October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but organizations like Daya (Houston) provide resources to domestic violence survivors in the South Asian community year-round.  Pam Otal is a WiseUp TX board member and the Outreach & Volunteer coordinator for Daya (Houston). On this episode, Pam joins host, Punam Kaji, and shares how domestic violence impacts the South Asian community, and what orgs like Daya are doing to educate the community to help solve the issue and assist survivors in need.  South-Asian Centric Domestic Violence Resources: Daya - Houston   Chetna - DFW  Awaaz - San Antonio  AFSSA - Austin  Learn more about WiseUp TX here.  WiseUp TX is a non-partisan non-profit and does not support any political party or candidate. 

WiseUp TX

WiseUp on Domestic Violence Awareness with Pam Otal from Daya

Hey friends! Early voting is happening right now thru October 29, and election day is Nov 2nd.  What are we voting on?  Amendments to the Texas Constitution, plus there could be some local elections and local propositions on your ballot.  Tune into this short episode and learn about the 8 Propositions amend the Texas Constitution that you will find on your ballot.  Punam Kaji and Areeba Amer break it all down in less than 20 minutes.  WiseUp TX is a nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse any candidate or political party. Learn more about WiseUp TX here. 

WiseUp on the Ballot for the Nov 2, 2021 Election

This summer, Texas lawmakers passed new voting laws.  In this episode, WiseUp TX podcast host Punam Kaji interviews Louis Bedford, a voting rights attorney. He explains the impact of the changes in voting laws. Also learn about redistricting (the drawing of maps), a process that only happens every 10 years. Hear about how these changes to the voting process in Texas could impact communities of color like the South Asian community.   WiseUp TX is a nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse any candidate or political party. Learn more about WiseUp TX here.  

Interview with Louis Bedford, Voting Rights Attorney

Hear Fawaz Bham talk about his work with the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program assisting people in need during the Covid-19 Crisis and DFWROS mentoring a refugee family from Afghanistan.   Fawaz is a real-estate and capital finance attorney focusing on commercial real-estate transactions at Hunton Andrews Kurth. Fawaz serves on the firm’s pro-bono committee and devotes time to several pro-bono efforts such as launching and leading the Dallas Attorney Volunteer Program’s virtual legal clinic platform, leading the small business clinics in the Dallas area and volunteering at the DBA Legal Lines. He was also named 1 of the 20 Most Inspiring Leaders of 2020 by the Dallas Business Journal for his pro bono service accomplishments and community advocacy. Learn more about DFWROS here. Learn more about the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program here.  

Interview with DFW Attorney Fawaz Bham on Community Service

WiseUp TX Board Members Punam Kaji, Azra Siddiqi, and Areeba Amer discuss the key events of the Texas Legislative Session (and special sessions) including Texas laws on Critical Race Theory in education, changes in election law that limit drive-thru voting and more, the expansion of gun rights in Texas, and the abortion ban. Oh, and what ever happened with the electrical grid after the ice storms? This episode touches on ALL that AND the on-going redistricting process.   WiseUp TX is a nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse any candidate or political party.

We're Back with Updates on New Texas Laws

Cydnei Drake is running for school board in Carrolton Farmers Branch Independent School District.  This School District covers a number of DFW suburbs, including Carrolton, Farmers Branch and some of Addison, Coppell, Dallas, and Irving.  In this episode, Cydnei talks about the need for equity and and cultural competency in school leadership and her decision to run to address that issue.  CFBISD elections are on May 1, 2021, along with the other municipal elections.  Do your part and vote!   Learn more about her on her website here.   WiseUp TX is a nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse any candidate or political party.

Interview with Cydnei Drake, Candidate for School Board in DFW (CFBISD)

Alexander Cornwallis is running to be on the school board of Prosper Independent School Board.  Prosper is a suburb in North Dallas, and Alexander decided to run to represent the South Asian community on the board and also bring attention to the need for a greater focus on technology in education and STEM for all students.  Prosper ISD and other municipal elections take place on May 1.   You can learn more about him here.  WiseUp TX is a nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse any candidate or political party.

Interview with Alexander Cornwallis, Candidate for School Board (Prosper ISD)

Diana Saleh wants to bring a fresh perspective to Arlington City Council as a young professional, a Palestinian American, and a Muslim woman. Diana discusses the rich diversity of the populous city of Arlington, TX. She shares her desire to make the city more equitable, starting with creating an accessible campaign through language translation. Arlington City Council elections are on May 1, 2021. Early voting has already begun and runs through April 27. You can learn more about her here.   WiseUp TX is a nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse any candidate or political party.

Interview with Diana Saleh, Candidate for City Council (Arlington, TX)

Rafat Jilani has worked with children for 30 years in schools as a special education teacher and a school psychologist.  Now she is running for Fort Bend Independent School District, Trustee Position 6. Fort Bend’s population is widely diverse, including a significant South Asian population. Jilani believes the board should reflect the diversity of the District. She talks about how she is suited for the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic because of her background in psychology. She says by helping the kids, she can help shape the future of our nation. Fort Bend ISD elections are on May 1, 2021. Learn more about Rafat on her website. WiseUp TX is a nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse any candidate or political party.

Interview with Rafat Jilani, Candidate for School Board Trustee in Houston Area (FBISD)

Brody Mulligan is running for School Board Trustee in the Hurst Euless Bedford School District (HEB ISD). This area in the mid-cities of DFW has a substantial South Asian community, and Brody reached out to the WiseUp TX Podcast to talk to our followers. He has experience as an educator and a founder of a non-profit about government policy reform. In this episode he shares how he would improve education by expanding pre-K, school lunches, and giving more practical training to students. HEB ISD elections are on May 1, 2021. Learn more about him on his website. WiseUp TX is a nonpartisan nonprofit and does not endorse any candidate or political party.

Interview with Brody Mulligan, Candidate for School Board Trustee in DFW (HEB ISD)

Tune in to learn about politics/policies impacting Texas South Asians and hear from South Asians making an impact in America.