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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Community News India Times (July 5, 2025 - July 11, 2025) July 11, 2025 12 By Bhailal M. Patel Real Estate Professionals Host Legal & Professional Update Seminar For South Asians T he Association of South Asian Real Estate Professionals (ASARP) successfully hosted a dynamic and insightful evening event on Friday, June 27, 2025, at its Des Plaines Conference Center. Centered on the theme “Informed Professionals Build Resilient Com- munities,” the event brought together leading voices in the real estate sector to address emerging legal, regulatory, and technological shifts shaping the industry. The program opened with a heart- felt welcome by Past President Shirin Marvi, who acknowledged the absence of ASARP President Sunita Kakarlapudi due to a leg injury. Marvi underscored ASARP’s enduring mission of fostering knowledge-sharing and professional growth among South Asian realtors. ASARP Chairman Pradeep B. Shukla delivered a powerful keynote, citing Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.: “The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experi- ence.” Shukla highlighted the need for real estate professionals to stay attuned to evolving compliance standards and legal frameworks. He previewed upcoming dis- cussions in ASARP’s July session on pivotal topics such as the One Big Beautiful Act, EB-5 & Golden Visa programs, expanded public listing access, global property plat- forms, and the welcome news that NAR dues will remain unchanged in 2025. Harsha Shukla introduced Laurie Mur- phy, Director of the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) – Real Estate Division. Murphy shared vital state-level regulatory updates, outlined enforcement priorities, and reaf- firmed the Department’s commitment to promoting professionalism and public trust within the real estate community. One of the evening’s highlights was a detailed presentation by Lynn Madison, Vice Chair of Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) and a nationally respected real estate educator. Madison broke down recent changes to the NAR Code of Ethics, MLS policies, and evolving professional standards, providing attendees with ac- tionable guidance and clarity on ethical practices. Adding to the evening’s impact, John Gormley, CEO of the Mainstreet Or- ganization of Realtors, unveiled new initiatives aimed at boosting member engagement and public accessibility. He introduced Chicagoland Homes, a new public-facing portal that en- hances consumer listing access while emphasizing the value of working with licensed Realtors. His forward-looking vision for tech-driven, transparent com- munication was met with enthusiastic applause. ASARP Treasurers Nick Verma and Raj Patel managed event logistics with seamless efficiency, ensuring a smooth and engaging program. Harsha Shukla concluded the event with a warm vote of thanks, recognizing the outstanding contributions of the speakers and the commitment of attendees. He praised the real estate community’s dedication to continuous learning and upholding the highest standards. The evening concluded with a network- ing dinner, allowing guests to reflect on the insightful discussions and forge new professional connections. The collective message of the evening was clear and timely: Being informed is no longer a choice— it’s a responsibility. PHOTO:CourtesyASARP From left to right (front row): Pradeep B. Shukla, Laurie Murphy, John Gormley, Lynn Madison, Kantibhai Patel, Bhailal Patel, Nimesh Jani; Second row (right to left): Phani Krishnan, Madhu Dave, Raj Patel, Late Sax, Harsha Gohil, Nick Verma, Harsha Shukla, Dipti Dave, Tanvi Gandhi, Marsha Collins, Shirin Marvi, Anjali Mohanti, Rita Shah, Vinita Nil, Ami Mehta; Third row (left to right): Stacy Mathis, Jayesh Patel, Debajit Sirkar, and other distinguished guests. Candidate For Congress Bushra Amiwala Gathers Community Support In Illinois’ District 9 B ushra Amiwala, a Pakistani-American running for the US Congress from Illinois’ 9th District, is hot on the campaign trail, building a diverse coalition to increase her chances of getting to Capitol Hill. According to a press release from Asian Media USA, Amiwala hosted a fundraiser at Khan B.B.Q Restaurant in Little India on Devon Avenue, June 26, 2025. The fundraiser was attended by com- munity leaders, supporters, and activists. Amiwala displayed the coalition she has built that could propel her to the US Capitol. On her campaign website bushraforcongress. com, Amiwala describes herself as “an innovative problem solver” who has made history “as the first Gen Z elected official in the United States.” She put herself through college getting an MBA from Kellogg Northwestern’s School of Management, and a B.S in Information Systems and a double minor in Community Service Studies and Public Policy Studies from DePaul University. In 2019, she was elected to the Skokie School District 73.5 Board of Education, and re-elected in 2023. Accord- ing to Amiwala, her decision to run for Congress was “because the rich are getting richer, the middle class is shrinking, special interest groups are plaguing our elec- tions, there are humanitarian crises worldwide: and our taxpayer dollars are paying for it.” Her District 9, she says, “deserves someone home- grown, and willing to advocate for all of the people who make up the district, not just a select few.” According to the Asian Media USA press release, at- tendees were diverse, a reflection of the District —58% White (including an estimated 11% Arab Americans), 15% Asian, 14% Hispanic, 9% Black, and 4% other; and sponsorship tiers ranged from Bronze ($200) to Platinum ($2,000+). Sohan Joshi, Director of the Alliance of Indians in America and North American College, gave a speech endorsing Amiwala, saying, “Bushra Amiwala is the new generation of leadership we need—active, intelligent, and ready to represent us inWashington. It’s our job to ensure she wins, and our support will send her to Congress to fight for us.” Zakiuddin Mohammad, Vice Chancellor of North American College and a director at the Alliance of Indians in America, echoed Joshi’s enthusiasm. “We’re here to raise funds and build a movement for Bushra,” Mohammad said. “Her campaign for District 9 is about uplifting every voice in this diverse community. With the support of Khan B.B.Q and our dedicated team, we’re confi- dent she’ll make a difference.” Sufyan Feroze, who drove from Naperville with his wife Neha Shagufta, described Amiwala’s race as historic. “Bushra is the youngest Muslim con- gressional candidate for District 9, and I believe in her vision,” Feroze said. “I urge everyone to show up, donate generously, and join this movement. She’s here to make a difference, not just history.” Amiwala addressed the gathering with a mes- sage of unity and action. “Assalamu alaikum, peace be upon you all,” she began. “I’ve served this com- munity for seven years, from education to non- profit work, and now I’m running to represent Illinois’s 9th District in Congress. We’re facing a national crisis, and I’m committed to fighting for healthcare over medical bankruptcies, education over student debt, and housing over homelessness. I refuse to be bought in this elec- tion—my priority is the everyday voices of this district.” Among Amiwala’s recognitions over her career, are being recognized as Glamour Magazine’s CollegeWoman of the Year, Seventeen Magazine’s Voice of the Year, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. She is also an International Peace Ambassador Award recipient from the United Na- tions, the Asian Media USA press release said. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:Asian Media USA Collage of photos from the Bushra Amiwala fundraiser in Chicago.