Staff
Samip Mallick
Executive Director
Samip Mallick is the co-founder and executive director of SAADA, leading the organization from its inception in 2008 to its position today as a nationally recognized leader in intergenerational connection and community-based storytelling. From its headquarters in Philadelphia, SAADA represents more than 6.1 million individuals across the U.S., ensuring that South Asian Americans are recognized as an essential part of the American story. SAADA's archive, storytelling projects, exhibits, artistic partnerships, walking tours, lesson plans, books, and films reflect more than 250 years of history and have received awards from both the American Historical Association and the Society of American Archivists. Mallick is a second generation South Asian American. He has previously worked for the University of Chicago and the Social Science Research Council, and he holds degrees in computer science and library and information sciences. He has also served as an advisor for the Ford Foundation and the Library of Congress.
Executive Director
Samip Mallick is the co-founder and executive director of SAADA, leading the organization from its inception in 2008 to its position today as a nationally recognized leader in intergenerational connection and community-based storytelling. From its headquarters in Philadelphia, SAADA represents more than 6.1 million individuals across the U.S., ensuring that South Asian Americans are recognized as an essential part of the American story. SAADA's archive, storytelling projects, exhibits, artistic partnerships, walking tours, lesson plans, books, and films reflect more than 250 years of history and have received awards from both the American Historical Association and the Society of American Archivists. Mallick is a second generation South Asian American. He has previously worked for the University of Chicago and the Social Science Research Council, and he holds degrees in computer science and library and information sciences. He has also served as an advisor for the Ford Foundation and the Library of Congress.
Sreedevi Sripathy
Senior Program Manager
Sreedevi Sripathy has worked in public media for 18 years, with a focus on amplifying unheard voices and untold stories. She most recently directed a fellowship of 20 independent documentary filmmakers in the early research and development phase of their projects. Previously the Director of Production and Programming at WHYY, she built relationships with local filmmakers and community organizations, increasing the portfolio of films from BIPOC makers. She started her career with ITVS, supporting the distribution of documentaries to PBS stations across the country, where she worked on the Emmy award winning series Independent Lens and the international documentary series Global Voices. She is thrilled to join the SAADA team and community, especially because it's the only place she’s worked where you can find paan in the kitchen cupboards!
Senior Program Manager
Sreedevi Sripathy has worked in public media for 18 years, with a focus on amplifying unheard voices and untold stories. She most recently directed a fellowship of 20 independent documentary filmmakers in the early research and development phase of their projects. Previously the Director of Production and Programming at WHYY, she built relationships with local filmmakers and community organizations, increasing the portfolio of films from BIPOC makers. She started her career with ITVS, supporting the distribution of documentaries to PBS stations across the country, where she worked on the Emmy award winning series Independent Lens and the international documentary series Global Voices. She is thrilled to join the SAADA team and community, especially because it's the only place she’s worked where you can find paan in the kitchen cupboards!
Anjali Tampy
Administrative Coordinator
Anjali Tampy is a creative who also loves data and processes. She previously did QA on research support materials for nonprofits and government programs. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Biology and Policy from Monmouth University. As a lifelong learner she is passionate about using her research skills and understanding of both data and people to solve problems and make systems smoother. In addition, Anjali enjoys the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam and performing whenever she can. She also practices various forms of yoga and has her 200hr teaching certification in Hatha yoga. Anjali loves stories and feels deeply connected to her own South Asian identity, and is excited to help SAADA bring untold South Asian stories back to the community.
Administrative Coordinator
Anjali Tampy is a creative who also loves data and processes. She previously did QA on research support materials for nonprofits and government programs. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Biology and Policy from Monmouth University. As a lifelong learner she is passionate about using her research skills and understanding of both data and people to solve problems and make systems smoother. In addition, Anjali enjoys the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam and performing whenever she can. She also practices various forms of yoga and has her 200hr teaching certification in Hatha yoga. Anjali loves stories and feels deeply connected to her own South Asian identity, and is excited to help SAADA bring untold South Asian stories back to the community.
Matangi Melpakkam
Program Assistant
Matangi Melpakkam is an avid reader, critical thinker, and problem solver. She holds B.A.s in Physics and Political Science from Bryn Mawr College. Matangi led the Bryn Mawr IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for many years, preparing taxes for low-income Philadelphia area taxpayers. As a coordinator, she trained and empowered students to prepare tax returns and engage in customer and community service. Under her leadership, the program expanded to Haverford College. Matangi has communications experience with the American Institute of Physics’ FYI publication and has completed two internships with the U.S. House of Representatives. Matangi is excited to share her passion for community engagement as a program assistant. SAADA’s mission to tell the South Asian American story sits close to her heart.
Program Assistant
Matangi Melpakkam is an avid reader, critical thinker, and problem solver. She holds B.A.s in Physics and Political Science from Bryn Mawr College. Matangi led the Bryn Mawr IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for many years, preparing taxes for low-income Philadelphia area taxpayers. As a coordinator, she trained and empowered students to prepare tax returns and engage in customer and community service. Under her leadership, the program expanded to Haverford College. Matangi has communications experience with the American Institute of Physics’ FYI publication and has completed two internships with the U.S. House of Representatives. Matangi is excited to share her passion for community engagement as a program assistant. SAADA’s mission to tell the South Asian American story sits close to her heart.
Edward Wang
Grants & CRM Manager
Edward Wang is dedicated to spotlighting the cultural and creative output of communities which have historically lacked recognition. A writer and educator, Wang has presented research on Asian American musical theatre at the Society for Ethnomusicology and Society for American Music. He has worked with several Asian American nonprofit organizations to improve political participation and promote mental health access for underserved populations. A 2019 intern at the American Folklife Center, he created digital guides to the Library of Congress’s archival collections. Wang holds a master’s degree in ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in music from The College of New Jersey.
Grants & CRM Manager
Edward Wang is dedicated to spotlighting the cultural and creative output of communities which have historically lacked recognition. A writer and educator, Wang has presented research on Asian American musical theatre at the Society for Ethnomusicology and Society for American Music. He has worked with several Asian American nonprofit organizations to improve political participation and promote mental health access for underserved populations. A 2019 intern at the American Folklife Center, he created digital guides to the Library of Congress’s archival collections. Wang holds a master’s degree in ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in music from The College of New Jersey.
Danbi Yi
Special Projects Manager
Danbi Yi joined SAADA in 2022 after working with high school students as an English and Social Studies teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. In the classroom, she prioritized uplifting stories that reflected the diverse communities of her students and creating space for students to share their own. She holds a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and majored in English with a minor in Social and Economic Justice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is excited to bring her experience and passion to further SAADA’s work of redefining the American story.
Special Projects Manager
Danbi Yi joined SAADA in 2022 after working with high school students as an English and Social Studies teacher in the School District of Philadelphia. In the classroom, she prioritized uplifting stories that reflected the diverse communities of her students and creating space for students to share their own. She holds a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and majored in English with a minor in Social and Economic Justice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is excited to bring her experience and passion to further SAADA’s work of redefining the American story.
Laura R. Seltzer
Executive Assistant
Laura Seltzer is an administrative professional with a background in art education, support service, and administrative support in the world of higher education. She is passionate about relationship building, problem solving, and creating welcoming spaces. With a dedication to equity and education, Laura is thrilled to serve communities in and beyond Philadelphia with SAADA.
Executive Assistant
Laura Seltzer is an administrative professional with a background in art education, support service, and administrative support in the world of higher education. She is passionate about relationship building, problem solving, and creating welcoming spaces. With a dedication to equity and education, Laura is thrilled to serve communities in and beyond Philadelphia with SAADA.