ChangeMaker 2023: Minority Empowerment Network is a leading Nepali non-profit organization based in New York City, dedicated to advocating for the mental health and economic empowerment of minority communities.
Notably, they played a pivotal role in organizing the first-ever hoisting of Nepal’s flag in NYC on Nepali Constitution Day, September 20, 2023. This historic event, held in Bowling Green Park, Lower Manhattan, drew around 500 attendees, making it the largest flag-raising gathering to date.
Comprising distinguished Nepali community leaders, the team at Minority Empowerment Network serves as South Asian advisors for state officials and holds esteemed positions on the Queens Community Board. Beyond ceremonial achievements, their impactful initiatives include distributing holiday cheer through toy drives, providing free back-to-school backpacks, and ensuring community safety by distributing N95 masks during challenging times.
The organization actively collaborates with other non-profits and city agencies, advocating for small business owners, meeting with local precincts and council members, and bringing in resources to foster economic empowerment in minority communities. Essential workshops on mental health, community capacity building ESL, and underage gambling prevention showcase their commitment to uplifting the Nepali and other minority communities.
Minority Empowerment Network aspires to be the community's resource center and a guiding hand, striving to create a positive impact on the well-being and economic prosperity of minority groups in New York City.