Robin K. Thomas

President

Dear MEANA Family,

With immense pride and gratitude, I step into the role of President of the Malayalee Engineers Association of North America (MEANA) for the 2025–2026 term. I wholeheartedly thank the outgoing leadership and every member contributing to our organization’s growth.

I especially want to acknowledge our founding members—trailblazing engineers who, despite the hardships of settling in a new land, remained steadfast in their commitment to our community and profession. Their vision, rooted in our shared Kerala heritage, led them to establish MEANA. Their courage, resilience, and dedication inspire us—as they allowed us to stand on their shoulders—while we build upon the solid foundation they created, ensuring that their legacy propels MEANA forward for future generations.

MEANA’s core purpose is to foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity, with a special focus on the Malayalee diaspora across North America. Our vision is to be indispensable to the Malayalee engineering community in North America and universally recognized for our contributions to improving global conditions. These guiding principles remind us that our work not only advances our professional fields but also serves a higher purpose—uplifting society as a whole.

Our association is an exciting community where engineers of Malayalee origin come together to share common interests, values, and experiences. Our diverse activities reflect our commitment to professional excellence and societal betterment. Initiatives such as Project-1000—a scholarship program supporting engineering education in Kerala; Project Homeland—empowering Malayalee engineers in the USA to address challenges in Kerala from an engineering perspective; and the prestigious annual award, “Malayalee Engineer of the Year,” are testaments to our dedication to making a positive impact.

 

During my term, I am excited to focus on several key initiatives:

  • Fostering New Member Engagement: Our community thrives when fresh ideas and diverse perspectives are embraced. I am committed to launching initiatives that attract and empower new members, particularly Millennials and Gen Z. To that end, I am excited to introduce two cash awards: one to honor top achievers among 12th-grade students and the second to recent engineering undergraduates from the Malayalee community.
  • Achieving Financial Strength: Reaching a stable financial footing is essential for our future. I envision us acquiring our own office space—a dedicated hub that will serve as the heartbeat of MEANA’s activities. We will raise funds through various activities, donations, and sponsorships from individuals and companies.
  • Strengthening Our Network: I am planning a series of dynamic activities to foster deeper community engagement. These include expert talks on emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity, and sessions on personal finance. Additionally, we will host badminton tournaments and 5K runs to further unite the sports enthusiasts among us.
  • Celebrating Our Cultural Heritage: I am planning an exclusive cultural event featuring a renowned troupe of artists from Kerala to celebrate our rich cultural roots.
  • Enhancing Professional Development: I plan to introduce programs that offer mentorship opportunities and career guidance to budding entrepreneurs and job seekers. We will also keep our senior members engaged by sharing their valuable knowledge and experience. By collaborating with industry leaders, we will empower every member to accelerate their career growth.
  • Deepening Cultural and Alumni Engagement: In addition to our annual social gatherings, I plan to organize alumni get-togethers for each of our members’ alma maters. These events will celebrate our past and forge lasting connections across generations.
  • Driving Community Impact: We will explore new projects and partnerships that extend our technological innovation and societal benefit mission.
  • Increasing our digital footprint: Increasing our digital footprint is essential in today’s interconnected world. I am excited to announce that we will be actively enhancing MEANA’s social media presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X. This initiative will allow us to share our success stories, celebrate our achievements, and connect with both our current members and potential new members. By leveraging these popular channels, we aim to create a lively online community that reflects our spirit, fosters professional networking, and highlights the remarkable contributions of Malayalee engineers across North America.

I firmly believe that every member plays a crucial role in our collective journey. I invite you all to actively engage, share your ideas, and collaborate in shaping a vibrant future for MEANA. Together, we can continue to honor our legacy while paving the way for new achievements that reflect our mission and vision.

Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to working with you all during this exciting term and building upon our proud traditions to create a lasting impact.

Sincerely,

Robin K. Thomas

President, Malayalee Engineers Association of North America

February 12, 2025