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Meet Our Staff

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Priya Purandare is the Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the nation’s largest Asian Pacific American membership organization representing the interests of 80,000 attorneys, judges, law professors and law students.

Priya is a highly skilled association professional and possesses unparalleled institutional knowledge of NAPABA—having served the organization for 13 years. She brings a passion for NAPABA’s mission, a proven track record of sustainable growth via strategic and innovative leadership and management, and strong relationships that bridge across leaders, members, and industry partners. Priya has overseen significant programmatic and policy growth at NAPABA, the creation and implementation of NAPABA's Strategic Plan, has navigated the organization through the pandemic and related uptick in anti-Asian hate crimes, and maintained strong working relationships with NAPABA's network of nearly 90 affiliate organizations. 

Formerly the Executive Director of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) and Convention Manager for the American Public Health Association (APHA), Priya has committed her professional career to organizations dedicated to equity, justice, access, and opportunity.

Priya holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida and a M.A. in Women’s Studies from the George Washington University. Priya previously served as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the API/Domestic Violence Resource Project.

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Rahat N. Babar is NAPABA’s Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel. In this dual role, Rahat leads NAPABA’s advocacy, civil rights, and policy priorities, and he serves as NAPABA's chief legal officer overseeing the legal affairs of the organization

Rahat’s commitment to public service and to the Asian Pacific American community has long defined his career.  Nominated by the Governor of New Jersey and unanimously confirmed by the New Jersey Senate, Rahat served as a Judge on the Superior Court of New Jersey, the first Bangladeshi American to be a member of the court.  Immediately prior to his appointment, Rahat was Special Counsel to New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy, overseeing all high-profile litigation impacting the Governor and the Administration.  Previously, he was the Director of Community Engagement at the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, where as part of Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal’s Executive Leadership Team, he led the Attorney General’s efforts to strengthen the office's relationships with community leaders, faith leaders, and the public.  Rahat held several other leadership roles within the Attorney General’s Office, practiced in a boutique corporate law firm, and taught law and public policy at Temple University Beasley School of Law as an Adjunct Professor.

Rahat is a former member of NAPABA's Board of Governors and a former chair of NAPABA's Civil Rights Committee.  He previously served as President of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania and served on the Board of Directors of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey.  NAPABA recognized Rahat as one of NAPABA's Best Under 40 in 2018.

Rahat earned his undergraduate degree in International Area Studies from Drexel University and his law degree from Delaware Law School, where he served as an editor of the law review.  During his last year of law school, Rahat externed for Chief Justice Myron T. Steele of the Supreme Court of Delaware, and after law school, Rahat clerked for Judge Renée Cohn Jubleirer of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.

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Maureen Gelwicks

Maureen Gelwicks brings nearly 15 years of association management experience in various industries. As Deputy Executive Director at NAPABA, Maureen uses her strength as a systems thinker to anchor multiple departments to support the organization’s dynamic operations. Maureen ensures the development, growth, and management of administrative and financial operations, programs, and activities that seek to strengthen a sense of community and inclusion across NAPABA’s membership and provide professional development opportunities. Additionally, she leads all phases of sponsorship by developing and bolstering relationships with industry partners. She is passionate about executing the organization’s mission with excellence and optimizing relationships, systems, and procedures.

Prior to joining NAPABA, Maureen served as a Senior Client and Operational Manager for an association management company. In partnership with executive leaders, she simultaneously managed four different industry organizations, skillfully advancing the mission and strategic plan for each. Maureen’s role was multi-functional, providing her a broad skillset in administration, governance, programs, finance, and event management. Having a firm belief that associations have the power to transform industries and societies for good, Maureen is proud to have positioned her career in direct service and leadership to organizations that contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Maureen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington and earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential in spring 2023.

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Development and Programs Director

Dara Duratinsky

Dara Duratinsky is the Development and Programs Director at NAPABA and develops programs and opportunities that open doors professionally for members and nurtures the next generation of AANHPI attorneys. In her role, she oversees NAPABA member programs and works with the NAPABA Law Foundation to lead program development, donor engagement and fundraising, and pipeline development.

Previously, Dara was the Director of Network Building at Prosperity Now where she conceptualized, implemented, and managed the Prosperity Now Community and its Networks to support the learning, advocacy, leadership development and convening of the broader economic opportunity field. During her time, Dara designed, implemented and awarded equitable grant opportunities; researched state education and labor policies for the Scorecard; managed and developed leaders for Network Steering Committees and working groups, spearheaded the work of community advocates nationally; and led the design of events across the country.

Dara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Communication from the American University and a Master of Public Policy from the George Washington University.

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Abie Siegel

Abie Siegel is the Membership Manager at NAPABA and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the organization’s growth by having a deep understanding of our members, their needs, and their aspirations. In her role she enhances the operational effectiveness in membership acquisition, retention, and communications, and engages a broad network of NAPABA committees, affiliates, and national associates.

Abie brings nearly 17 years of experience in corporate leadership and nonprofit membership management. She is passionate about establishing positive relationships and is known for her excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds. At NAPABA, she is driven to serve our members by strengthening the sense of community, belonging, and inclusion across the membership.

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Nada Darwish

Nada Darwish serves as NAPABA’s Meetings & Events Manager, where she ensures the seamless execution of NAPABA events, including board meetings, special events and programs, and the annual convention.  Nada's extensive experience in project management, event organization, and complex logistics, coupled with her keen attention to detail, enables NAPABA to deliver exceptional experiences that foster professional growth and a sense of community among NAPABA’s members.  
 
Before joining NAPABA, Nada served as a Program Manager at the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), where she managed stakeholder communications, oversaw board meetings and program initiatives, and delivered analytical reports. She also held roles as Senior Programs Officer at the Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC), where she crafted and executed programs showcasing art and culture from America, Qatar, and the Arab and Islamic worlds, and as Project Officer at the International Center for Sport Security (ICSS). At ICSS, Nada focused on safety, security, sport integrity, and youth matters.  
 
Nada holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado, Denver, and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the American University of Sharjah. 

 

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Brandon Wu

Brandon Wu is the Operations Associate at NAPABA, where he supports day-to-day operations, office administration, and cultivation of member relationships. In his role, Brandon assists with improvements to operational processes and procedures to maximize efficiency, while also liaising with NAPABA members, committees, networks, and affiliates to foster their engagement and growth.
 
Brandon has a background in community organizing and the federal government, shaping his passion for supporting underserved communities like the AANHPI community. Prior to joining NAPABA, Brandon interned at the White House Office of Management and Budget, Export-Import Bank of the United States, and the Maritime Administration, and supported field organizing and communications work on political campaigns and organizations in Maryland, Virginia, and Texas. 
 
Brandon holds a B.S. in Foreign Service in International Political Economy and a M.A. in Asian Studies from Georgetown University.

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Meagan Pe

Meagan Pe is NAPABA’s Policy Associate. In this role, Meagan works to advance NAPABA’s advocacy and policy initiatives by working with a variety of stakeholders and by developing and implementing advocacy strategies. 
 
Prior to joining NAPABA, Meagan worked at the Brennan Center for Justice in its Democracy Program and at HeadCount, where she supported their voting rights department. Meagan also served as the Project Manager for a partnership between HeadCount and The Daily Show. 
 
Meagan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from New York University.

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