Presented by Roshni Council · 2027
UNMASKED
Breaking Stigma, Building Support
South Asian Mental Health & Community Wellness Conference
Some conversations have been kept in silence for far too long.
Join us for a meaningful gathering of mental health professionals, families, advocates, students, and community members as we explore mental health, cultural expectations, trauma, and the importance of building stronger support systems.
This conference is rooted in South Asian experiences but open to all communities.
- When
- January 29, 2027
- Where
- The Drawing Board, Richardson, TX
- Time
- Begins 8:30 AM (tentative)
Why UNMASKED
In many of our homes, mental health is still whispered about.
In many South Asian families and communities, conversations about mental health, trauma, addiction, relationship struggles, and multigenerational conflicts can be difficult to begin. Cultural expectations, generational differences, fear of judgment, and uncertainty about where to seek help can make those conversations even more challenging.
UNMASKED creates space to explore these challenges with compassion, cultural understanding, and practical guidance. By bringing together professionals, families, and community voices, we hope to replace silence with understanding, stigma with support, and isolation with connection.
Breaking the Silence
Creating culturally compassionate space to dismantle stigma, open up honest conversations about trauma, addiction, mental health, and relationship conflicts, and foster meaningful connections and support within the South Asian community.
Understanding Our Experiences
All professionals can explore and learn how colonial history, cultural identity, family expectations, and generational differences around gender roles shape physical and emotional wellbeing.
Building Knowledge & Support
Sharing practical tools, evidence-informed information, lived experiences, and connections to culturally responsive resources.
Strengthening Our Community
Connecting families, professionals, and community members to encourage understanding and easy access to resources.
Who Should Attend UNMASKED?
UNMASKED is for anyone who believes that mental health and community well-being deserve open, informed, compassionate conversations, and easier access to treatment options and resources.
Whether you are a mental health professional, educator, parent, caregiver, young adult, or student, your voice and perspective matter.
You do not need to be South Asian or work in mental health to attend. All are welcome.
The day
What to Expect at UNMASKED
UNMASKED is being thoughtfully curated to bring together education, meaningful dialogue, and community connection. Through engaging presentations, expert perspectives, and opportunities to connect with local resources, we hope attendees leave feeling more informed, supported, and empowered to continue these conversations beyond the conference.
Tentative Conference Schedule
Our conference program will feature presentations, meaningful discussions, and opportunities for community connection. Below is a preview of our tentative schedule. Presentation topics and additional details will be announced as they are finalized.
Friday, January 29, 2027 | The Drawing Board, Richardson, TX
- 8:30 – 9 AM
Registration & Networking
- 9 – 9:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Roshni Council
- 9:15 – 10:15 AM
Beyond the Mask: Keynote Address
Dr. Umar Latif
- 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Men's Mental Health Panel Discussion
Panelists & Moderator (TBA)
- 11:45 AM – 1 PM
Lunch, Connections & Community
- 1 – 2 PM
Presentation & Q&A — title to be announced
Nimisha Patel
- 2:15 – 3 PM
Presentation & Q&A — title to be announced
Farha Khoja
- 3 – 3:30 PM
The Light We Carry: Closing Reflections & Gratitude
Roshni Council
Organizing committee
Meet the People Behind UNMASKED
Behind UNMASKED is a collaborative team of mental health professionals, clinicians, child welfare professionals, and community advocates who share a commitment to breaking stigma, encouraging meaningful dialogue, and strengthening community support. Together, we bring diverse experiences and perspectives, united by the belief that meaningful change begins with education, compassion, and collaboration.
Nimisha Patel, LCSW-S, RDN/LD
Owner, Healthy Lifestyles PLLC
Madiha Ashraf, LPC, MS, NCC
Founder, Healing Grounds Counseling
Gauthami Vemula-Queijo, MS, MSE
Founder, Color Me SAFE Foundation
Dimple Shah Raja, LPC-S
Clinical Director, Zen Counseling
Dr. Megha Pulianda, PhD, LPC-S
Founder, Dr. Pulianda & Associates
Priya Bhakta, LPC Associate, EMDR Trained
Organizing Committee Member
Dr. Sapna Patel, PhD, Licensed Psychologist
Owner, The Embodied Path
Nikita Swarna, LMFT-Associate
Owner, Welcome Path Integrative Therapy
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend UNMASKED?+
UNMASKED welcomes mental health professionals, students, parents, caregivers, educators, advocates, and community members interested in mental health and community wellbeing.
You do not need to be a mental health professional to attend.
Do I need to be South Asian to attend?+
Not at all! While UNMASKED is rooted in South Asian experiences and cultural perspectives, the conference welcomes individuals from all backgrounds.
When and where is UNMASKED?+
UNMASKED will take place on Friday, January 29, 2027, at The Drawing Board in Richardson, Texas.
How much does registration cost?+
Fully Licensed Professionals — Early Bird (through December 1, 2026): $100 · Regular Registration (beginning December 2, 2026): $125
Students, Associates, Advocates & Community Members — Early Bird (through December 1, 2026): $50 · Regular Registration (beginning December 2, 2026): $60
Lunch is included with conference registration. Registration Closing Date: To Be Announced.
Is lunch included?+
Yes! Lunch is included with conference registration. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy lunch, visit community resource and vendor tables, and connect with fellow participants during the scheduled lunch and networking session.
Will continuing education credits be available?+
Continuing education credit information will be announced if credits become available and are confirmed.
Will there be community resources and vendors?+
UNMASKED is planning to feature community resource and vendor tables where attendees can connect with organizations, professionals, and services supporting mental health and community wellbeing.
Organizations interested in participating are welcome to contact the Roshni Council organizing committee.
Is UNMASKED a therapy or counseling event?+
No. UNMASKED is an educational and community-focused conference. Presentations and discussions are intended to encourage awareness, understanding, and meaningful dialogue. They are not a substitute for individualized mental health care or counseling.
Will sensitive topics be discussed?+
Yes. Some sessions may address trauma, mental health challenges, food disorders, and other sensitive experiences. We encourage attendees to participate in ways that respect their personal comfort and wellbeing.
How can I help with the conference?+
We welcome individuals interested in volunteering or helping make UNMASKED possible. If you'd like to lend a helping hand, please email roshnicouncil@gmail.com
The umbrella
UNMASKED is the first light. Roshni Council is the lamp.
Roshni Council is a volunteer-led, community-based collaborative alliance of mental health professionals, wellness practitioners, nonprofit representatives, advocates, students, and community partners. UNMASKED is its inaugural conference.