Three Indian American Women honored among many who shaped New Brunswick

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Isha Vyas, Shanti Narra, and Dr. Shilpa Pai are among the 100 women who were included in a presentation by the New Jersey Historical Commission in their ‘NJ Women 2020 Vote’ initiative.

The presentation is called ‘The Women who Shaped New Brunswick – Celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of the 19^th Amendment’ which fell on Aug. 26, 2020.

It was prepared by Jacquelyn Oshman, Head of Circulation Department at New Brunswick Free Public Library.

lsha Vyas is the Head of the Division of Arts and History Programs and Services at Middlesex County.

“For over twenty years, she has designed and executed several projects in Middlesex County, many of landmark importance, making significant inroads in the Native American, Latino, South Asian, African American and East European communities,” says the recognition for Vyas.

“With focus on cultural equity and inclusion, she has expanded free programming to appeal to diverse communities in terms of age, race, gender, socio-economic standing and ability. This includes at-risk youth, veterans, seniors at assisted living centers, victims of domestic violence and patients and health practitioners at local hospitals,” the presentation goes on to say, adding that Vyas’ commitment to community service includes serving on many boards.

Vyas is president of the Association of New Jersey County Cultural and Historic Agencies; President of the Board of Trustees of Woodbridge Public library; Trustee of ArtPride New Jersey Foundation; Trustee of the Advocates of New Jersey History and member of the Middlesex County College Community Advisory Committee.

Appointed by former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, she is a member of the New Jersey State and Historical Records Board.

Shanti Narra is the Chair of Public Safety & Health Committee, Middlesex New Jersey. Narra is one of the founders and current Advisory Board Members of Inspiring Asian American Women (ISAAW) – a group dedicated to increasing the participation of this demographic in civic engagement. The Freeholder was also recently appointed by the Speaker of the New Jersey Assembly to serve on the Board of Directors for New Jersey Transit.

Dr. Shilpa Pai, MD FAAP is a pediatrician at the Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ. In addition, she serves as a special state officer on the NJ WIC Advisory Council and is an advocate and leader in the fight against Human Trafficking in NJ. In addition, she serves as a special state officer on the NJ WIC Advisory Council and is an advocate and leader in the fight against Human Trafficking in NJ.

New Brunswick is one of many municipalities across the country that joined the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission (WSCC) initiative, in partnership with federal, state, and local leaders, to illuminate the country in purple and gold this past August 26, 2020, in celebration of 100 years of the 19^th Amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote.