Key resource for Indian Americans looking for new roles in the Biden-Harris administration.
As President elect Joe Biden and his Indian American second in command Kamala Harris head to the White House, Desi politicos looking for roles in the new administration or on Capitol Hill can reach for a key resource.
The Brown Book 2.0 is a directory launched by IMPACT, the leading Indian American advocacy and political action committee, which raised a $10 million war chest to help elect Harris and other Indian American candidates.
“It’s official — Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are on their way to the White House, and the Indian American community played a critical role in getting them there,” noted Neil Makhija, Executive Director of IMPACT.
“As the presidential transition process is ramping up, there will be job openings across federal, state, and local governments,” he wrote.
“Now it’s time to get to work. If you or someone you know aspires to serve in the government next year, sign up for the Brown Book 2.0 and get noticed.”
“As the leading national political organization for Indian Americans, IMPACT is committed to making sure that our community is represented at all levels of government and politics,” Makhija wrote.
In 2018, IMPACT collected nearly 250 resumes for the first Brown Book, and successfully referred many candidates for leading roles in Congress and state and local governments.
Anticipating a potential surge in post-election hiring by Congressional offices and federal government, Makhija said, IMPACT is preparing an updated Brown Book containing resumes of talented South Asian American candidates for full-time staff positions in government .
All interested candidates will have their resumes included. In addition, individuals with extensive government and political experience will help review, sort, and index resumes by job and expertise, and offer candidates feedback on the process.
Despite rapid growth and professional success, Indian Americans have been underrepresented in shaping public policy, including elected office from state capitols to the US Congress, Makhija stated. “As a result, our community often goes unrecognized in the halls of power.”
“At a time when our values are under attack by xenophobic rhetoric and regressive policies, it is more critical than ever that Indian Americans ally with other communities of color to build and wield political power to fight back,” Makhija wrote.
“Are you a Desi politico, policy nerd, organizer, or simply someone who wants to use your talents to give back?” he asked inviting Indian Americans to “Add yourself to The Brown Book and spread the word!”