In a quest for a better understanding of the Southern Nevada’s growing and prosperous Asian American community, the Clark County Commission has approved a formation of the Asian American Pacific Islander Community Commission to research and understand the history, unique culture, and requirements of the local Asian communities. The Commission solicited applications for the newly established Commission from diverse Asian communities. Eight members of the South Asian community applied for the coveted membership on the newly formed volunteer board.

Two Indian Americans Arun Gupta and Divya Narala along with Fayyaz Raja, Pakistani American, and Sharifa Wahab, Afghanistan American are appointed for the two–year terms to the Asian American Pacific Islanders Commission.

Arun Gupta, an attorney by profession & a graduate of the UNLV Law School is 14 years resident of Las Vegas.  Arun has been actively involved with the local Indian community and has served as a volunteer for Friends of India, EKAL Las Vegas and has done some pro bono work for the community.  FULL RESUME/APPLICATION

Divya Narala a graduate of the University of Nevada Reno, is in Las Vegas, on and off, for a couple of years. Currently, Divya is serving as the Nevada State Political Director for the Joe Biden for President 2020.  Divya has a diverse background in politics, small business – running a smoke shop and social services.  FULL RESUME/APPLICATION

Pakistani-American Fayyaz Raja has resided in Vegas for over 40 years and is an active member of the Asian American Pacific Islander community.  Fayyaz is a graduate of UNLV and has worked in the gaming industry prior to starting his own insurance agency.  Currently, Fayyaz is serving as a Chairman of the Asian American Pacific Islander political group and is also a President of the South Asian Political Network Alliance. Fayyaz has recently announced his candidacy for the Clark County Commissioner. FULL RESUME/APPLICATION

Sharifa Wahab is an active member of the Pakistani and Afghanistani community of Southern Nevada.  Sharifa has been involved in numerous health care related businesses and currently has her own health care company serving the local community.  She is a graduate of the University of Afghanistan with a degree of Doctor in Dentistry and a Masters in Health Administration. FULL RESUME/APPLICATION

The newly formed Commission will be responsible for researching the history of Asian immigrants to Southern Nevada.  The long term goal of the Commission is to establish an Asian Cultural Center.  Commission members will be serving for the maximum of two years period.