non-NetIP Toronto members $10.00 ($15.00 at the door).See details below.

Looking to whisk away for an evening in Paris, then join NetIP Toronto as we transport ourselves to Gaurav and Amar’s HIGH FASHION: AN EVENING IN PARIS on Thursday April 5th, 2012 at The Fifth Social Club. This year’s theme is inspired by the HIGH FASHION city of PARIS. Join Toronto’s Fashion savvy and trendy crowd to kick off the Easter Long weekend with amazing music and dancing till the early hours of the next day. NetIP Toronto members will get exclusive access to one of the best parties in town – NO COVER before 11:30pm.See below for more details.

If you prefer watching others dance, then join NetIP Toronto as we support MyBindi.com and Toronto’s acclaimed contemporary dance company inDANCE as they present a double bill of two original journeys into a vivid labyrinth of intense human encounters. Choreographed by Hari Krishnan, Nine and Quicksand will be presented at the Fleck Dance Theatre as part of Harbourfront’s NextSteps series. Join us on Thursday April 12, 2012 at 8:00pm as NetIP Toronto members will have access to a discounted rate of $20.00/tickets or $75.00 for a group of 4 tickets. For more information, see below.

Some say laughter is medicine for the soul – so why not feed your soul with Anosh Irani’s My Granny the Goldfish, the hilarious, irreverent and warm-hearted comedy set in Vancouver and Bombay about three generations of a family, is a great opportunity to laugh out loud! The play joyfully deals with issues of life and death, racism and intolerance as well as, ultimately, forgiveness and acceptance. Join NetIP Toronto as support MyBindi.com in this incredible evening of food, fun and laughter on Friday, April 13th 2012 at The 5th Element restaurant for dinner followed by the performance at the Factory Theatre. NetIP Toronto members received an exclusive dinner and show night for just $45! Or, just see the show for $30! See below for more details.

For those who are looking to hone in on their social media skills, join NetIP Toronto and Multiplicity as we present Taking Social Media to the Next Level: A Leadership Panel on Monday April 16th, 2012 at 6:30pm at Network Orange – ING Direct Centre. Learn about how social media is shaping the way business is conducted in 2012. Panellists include:

• Rahim Fazal, Co-Founder and Chairman of Involver
• Adam Nanjee, Head of Social Network Partnerships, Global Alliances and Strategic Business Development, Research in Motion (RIM)
• Saif Ajani, Founder of Visibli
• Aleem Visram, Social Media Marketing Instructor at Schulich School of Business, York University

Limited advanced tickets available for $10 for NetIP Toronto, Multiplicity and Schulich Marketing Association Members and $15 for non-members. See below for details.

Lastly, join us on Friday April 20th, 2012 at Network Orange – ING Direct Centre for a fun-filled evening as NetIP Toronto launches its Charity is Colourblind Initiative. We have joined all NetIP chapters across North America in a joint mission to support and fundraise for charities supporting education locally, nationally and internationally. Join us as we launch our charities and help us start a movement for change. More details to follow shortly.

NetIP Toronto continues to work for it members to ensure that we are bringing to you exclusive NetIP Toronto Member Value Events from a variety of facets. We believe our members deserve the best deals possible. Don’t miss out on these amazing opportunities! Join NetIP Toronto today and receive exclusive access and discounted rates (many time FREE) to our events! Annual membership is only $30.00 or register as a couple and receive annual membership for the both of you for $50.00. Please visit http://na.netip.org/members/join and become a member today!!!

As always, NetIP Toronto is keen to hear your feedback and event ideas. If you have any ideas and/or suggestions on events that you would like to see come out of NetIP Toronto, please send us an email at info@netip-toronto.org

Neeti Passi,

President, NetIP Toronto

Where: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

100 Princes Blvd., Toronto

When: March 6 3:30pm-7:30pm
Second Harvest is looking for volunteers to help collect food from interested vendors to be distributed to people in need.
This opportunity is ideal for someone who has an interest in food rescue and is willing to do hands on work.

Requirements – minimum of 18 years of age, able to lift at least 30 lbs. Volunteers will be on their feet for the whole shift.

If you would like to sign up volunteers for this opportunity, please provide your name, phone number and email address by end of day this Friday. You can send your information to Gurjit Dhillon at gurjit@netip-toronto.org

There are only 5 spots left!

“Even though our name does have the word “Indian” we always market our events to all South Asians and ensure to bring in leaders from all parts of the world. We recognize that being South Asian is beyond having an Indian background and we strive to celebrate everything South Asian, regardless of origin.” “In my opinion through my experience in the corporate world, I think most organizations in the GTA are ensuring that their organizations are representative of the diversity that this province has to offer.” Born and raised in Brampton, Neeti Passi, the current President of NetIP—Network of Indian Professionals, Toronto, symbolizes the modern South-Asian Canadian woman—confident of her stride and enthusiastic to reach out. Talking to Generation Next, Neeti remembers how growing up in a South Asian family meant focusing on academics and picking a professional career. She was lucky though as she recalls, “I had an older brother who had already gone through many of the similar experiences I was facing, thus making it easier for me to find my east-west fit.”

A Health Informatics Leader for Saint Elizabeth, Neeti joined NetIP Toronto in January 2011 as a member and the National Liaison co-lead. The idea was to get connected with other likeminded South Asian professionals while also giving back to the community. But doesn’t she feel the organization’s name needs to be changed to make it more representative of South Asians, rather than just Indians? Neeti responds, “Even though our name does have the word “Indian” we always market our events to all South Asians and ensure to bring in leaders from all parts of the world. We recognize that being South Asian is beyond having an Indian background and we strive to celebrate everything South Asian, regardless of origin.”

As President of the organization, Neeti aspires to make NetIP Toronto a name to reckon among South Asian professionals. She shares with pride the progress the organization has made within two years of its existence in Toronto. “We are starting to see a lot of new faces are each of our events, which empirically tells us that we are reaching out to more people.”

When asked what challenges NetIP Toronto faces, the new president says it relates to constantly ensuring that the activities provided by the organization are commensurate with membership needs. To this end, feedback is regularly sought from both members and non-members. Neeti also says, “NetIP Toronto wants to set itself apart from other professional networking organizations, therefore, it’s always a challenge to be one step ahead and offering interesting and intriguing events for our members.”

And what are her challenges as a South Asian Canadian? “One of my biggest challenges,” she says, “is to be seen as an individual and not falling into the stereotypes. It’s wonderful to see that the times are changing and young South Asian professionals are branching into a multitude of professional careers. Moreover, historically, South Asian women have had to struggle to maintain a career while supporting a family, but I think times are now changing.”

Neeti also feels it isn’t difficult for young South Asian women to start a family in Canada, as long as both partners have a common family goal. Given this scenario, would she prefer being a stay-at-home-mom? “I would love to stay at home with the children when they are young, but I don’t think I would stay home forever. I enjoy applying my professional skills and contributing to a household. Even if I couldn’t go back to work, I could see myself being more involved in not-for-profit/volunteering activities,” she says.

South Asian women like Neeti have made their mark across many fields. This can sometimes be intimidating to male members of the community, still conditioned by stereotypical images of women. Neeti feels this has a lot to do with the type of role models such men grew up with. “If they had a mom that was working, then I don’t think it is such an intimidation factor if a South Asian female is successful in her career; however, if they have never been exposed then it’s more of a fear of the unknown than intimidation,” she says.

Generation Next wants to know Neeti’s views on multiculturalism in Canada, given a measly four percent of visible minorities being represented at corporate leadership levels. According to Neeti, Canada’s multiculturalism is thriving and represents the world’s diversity. The challenge with ensuring that the same diversity is reflected effectively at a corporate leadership level “is the responsibility of organizations,” feels Neeti and adds, “In my opinion through my experience in the corporate world, I think most organizations in the GTA are ensuring that their organizations are representative of the diversity that this province has to offer.”

This young leader believes there are enough opportunities available to the youth in Canada. Her wise counsel is for individuals to understand which opportunities will bring one happiness and success, based on one’s core values and desires.

The NetIP Toronto team is pleased to welcome everyone into a new and exciting year. Last month NetIP Toronto went out with a bang with our annual Holiday Party (see pics  – http://www.netip-toronto.org/index.php?option=com_expose&Itemid=8). Thank-you to everyone who attended and supported our efforts to collect food and funds for the Daily Bread Food Bank – we are always humbled by the generosity of our community and sponsors.

We were ecstatic to see the number of new faces at our last event and hope that we can continue to see you all at our upcoming events. As a member of NetIP Toronto, you will receive exclusive access and discounted rates (many times FREE) to our events! Annual membership is only $30.00 or register as a couple and receive annual membership for the both of you for $50.00. Please visit http://na.netip.org/members/join and become a member today!!!

With the holiday season under our belts and with credit card statements in the mail, January is an excellent month to understand how we can make our money work for us. Join NetIP Toronto as we present our Success Investing event on Tuesday January 24^th, 2012at 6:00pmat the ING Direct Networking Orange. We are pleased to have Tim Prescott, VP Fidelity Investments, Patrick Graham, National Manager of Franklin Templeton Investments and our very own Aleem Visram, Co-Owner of Multi Insurance Retirement & Financial Planning come speak to us on how to successfully invest in a period of economic downturn and develop a plan to meet your current and future financial goals. The event is FREE for NetIP Toronto members and only $5.00 for non-members. Space is limited so please register early to avoid disappointment. For more information please see below. http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5hr9oun853aef8a&llr=bs9jmieab

Lastly, it is with great sadness that I announce that our Finance lead, Zamreen Ebrahim, is stepping down from the NetIP Toronto board to pursue a career opportunity in New York City. Zamreen has been an integral member of the Toronto team with leading our Leadership event in November and has been instrumental in managing our finances. We all wish Zamreen the best of luck in her new role as she enters an exhilarating phase in her career – she will be deeply missed by all of us!

Your NetIP Toronto Leadership team is working hard as we continue to develop programming for 2012, BUT we can’t do it alone. We are looking for keen and creative individuals to join our leadership team in the Finance portfolio lead. If you have CA or accounting experience and would like to volunteer your time to help be an integral part in executing any of our pillar events or support our internal operations, please contact myself at neeti@netip-toronto.org.

As we glide into 2012, the NetIP Toronto team is diligently working to plan and to execute on high-quality events for the South Asian professional community. If you have any ideas and/or suggestions on events that you would like to see come out of NetIP Toronto, please send us an email at info@netip-toronto.org

Neeti Passi,

President, NetIP Toronto

5:30pm – 8:30pm Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Join Net Ip for the traditional folk dance of India as part of the Masala Mehndi Masti festival. During MMM 2011 festival, our group will bring a non-stop up-bit dance sequence that will encourage every one to pickup the Dandiya sticks and start dancing with the bits. We will provide the Dandiya sticks and basic training for those who will be joining for the first time, meet at the Harbourfront Bridge (west of the vendor shops) at 5:30pm, look out for the Net IP Exec wearing our Net IP T-Shirts.

Following dandia raas, we will walk over to the Lakeside Terrace where Eyes on India features a special literary panel with Sylvia Fraser, Mariellen Ward and Katherine Matthews – all writers of non-Indian origin – who have been captivated by India. The panel, which will be moderated by our own Syerah Virani, will explore how and why India beckoned these individuals and how it sustains them even as they live their lives in Canada. They will examine the privileges and the prejudices that a “Firangi” can experience and how our panelists engage with the Indian diaspora and with the mainstream as self-appointed ambassadors for the beauty and love of all that is India.

Feel free to bring your friends and colleagues to this free event!

Click Here for more Info

Over 200 young professionals from various organizations gathered in Downtown Toronto to hear what the Liberals have to offer to these young professionals. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Ontario Ministers Harinder Takhar (MPP from Mississauga Erindale), Kathleen Wynne ( Don Valley West), and Margarett Best (Scarborough-Guildwood). Two Liberal candidates Indira Naidoo Harris from Milton and Marisa Sterling from Toronto Danforth were also present at the event hosted by Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP) Toronto and the Young Ismaili Professionals.

Published by South Asian Generation Next, click here to read more