A Warm Welcome to a Diverse Community
On August 9, Qahwah House in Astoria, Queens, hosted the debut of TINDS Social, a networking evening celebrating South Asian culture and professional growth. From 6 PM to 10 PM, the event brought together industry leaders, emerging talent, and community members over tea and conversation.
Powered by Secure Safer, an insurance consulting agency, the night combined professional insight with cultural warmth. Guests were welcomed with desserts and tea before the TINDS team opened the evening with a lighthearted note: “Tonight we’re only collecting your energy, attention, and good vibes.” Organizers emphasized that this was the first of many gatherings aimed at empowering the South Asian professional community.
Moments That Made the Night
The evening followed a well-planned schedule. After registration, attendees joined speed networking, Q&A sessions, and photo opportunities. A highlight was the Chacktok Photo Booth, tested in advance for perfect angles and lighting. TINDS and SecureSafer branding remained visible in every shot, creating professional yet fun keepsakes for guests to share.
At 7 PM, both TINDS and SecureSafer shared concise presentations about their missions and the benefits they offer. This was followed by the Business Pioneer Spotlight, where each guest was introduced to the attendees.
Business Pioneer Guests
The event featured 13 accomplished professionals, each bringing unique expertise:
- Pankaj Kumar – Restaurant franchise pioneer expanding South Asian flavors in the U.S.
- Roshan Thomas – Insurance entrepreneur supporting families and individuals.
- Monalisa – Actress and mortgage professional bridging entertainment and finance.
- Walter Luna – Healthcare recruiter connecting professionals to new opportunities.
- Peter Karlin – Mortgage loan officer guiding clients toward homeownership.
- Raja Tayeb – Real estate expert with over two decades in New York’s market.
- Usman Malik – Attorney specializing in real estate law and client advocacy.
- JFM Rasel – Life insurance broker and real estate investor driving financial growth.
- Jahir – Healthcare entrepreneur expanding access to essential services.
- Rasel Ul Alam – IT training and placement leader building tech careers.
- Amitabh Reza – Award-winning film director shaping cinema and advertising.
- Khaled Akkam – Co-founder of Secure Safer, delivering comprehensive insurance solutions.
- Altaf Hossain – Multi-venture founder building businesses in media, insurance, and beyond.
Building a Lasting Community
Following introductions, guests engaged in open networking and “collab corners” for deeper conversations. A WhatsApp community group was also launched, connecting attendees for continued collaboration. The group will serve as a hub for job opportunities, expert insights, and peer support, giving young professionals direct access to experienced mentors.
As organizers put it, “Tinds is creating a platform to foster the South Asian community.” The aim is to ensure that connections made at the event continue to grow long after the last cup of tea.
Looking Ahead
With its structured networking, cultural connections, and interactive features, TINDS Social’s debut left a lasting impression. Organizers plan to build on this momentum, creating a recurring platform where South Asian professionals can connect, collaborate, and thrive in New York and beyond.
