MassLive recently asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community throughout the state, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published through AAPI Heritage Month in May. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Neeva PatelSebastian Restrepo
Neeva Patel
Age: 16
Community: Longmeadow
Her story: Neeva Patel created a digital archive called “Our Motel Stories” which captures the inspirational journeys of Indian immigrants who transformed the American hospitality industry.
Each story holds a unique perspective and Patel said she hopes it creates a “haven for a community often underrepresented.”
She said the project’s goals are threefold: to raise awareness, foster a sense of community and establish a lasting resource for future generations.
“These narratives deserve to be heard before they fade with time,” Patel said. “This isn’t ancient history, but a vital and untold chapter of American history.”
Patel said she wanted to celebrate the Indian immigrant experience, their sacrifices, hard work and determination, which deserve recognition.
“Their stories are a testament to the power of starting anew and paving the way for future success,” Patel said.
The inspiration for the archival project came from Patel’s grandfather.
“He poured his life’s work into a small Floridian motel, achieving success until Hurricane Andrew devasted everything in the ‘90s,” she said.
After losing her grandfather to COVID-19 in 2020, Patel said she came to a stark realization.
“His sacrifices and struggles, his unique immigrant journey tied to the motel industry, all vanished with him,” Patel said. “The weight of that loss propelled me to create ‘Our Motel Stories.’”
Through the archive project, Patel preserves the stories of others like her grandfather — Indian immigrants who came to America and “poured their hearts into motels,” she said.
Patel hopes to take her archive project nationwide.
In her words: “Embrace your heritage as a wellspring of pride,” Patel said. “Look to your own culture and history for lessons and inspiration, but don’t stop there. Share these stories with the world!”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
