We’re grateful to all the local community businesses and organizations that support our work, whether by collaborating on AAPI-focused programming, spreading visibility and acceptance of AAPI culture, or supporting our community celebrations through donations or sponsorships.

We’re excited to share their stories with you through these small business spotlights and hope you enjoy learning more about our wonderful partners!

Thinkable

Meet Desh Amila, founder of Thinkable & This is 42

Location
We operate remotely from Montclair, Sydney, Colombo, and Hyderabad. Our events are our primary in-person presence.

The Thinkable series will take place across six evenings from October 2025 – July 2026 at Lackawanna Station (1 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, NJ).

What’s the story behind Thinkable?
Thinkable was born from my experience living through a civil war in Sri Lanka, where I witnessed the consequences of people not listening to each other. In today’s America, I believe it’s crucial to foster difficult conversations beyond social media. I’m driven to build platforms where people can engage in difficult conversations, where complex ideas can be debated without fear of reprisal. I want to give space to voices that challenge the dominant narrative, those that have been marginalised or silenced. It’s about creating a sense of safety and community through shared conversation, something I never had growing up.

Can you share more about your experience living through Sri Lanka’s civil war and the cultural or social dynamics you witnessed during that time?
My childhood in Sri Lanka was deeply impacted by two major conflicts: the civil war and a Maoist uprising. It was a constant presence, a backdrop of uncertainty and fear. My father, a school teacher, was on a kill list and was in hiding from the Maoists for the better part of 6 years. This created a sense of instability that was not just political but profoundly personal. I grew up with the understanding that silence could be a matter of life or death. 

The civil war and the Maoist insurgency were complex webs of ethnic, social, and political dynamics. It was an environment where narratives were weaponised, and the truth became a casualty. We regularly witnessed the disappearance of journalists and activists. Suicide bombs were a regular occurrence and not too far from any kid who grew up in Sri Lanka at that time. However, the propaganda on TV and in the media told us that this was indeed normal and that life was amazing for us. This experience taught me about the immense power of ideas, for good and for ill, and the urgent need for a space where people can speak without fear.

What are you most proud of? Has there been a moment when you felt the impact of your work most clearly?
I’m proud to have produced two independent documentaries, toured some of the world’s greatest minds across Australia and New Zealand for nearly a decade, and now I have the opportunity to bring this to Montclair.

When I was producing my documentary, Islam and the Future of Tolerance we faced significant resistance from mainstream media outlets and journalists who were afraid to touch the topic. The experience was a stark reminder of the power of censorship and self-censorship. But when the film came out, the feedback we received was overwhelming. People who felt they couldn’t talk about Islam without being labelled as extremists or apologists finally had a tool to facilitate dialogue. That’s when I realised the real impact isn’t just in the events, but in providing the very tools for conversation to continue long after the stage is empty.

How have audiences responded to your events? Any story that stuck with you?
I have so many unforgettable moments, but one that truly stands out came on the heels of a rather “controversial” event with Sam Harris and Maajid Nawaz. I saw the conversations about Islam and Muslim people begin to shift in Australia. I heard a famous AFL player using his national radio platform to talk about ideas he heard at one of my events. That event series genuinely moved a conversation that was only happening on the extreme sides of society to a more nuanced and balanced side, and then eventually, to the mainstream.

Have you noticed recurring themes or concerns across conversations in the U.S., Sydney, Colombo, and Hyderabad?
I’ve noticed a fascinating paradox across the different cities I’ve worked in the U.S., Sydney, Colombo, and Hyderabad. While the specifics of the issues are local, the underlying recurring themes are universal. In every country, people are grappling with a sense of polarisation and a struggle to find common ground. They’re concerned about the erosion of trust in institutions and the rise of misinformation. There is a deep hunger for authenticity and genuine connection, a desire to move beyond the superficial and engage in meaningful dialogue. This is what gives me hope. Despite our differences, our fundamental concerns as human beings are remarkably similar.

How do you hope your series contributes to conversations or visibility for Asian and Asian American perspectives?
I hope to contribute to the conversation around Asian and Asian American perspectives by challenging the monolithic view that often defines our community. The “model minority” myth, the “perpetual foreigner” trope, these are simplistic narratives that erase our complex histories and diverse experiences. My work, particularly the Montclair series, is about presenting a richer, more nuanced picture. It’s about elevating the voices of thinkers, artists, and leaders who reflect the breadth and depth of our communities. I believe that by creating spaces for these conversations, we can empower a new generation to see themselves not as a single story, but as the architects of their own multifaceted narratives.

Any recommendations or tips for us when we visit? Or something you wish more people knew about?
Our events are designed to challenge your thinking and offer new perspectives, helping you better understand the world. 

Visit their website to learn more