Empowering Communities. Inspiring Leadership.
UTSAV Voice is a Washington State-based 501(c)(4) social welfare organization committed to strengthening civic participation, advancing equity, and empowering South Asian communities through collective action.
Our work goes beyond community engagement. We cultivate leadership, encourage informed civic participation, advocate for equitable policies, and create opportunities for communities to become active partners in shaping the future.
By bringing together individuals, organizations, policymakers, and community leaders, we help build stronger, more connected communities where every voice matters.
Mr. Arun Sharma
Founder, Utsav & Utsav VoiceArun Sharma is a respected community leader, engineer, educator, and civic advocate who has dedicated more than two decades to strengthening South Asian communities across Washington State. Through his unwavering commitment to public service, leadership development, and community engagement, he has built bridges between diverse communities and public institutions, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and lasting impact. He is the founder of both UTSAV and UTSAV Voice, organizations established to celebrate community, inspire civic participation, and amplify the voices of South Asians in Washington.
Recognizing the need for greater representation and participation in civic life, Arun founded UTSAV Voice as a community-powered social welfare organization focused on advocacy, leadership, and public engagement. Under his leadership, the organization has worked to encourage informed civic participation, foster relationships with policymakers, organize legislative advocacy efforts, and create platforms where community members can actively contribute to shaping a more inclusive future. His work reflects a belief that lasting change begins when communities are informed, organized, and empowered to lead.
Throughout his journey, Arun has earned the trust of community organizations, elected leaders, educators, and public institutions through his collaborative and solutions-oriented approach. Whether mentoring future leaders, advocating for equitable opportunities, or bringing communities together around shared goals, he continues to champion a vision where every voice has the opportunity to be heard and every community has the power to shape its own future. His leadership remains rooted in service, inclusion, and the belief that collective action creates stronger, more resilient communities.
OUR MISSION
To empower South Asian communities through leadership, advocacy, civic engagement, and collaboration while advancing equity, justice, and meaningful participation in public life.
OUR VISION
A future where every South Asian has the opportunity, confidence, and influence to actively participate in civic life and contribute toward building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Our Core Values
Community
Building stronger communities through collaboration and shared purpose.
Leadership
Inspiring individuals to become changemakers.
Equity
Promoting fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Integrity
Acting with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Service
Putting communities first through meaningful action.
Collaboration
Working together to create greater impact.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
- Communities become stronger when people participate.
- Leadership grows when opportunities are shared.
- Democracy thrives when every voice is heard.
- Change becomes possible when communities work together.
WHAT MAKES UTSAV VOICE DIFFERENT
- We don't simply organize events.
- We build leaders.
- We don't just advocate for change.
- We empower communities to become the change.
About Utsav
UTSAV, a Washington State based non-profit, is a culturally specific, community powered service organization led by and serving South Asians in the State of Washington leading powerful work to advance equity in our communities.
With the purpose of building a welcoming and inclusive community in our multicultural nation, UTSAV has become a platform that connects South Asians living in the Pacific Northwest with local communities while developing and empowering civic leaders to serve & support a wide range of youth, adult & family needs. It helps to create a community where people feel safe, respected, and comfortable in being themselves and expressing their identities freely. UTSAV also provides political education, encourages expression of community power by engaging policymakers to work towards elimination of personal biases (anti-harassment and anti-racism), and institutional racism. The goal is to reclaim the culture(s) of POC and ensure equitable existence of POC into the broader social and economic ecosystem.
The clients are communities of color, low-income communities, immigrants, undocumented, refugees, and communities that are limited English speaking (and that speak South Asian languages). The clients are from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Fiji. The religions represented are Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Christianity.
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