Priya Purandare

Purandare is the Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) representing the interests of more than 80,000 attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students nationwide.

A seasoned association executive, Priya has led NAPABA through a period of significant organizational growth, financial strength, and expanding national influence. Since becoming Executive Director in 2020, she has strengthened the organization’s financial position, expanded its national programs and strategic partnerships, and elevated its role as a leading voice for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal community.

With more than 15 years of service to NAPABA, Priya brings a unique combination of institutional knowledge, strategic vision, and executive leadership. She has guided the development and implementation of NAPABA’s Strategic Plan, navigated the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of heightened anti-Asian discrimination, and strengthened engagement across its network of more than 90 national, state, and local affiliate organizations. Her leadership has focused on building a financially sustainable, innovative, and resilient organization while expanding opportunities for professional advancement, leadership, and community engagement.

Previously, Priya served as Executive Director of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) and Convention Manager for the American Public Health Association (APHA). Throughout her career, she has led and supported organizations committed to advancing equity, justice, access, and opportunity.

Priya holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida and an M.A. in Women’s Studies from the George Washington University. She previously served as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the API Domestic Violence Resource Project.