BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, May 17, 2024: Neera Bahl and Sonjui Kumar are among the 25 people named by Georgia Asian Times in its annual list of Most Influential Asian Americans in Georgia. The annual list documents the changing of power and the continual shifting of influence of Asian Americans in Georgia communities.
Individuals named have made an impact in business, government, politics, social work, education, judiciary, and areas that influence every aspect of a Georgian’s daily life.
Bahl started with a small law firm in 2005 as an Associate and after that in 2007, she became a name partner. In April 2009, she bought the same firm, renaming it Neera Bahl & Associates for her independent practice of law specializing in all areas of Immigration Law and Family Law. Governor Brian Kemp appointed Neera Bahl as an Appellate Judge and Director of the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation in August 2020. She is currently serving as the Chairwoman of the Regional Advisory Council of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC-SE) after serving 3 years as the President of this organization.
“I am thrilled and deeply honored to share that I have been selected as one of the top 25 Most Influential Asians in Georgia by Georgia Asian Times. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the collective efforts of our vibrant Asian community in Georgia. And I congratulate my fellow awardees who are accomplished individuals and impactful contributors to Georgia’s economic, social & legal sectors. I am humbled by this acknowledgment and grateful for the opportunities to contribute to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our state. Through dedication, hard work, and collaboration, we continue to shape and enrich the diverse tapestry of Georgia. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Georgia Asian Times for this recognition and to everyone who has supported me along this journey. Together, we will strive to foster greater understanding, unity, and progress within our community and beyond,” Bahl remarked.
Kumar is a leader of the Georgia South Asian Bar community and has been for almost 20 years. Founder of her law firm, and wielding her influence in numerous business, legal, and community circles, Kumar affects change and facilitates development throughout the AAPI community. As Chairwoman of the Board for Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta, Kumar recently led a successful leadership transition to a new Executive Director. Her civic community involvement includes serving on the advisory board of The Georgia Indo American Chamber of Commerce and Cool Girls Inc. She is a board member of the Fox Theatre Atlanta and is a long-time charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE, Atlanta Chapter).
“It was a very pleasant surprise to receive this recognition as one of the most influential AAPIs in Georgia this year. Personally, it confirms that what has been important to me in the last few years, to make our metro better, to represent our community’s voice and inspire others along the way, is worthwhile. Mostly, this recognition motivates me to continue the work,” – Kumar said.
