At South Asian Americans for Change (SAAFC), we believe in the power of community, storytelling, and healing through connection. Each year, we host a variety of events—gatherings that bring people together to explore mental health through art, conversation, and joy. Here’s a look at some of our past programming. These are just a few highlights—we’ve done so much more! You can find reels, recap videos, and event moments on our Instagram.
2026 Highlights
Programming
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Stories Between Us
There’s something powerful about discovering that a feeling you thought was yours alone is shared by others. ❤️ In May, SAAFC partnered with the Philadelphia Free Library for Stories Between Us: Creativity, Identity, and Belonging, an evening inspired by Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. Together, we reflected on themes of identity, belonging, family, and community through discussion and a collaborative art activity. Inspired by the book’s themes of censorship and missing stories, participants filled the empty spaces on a collective bookshelf with moments when they felt belonging, felt othered, or wished their story had been heard. As participants shared the stories, reflections, and artwork behind their hearts, the room filled with moments of recognition, connection, and empathy. What began as individual experiences became a collective reminder that many of us carry similar hopes, struggles, and experiences, even when our journeys look different. See photos on Instagram
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Healing through Art Summit 2026
We’re still sitting with how special this day was 🤍 Our Healing Through Art Summit was more than an event, it was a space for honesty, storytelling, creativity, and connection. To everyone who showed up with openness and care: thank you!! You made this what it was ✨ Moments like these remind us why this work matters and how powerful it is to come together as a community. Here’s a glimpse into a day we won’t forget ✨ Videography and photography by the ever so talented: Jamie Stow photography and Zoey Koester See photos on Instagram
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Third Space: A Summer Series on Identity and Heritage In partnership with the South Asian Heritage Fund (SAHF)
This summer, SAAFC and the South Asian Heritage Fund (SAHF) hosted Third Space, a three-part series designed especially for South Asian diaspora who grew up in the United States to explore their roots through curated conversations about art, culture, and history. Held at Harraz Coffee House in Fishtown, the series welcomed anyone interested in these themes, regardless of background. Across the three sessions, participants reflected on what our history means for us today as South Asian diaspora, and celebrated the shared, eclectic, and vibrant art and culture that connects us as a community, going beyond the cliché of “unity in diversity.” See photos on Instagram
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Finding Our Rhythm: Connecting Through Movement, Identity & Community In partnership with Usiloquy
This fall, SAAFC and Usiloquy hosted Finding Our Rhythm, a three-part desi dance series held at Asian Arts Initiative and the Rotunda. Set to filmy and Indian pop music, the workshops brought together dancers of every experience level to move together, meet new people, and find joy in community. Rather than focusing on getting the steps right, the series centered on connection, wellness, confidence, and self-expression, and welcomed all body types, identities, and cultures. Participants learned choreography at their own pace, with an English-language guide to the Hindi and Punjabi lyrics. See photos on Instagram
2025 Highlights
Programming
- Summit 2025 – An unforgettable evening celebrating art, healing, and community.
- Gala 2025 – Powerful performances, meaningful conversations, lasting impact.
- May Mental Health Walk – Celebrating AAPI Heritage & Mental Health Awareness with community and joy.
- Bollywood Trivia Night July 2025 – A blockbuster night of trivia, laughter, and community.
2024 Highlights
Programming
- Gala 2024 – A night of love, healing, and South Asian community coming together.
- Breaking the Silence Screening Event Part 2 – Episode 2 screening + panel: powerful conversations on men’s mental health.
- 2024 Year Recap Reel – From a growing team to national events and 20k+ community members, 2024 was just the beginning.
- August Social Hour at Love City – Closing out summer with friends, games, and good vibes at Love City Brewing.
- Breaking the Silence Screening Event Part 3 – An emotional evening of storytelling, conversation, and community during Suicide Awareness Month.
2023 Highlights
Programming
- Gala 2023 – An unforgettable evening of performance, conversation, and healing.
- Love the Skin I’m In Mother’s Day Brunch – A powerful brunch of conversation, community, and colorism awareness.
- Breaking the Silence Screening Event Part 1 – An evening of connection, candid conversation, and community art.
- 2023 Recap – Closing out summer with friends, games, and good vibes at Love City Brewing.
Voices from our community
Annika Sharma
I cannot emphasize enough how much this team put into this event. When passionate people come together, small steps become huge changes. @saaforchange may have just begun but sometimes you know when you witnessed something special about to take off and this was one of those nights.
Mitul Desai
Breaking the silence around mental health in the South Asian community isn’t just vital - it’s kind of revolutionary. Growing up as a child of immigrants teaches you resilience and the importance of hard work. But the pressure to succeed and project strength made talk of mental health taboo. Yet, it’s the ultimate irony, because prioritizing your mental health is the very key to unlocking true success. That’s why initiatives like the [SAAFC] docuseries #breakingthesilence ... are so important. They’re not just platforms for dialogue, they are the steps towards changing the culture.
Rianjali
Last night was incredible ... everyone at SAAFC is incredible. Please follow that organization. Please follow that organization, they are doing the f*cking work and they are some of the kindest people I have met. The hospitality, the organization of the event, every single detail and I have been to South Asian events, and you guys know, they were not always the best. That room was filled with warmth, love and actual community and [SAAFC] did that. And that's not to be taken lightly ... [SAAFC] is the real deal. That's all I have to say. Every single thing they talked about was so thoughtful, so intentional.
Payal Desai
The Panel I was on last night ... the conversation was so powerful and focused on duality and identity. It was sponsored by SAAFC ... I always thought my inability to allow alcohol into my life in a healthy way like many people do, I always thougth it was a weakness. But it turns out it's not a weakness, it's a superpower. I finally came to that moment last night [at the Healing thorugh Art Gala]. It will probably stay with me for a very long time, probably my whole life. In follow up conversations I had with people after the panel and I got to connect with people, what I realized, when you own what you thought was a weakness ... and you really can say them out loud, first of all you give permission to others to feel through whatever they are going through, and to turn what they think their weakness is into a super power as well ... This just shows me there is more that connects us than divides us.
Bina Patel-Minhaj
SAAFC has committed themselves to improving the quality of life of South Asians for generations to come. Get excited for SAAFC, change is coming.
Nadia Jagesar
OH WHAT A NIGHT! The @saaforchange Healing Thru Art Gala was definitely a night ot remember! An evening of thoughtful discussion, an inspiring art market, and performances from some of my favorite people. Taking small steps to help move the needle forward and bring awareness within our smaller communities is something we can all do together. I'm in awe of how multi-talented, smart, and driven my friends are!
Nina Davuluri
I often think about the Hamilton song “The Room Where It Happens” and have lately been asking myself: where are these rooms & what does it mean to be in them? And what I know for sure is: impactful change starts with a small group of people who care enough - and are courageous enough - to take the first step in having conversations like ours today. I truly believe that when we speak our truth, it allows others the space to do the same. And by doing that today, we created the room where it happens! And all of us will forever be a part of this change. I know many people left feeling seen, valued, and heard - which ultimately, is all we can do for each other. Thank you, again for your hard work in executing this event, it was perfect in every way!
Rohit Gijare
What an INCREDIBLE night! @saaforchange thank you for having me as a panelist alongside these amazing individuals! Proud to be part of creating pathways for South Asians to tackle mental health issues in our society.
Nimesh Patel
I'm an advocate for South Asian Americans for Change. Mental health in the South Asian community is a tremendous cause and it's about time our people start talking about the issues affecting our community. This is the right step, and this is a positive step.