On May 17, OCA-NJ hosted its celebratory luncheon at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). During the event, ten outstanding students were awarded scholarships to help them pursue their academic goals and future careers.

We were honored again to welcome NJIT President Dr. Teik C. Lim as our keynote speaker. Dr. Lim delivered a personal and impactful address, sharing his experiences and offering valuable advice to students. In particular, he emphasized the importance of “micro-collaborations” and encouraged students to build meaningful connections that can guide, support, and motivate them throughout their educational and professional journeys.

Through OCA-NJ's partnership with Dr. Lim and NJIT, the NJIT–OCA-NJ Scholarship Program was established in 2026 to recognize academic achievement and support continued excellence at NJIT. Through this program, OCA-NJ scholarship recipients may be eligible to receive scholarships of up to $20,000. Although none of this year’s recipients will be attending NJIT, we are confident that many deserving students in the years ahead will benefit from this generous opportunity.

The audience also heard from three inspiring college student speakers who shared their educational experiences and words of encouragement:

• Jian Kim (NJIT) encouraged students to “Ask, Connect, and Grow,” offering advice that will undoubtedly help guide them throughout their educational journeys and beyond.
• Krithika Sankar (NJIT) encouraged students to become involved in community service, emphasizing the importance of uplifting others and promoting dignity within their communities.
• Hanzla Ahmad (Rutgers University) also highlighted the value of community service and encouraged students to use their talents and experiences to make a positive impact on others.

The event featured an esteemed panel of leaders and advocates, including Wendy Chin, Co-President of the OCA–New Jersey; Arati Sadalge Kreibich, Program Director of the New Jersey Million Voters Project; and Catherine Tung, Adjunct Faculty at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.

Each panelist shared personal insights from their professional journeys and highlighted the importance of civic engagement, representation, and community-building in advancing Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) voices across New Jersey.

“OCA-NJ is proud to support the next generation of APIDA leaders,” said Wendy Chin. “We are committed to strengthening our relationships and uplifting our community through continued engagement and advocacy.”