The concept of SBIAA is credited to some friends in Michigan who started MIAA (Michigan Indian American Association).  This was a successful organization, founded to bring first generation Indian Americans together, to form a community centered around similar cultural values and goals.  

 

In March 2014, a group of 12 moms in the South Bay spent hours brainstorming how to bring the Indian American community together. The South Bay Indian American Association (SBIAA) was born as a result of the amalgamation of their ideas.  Similar to MIAA, SBIAA aimed to develop a network of Indian Americans through social interaction.  The goal was to build an Indian community that would help the next generation of children identify with their culture and heritage.

 

The first event was a board run event, The First Summer Picnic, which was funded solely by the board.  Word of the event and organization got out, and concluded with an attendance of over 150 people from the South Bay! The realization at this event was twofold - that the genesis of such a community was long overdue and that the parents identified with the vision of the organization to create a community for their children.  

 

Fast forward four years and  we are now embarking on our 4th Annual Summer Picnic in August of 2017, which is free to all members!  SBIAA consists of more than 90 families and continues to grow in numbers.  Our signature event, Diwali Gala, attracts an attendance of 400 people.  More importantly, we take pride in the fact that a community is being united around a common cultural heritage.

Pioneers of the organization

Rosalie Patel (President)
Sangita Mody (Vice President) 

Lachmi Malhotra (Tech Chair)

Muira Mishra (Membership Co-Chair)

Nita Parikh (Membership Co-Chair)

Kiran Prema (Treasurer)

Navnidhee (Communications Chair)

Nisha Mehta (Philanthropy Co-Chair)

Megha Shah (Philanthropy Co-Chair)

Rupal Parekh (Secretary)