MISSION
We are committed to supporting the local Indian community with critical programs and services, especially for those most
at-risk members of our community.
For over three decades, we have continuously improved opportunities to supply our knowledge and resources in order to strengthen the community.
IACS serves the Indian American community through programs, services for all life stages, while fostering an environment of inclusion and diversity.
We hope to achieve these goals through a constant fostering of inclusion and diversity, a sharing of knowledge and resources, and active civic engagement, in order to more directly address the existing and non-existing policies affecting the needs of the community today.
FOCUS AREAS
We understand that the issues facing our community oftentimes are complex and intersectional. We therefore aim to focus on addressing issues in a multi-faceted way, learning from and growing with the community to better serve its needs and create a more meaningful impact.
At IACS we focus on providing resources and assistance to people within the community of all ages with services tailored specifically to their needs. Our programs include services and support geared toward:
- COVID-19 and Crisis Care
- Small Buisinesses
- Rental Assistance for Individuals
- Food Insecurity
- Women’s Mentoring
- Senior Support
- Family and Caregivers
- Career and Employment Guidance
- Mental Health
- Comprehensive Wellness
- Youth Leadership Support
- Early Childhood Support
- Civic Engagement
With this more personalized approach we hope to provide our community with holistic critical thinking in addressing individual and community concerns.
CULTURE & VALUES
As the longest-serving Indian Association in the Pacific Northwest, we take pride in our vibrant communities South Asian heritage. Through our organization we are able to share and pass down our cultural customs, norms, and values to younger generations as well as other communities. We hope to encourage a respect for our communities values, an embracement of ours and others diversity, and a healthy curiosity for learning about others cultures and life perspectives.
IACS STAFF
Lalita Uppala
As Executive Director of the Indian American Community Services (IACS) I am driven by a passion to create lasting impact in my immigrant refugee community. At IACS, I lead creative and impactful approaches to wraparound support services with a focus on inclusion, social equity, collaboration and sustainable growth.
I started my immigration journey as a graduate student in Environmental Sciences at the University of Washington School of Public Health. While working as a consultant in human health and toxicology and raising a family, I discovered IACS then IAWW where I volunteered and transitioned several roles on its Executive Board to ultimately recognizing the need to create a sustainable, safe platform with community for community.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
Sucheta
I, a 35+ years dedicated volunteer of the Indian American Community Services (IACS) today lead the IACS Early Childhood Program in a staffed position as the Early Childhood Coordinator, bringing 30+ years of experience as a Montessori teacher. My passion lies in working with young children and supporting immigrant families as they navigate the system upon arriving in the United States. As a trained developmental screening specialist, I provide essential information, resources, and support to help parents enhance their children’s physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development, ensuring they are ready for kindergarten.
Kavitha Krishnan
I have been associated with IAWW/IACS since 2016 and currently work as an Early Childhood Facilitator. With a Master’s in HR and a passion for working with people, I joined this dedicated, energetic team after taking a break to raise my children.
"Kindness is like a boomerang—it always comes back, often with even more joy!"
Annu Luthra
I have been on the IACS Executive Board for 13 years and 10 years in the position of the Youth Leadership & Support Services Program Director. I was working in tech companies like Microsoft and PARC.
IACS has been a part of my life since my late teens, when I participated in events and made lifelong friendships. Those experiences stayed with me, and this organization, I always carried in my heart. Serving as the Director has been incredibly rewarding. It's a privilege to mentor & support youth, watch them grow, and know that this work contributes to a meaningful impact in our community. I feel fortunate to be a part of this journey, inspired by the connections, and the difference we make together.
Roopa Satagopan
I joined IACS's Youth Leadership Program (YLP) in September and am now the incoming YLP Coordinator. With a background in biotechnology research, I later became involved in PTSAs and supported Pratham USA, an educational nonprofit in India. In 2023, I completed my Professional MBA from Seattle University. Inspired by Gandhi's quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” I strive to help others grow into their best selves. YLP provides a safe space for youth to develop as leaders, and joining the program felt like finding where I truly belong.
Ekta Arora
I formally joined IACS 4 years ago when I left my consulting job with Microsoft where I worked for 10 years. I have been connected with IAWW/IACS for years prior as I volunteered when my kids participated in the Youth program. I primarily work with women through Anvi - the career and networking branch of IACS. I also manage a central database system to support our diverse services. Witnessing the positive impact of our team’s work on the local community brings me immense joy and fulfillment, and I am truly grateful for this experience!
Salima
I have been associated with IACS for about 8 years, contributing to Anvi- Women’s Career services, Senior services (including EBH and Yoga coordination), and volunteer coordination. Before joining IACS, I worked as a Supply Chain professional at Nordstrom and Eddie Bauer. Seeing the direct impact of IACS programs on the community - the real difference we make in people’s lives, not only through our services but through the meaningful relationships and trust we build - made me realize that this is the organization I want to be a part of!
Nanda Tewari
I have been a part of IACS for about 8 years, first as a volunteer and then on staff for 5 years as the Senior Services Coordinator. In the past, I have worked as an online instructor teaching communications class to the undergraduate students at University of Phoenix. I also worked as a Partnership Specialist for the US Census.
Receiving endless love from the community that I serve and working alongside an incredibly dedicated, passionate team who inspires me daily has shown me that this is where I truly belong.
Priya Srinivasa
2021 was a pivotal year for me as I began my journey with IACS (formerly IAWW), initially as a volunteer before stepping into the role of Mental Health Wellness and Community Events Coordinator. With prior work experience in Marketing, Teaching, and Administration, this role coalesced many of those skills and interests into a brand new direction for me - coordinating the mental wellness program and organizing large-scale community events.
“I’ve found my tribe, my village!”
Tulika Dugar
I have been with IACS since 2019, working in Civic Engagement, Crisis Services and Small Business Support Services. Before joining IACS, I built my career in fitness and nutrition. I believe that empathy and purpose drive my work, reminding me that true growth comes from embracing our imperfections daily.
Kunjan Kapoor
I first learned about IACS in 2013 through my parents, who participated in its senior programs. Inspired by the dedication of the IACS team, I began volunteering and soon joined the Legal and Crisis division, where I support families facing unique and critical challenges. Our program assists these families by closely tracking their legal and mental health needs, connecting them to key resources, and providing counseling to foster independence and self-sustainability. It also offers a supportive space where women with similar experiences can connect, share stories, and build lasting friendships—empowering each other to face new challenges with resilience. Currently, I serve as both the Cultural Navigator for Early Childhood and Small Business Services and the Legal Services Coordinator.
Being part of IACS allows me to make a real impact in people’s lives while fostering community and connection that enrich my own.
IACS Executive Board
President
Krishnan Menon
Secretary
Sunil Shah
Treasurer
Krishnan Menon
Joint Treasurer
V. Chandrasekaran
Executive Director & Community Program Director
Lalita Uppala
Senior Program Director
Dr. Pran Wahi
Youth Leadership Program Director
Annu Luthra
Web Site/Social Media
Vasudha Motaparthy
Board Member
Ambili Sukesan
Board Member
Dr. Amish Dave
Board Member
Dr. Neeta Jain
Board Member
Dr. Saritha Reddy
Board Member
Dr. Tasneem Kandallu