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AMEC & MEATF hosts 11th Annual Congressional International Women’s Day Celebration

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Our Bureau
Washington, DC

The American Multi Ethnic Coalition (AMEC) and the Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force (MEATF) hosted the 11th Annual Congressional International Women’s Day 2023, on March 8, 2023, on Capitol Hill, and celebrated the achievements of 20 women of diverse ethnicities.

Congressman Danny Davis, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Jonathan Jackson and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez all representing Illinois along with President of Chicago Medical Society Dr. Tariq Butt, Shan Vaithilingam, South Asia Advertising Executive, The Global Eye, Los Angeles who hails from Sri Lanka and Founder of Dads with Daughters, New York Ravi KARKARA were all presented the Edward & Lily Prabhakar Centenary Awards. This Award commemorates the birth centenary of Edward & Lily Prabhakar, the parents of Dr VGP, the founder of AMEC & MEATF.

So far 16 outstanding persons have received the Edward & Lily Prabhakar Centenary Award. The Global Eye Magazine is honoring 100 individuals/ institutions with the Prestigious EDWARD & LILY PRABHAKAR CENTENARY AWARD throughout the Birth centenary year of DR. VGP’s blessed parents from March 1,2023 to August 22, 2024

Congressman Davis said, “I thank all of you for coming to visit your house, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. It belongs to you.” Appreciating Samara’s leadership qualities, he referred to her talk as “one of the most fascinating speeches” he had ever heard.

Praising the organizers, Krishnamoorthi said he was happy to be part of the occasion to celebrate women. Referring to the organizers, he said “They do the Lord’s work in terms of helping others in a time when a lot of people need help… so the helpers are the ones that we look to in Congress for leadership.” About Davis, Krishnamoorthi said “he is about the people,” “community empowerment,” and “if there is a way, he will mean to get it done.”

Acknowledging the efforts of Davis to recognize ethnic communities, minorities, and especially women, Dr. Prabhakar expressed his contentment in continuing of the awards ceremony for the second consecutive year on Capitol Hill. He thanked the Chief of Staff to Davis, Tumia Romero, for playing a vital role in bringing this ceremony to Capitol Hill. Referring to Karkara, Dr. Prabhakar said he was happy to “[pass] the baton to the next generation,” and her Call to Action “set the tone for today.”

The Special Guest was a high-ranking federal official Brian Pasternak, Administrator, Office of the Foreign Labor Certifications, U. S. Department of Labor, Washington D. C. who Presented a copy of GSA’s first publication SABD – a collection of poems authored by Dr Sarada Sonty to each awardee at the ceremony.  

Past President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), and Pediatric Anesthesiologist from San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, who was one of the 20 Global Women of Excellence 2023 awardees, highlighted AAPI’s contributions during the COVID pandemic. Dr. Gotimukula said AAPI rose over $5 million in fundraising, supplied oxygen concentrators and ventilators, and provided telemedicine assistance during the acute Delta wave crisis in India. She also talked about AAPI’s national blood donation drive last year, and her ongoing Rural India public health initiative, “Indian Preventive Task Force Guidelines” for preventive health, which has directly benefited 60 villages to date.

“I work for NASA and diversity inclusion and equity is one of our core values, and I look forward to increasing that through the digital future,” said Deputy Director of NASA Goddard Flight Center, Maryland, Joanne Hill.

Mary Barthelson, 2023 Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates and Space Systems Engineer, an advocate for low-income families in Fairfax County, promoter of STEM education, and supporter for the resettlement of refugees, said, “I believe that it is important for women to support and uplift each other and to encourage one another to pursue their passions and goals. By doing so we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background or their circumstances.”

Community Activist, Zoe Ma, who helps underserved inner-city youth with violence prevention, through the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence in Englewood, IL, said she is a Chinese immigrant who arrived in America alone 28 years ago with just $40 in her pocket. “My personal achievement can inspire young women and single mothers, and the path to empowerment is through entrepreneurship,” she said while advocating fair representation of women and minorities in the government and corporate world for an equitable society.

Caldwell Realty Top Performer Kathy Thorat , Meridian Health CEO Sherri Husa, Black Public Safety Alliance Chicago Founder Nikki Harvey ,State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, Dr Twin Green, CEO , The Link & Option Center , South Holland , IL,  Cynthia Dorsey Edwards, CEO Storehouse of Solutions , Atlanta, Dr Rani Yousefzai , CEO, Belleza Med Spa , Skokie, IL , Melani Fernando , Executive Director , Aetna Health Plan of Illinois,  Delia Davis, Deputy Director of NACHC, Washington D.C., White House Correspondent of ANI, Reena Bhardwaj, President & CEO of Esolvit, Usha Boddapu, Founder of SAPNA, Dr. Sarada Sonty, and Founder of Vidya Jyothi, Pratibha Jairath were among the other awardees who were honored at the impressive ceremony .

The organizers Seeta Bala, AMEC & MEATF Awards Jury Chair and Shree Gurusamy, AMEC’s Secretary General excelled as the emcees for the event with flawless and seamless precision. Richa Chand, AMEC Commissioner introduced the Edward & Lily Prabhakar Centenary Award recipients and interviewed the Top 20 Global Women awardees for The Global Eye TV.

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