History

The Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the overall achievement and advancement of South Asian professionals. Our mission is to ensure that South Asian Americans remain successful, influential, and responsible members of American society. The organization accomplishes its goals through community service projects, professional development events, and cultural/social events.

NetIP North America was started in Chicago in 1990, and has expanded to include chapters in more than twenty major metropolitan areas across the United States and Canada. Over the years, NetIP has become a leading organization for professionals – one that has been recognized by political, civic, and community leaders around North America. It has become the unequivocal voice for an emerging group of South Asians that are excelling in every aspect of society.

Established in 1994, NetIP Philadelphia has grown dramatically since its first year of inception. We are now one of the strongest chapters of NetIP North America and have co-organized two major NetIP-NA supported conferences — Tryst with Destiny in Washington DC and Sanyog in Philadelphia.

Our membership consists of professionals in Consulting, Financial Services, Government, Journalism, Law, Marketing, Medicine, Management, and Technology, among others. We welcome members from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and religions.

Programs

Our professional development events includes panels and workshops on a variety of topics. We have hosted Raj Bhakta for a professional development brunch, where he discussed discuss his experience on Donald Trump's The Apprentice and his aim to provide greater representation for the Indian community in Congress. Workshops have covered topics like presentation skills for professionals, which can help in any career. We have also held interactive panels in which the panelists and audience can exchange advice and comments and South Asians can expand their horizons as they learn about non-traditional careers or entrepreneurship. And of course, our monthly Business Card Exchange events are not just a chance to socialize, but also to network with and learn from other Indian professionals.

As a community service leader among South Asian organizations, NetIP Philadelphia has organized many smaller and been part of larger efforts to promote a sense of good will to all who reside in this metropolitan area. We have partnered with Philabundance and the Greater Philadelphia Food Bank, raised money to fight heart disease and breast cancer and to provide disaster relief after the earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis; we have also supported independent programming on WYBE and cultural programs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We have participated in the Fairmount Park Cleanup Day and Philadelphia Cares Day. Our efforts to promote a sense of community to all people in this area have made us a very successful and recognized organization.

Our programming also includes cultural events, allowing us to stay in touch with Indian culture here in Philadelphia. Popular events like the Bhangra & Bollywood nights, the Cultural Show, and the annual India Day Festival give us a chance to celebrate our heritage. Our social events include the Meet & Greet & Eat, which gives members a chance to connect over a three-course meal. We also run our own book club and hope to expand to include a movie club as well.

NetIP provides a platform for South Asian contingent to get involved in many different activities through community service, professional development, and cultural advancement.