Vani Ghanate recognized as a visionary in technology and entrepreneurship as part of Top 20 Global Women of Excellence.
Our Bureau
Washington, DC
The 13th Annual Congressional International Women’s Day Celebration, hosted by the American Multi Ethnic Commission (AMEC) on March 12, 2025 honored twenty remarkable women from around the world at the Rayburn Building on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
During her welcome address, Awards Jury Co-Chair Dr. Vasavi Chakka highlighted the event as a celebration of women who have exemplified outstanding excellence, leadership, and resilience in their respective fields. She underscored that the occasion reflects AMEC’s steadfast commitment to empowering and inspiring women to pursue greater achievements.
Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, President of AMEC, expressed his gratitude to Congressman Danny K. Davis, one of the most senior members of the U.S. House of Representatives, whom he regards as a mentor. Reflecting on the origins of the celebration, Dr. Prabhakar recalled that during the Congressional Oscars in 2012, Congressman Davis proposed the idea of an event dedicated to honoring women. This vision led to the establishment of AMEC’s Annual Celebration of 20 Global Women of Excellence.
Dr. Prabhakar also highlighted AMEC’s tradition of selecting a host ethnic community each year. This year, the honor went to the Chinese Embassy, which warmly welcomed awardees and AMEC guests with a special dinner reception.
In his remarks, Congressman Davis emphasized the significance of recognizing Women’s History, stating, “Today, we celebrate the contributions of exceptional women who shape our nation and make America what it is. We are proud to honor individuals from across the globe.” He also commended Dr. Prabhakar as the “guiding light” of the celebration, applauding his unwavering commitment to honoring women’s achievements for over 13 years.
Congressman Shri Thanedar, during his speech congratulated the awardees while reflecting on his mother’s sacrifices and the values she instilled in him despite enduring financial hardships. “I grew up in poverty, and my mother, under the hardest financial circumstances, raised me with such strong values that they have stayed with me for a lifetime,” he shared, adding that he misses his mother, a resilient and inspiring woman, every day.
Congressman Jonathan Jackson acknowledged the historical challenges faced by women in Congress. He pointed out that while the U.S. Congress was established in 1789, it wasn’t until 2011 that women legislators had a restroom near the House Chamber on the second floor. “It took 222 years to get a women’s facility,” he remarked. “I say that to emphasize how truly special it is to have you here on Capitol Hill, being honored for your achievements.”
The 20 Global Women of Excellence who were recognized at AMEC’s Congressional International Women’s Day Celebration included:
Dr. Udaya Shivangi – Visionary in sleep medicine and wellness; Founder & Director, Sleep Center Group, Jackson, Mississippi.
Dr. Senay Simsek – Leading food science researcher; Dean’s Chair, Department of Food Sciences, Purdue University, Indiana.
Dr. Brandi Jackson – Pioneering psychiatrist revolutionizing mental health care; Chicago, Illinois.
Grace Munro – CEO of The Inspire Group, South Africa; a leader in business innovation and community development.
Devika Malik – Paralympian and Founder of Wheeling Happiness Foundation, India; advocate for disability rights and inclusion.
Dr. Sangeeta Simlote – Dedicated physician improving healthcare access for underserved communities; Brookeville, Maryland.
Cheryl Ravuri – Inspirational spiritual leader and community advocate; Edison, New Jersey.
Donna Miller – Trailblazing Cook County Commissioner, Oak Forest, Illinois; champion for policy reform.
Prof. Jyothsna Tirunagari – National Spokesperson, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), India; influential leader in politics and women’s empowerment.
Rebecca Cusano – Director of Outreach, Church of Scientology, Chicago; committed to social service and community engagement.
Jennifer-Ruth Green – Secretary of Public Safety, State of Indiana; dedicated to public safety and service.
Mattie Hunter – Majority Leader, Illinois Senate; fearless advocate for legislative reform and justice.
Vani Ghanate – Founder of DhoomDB.com, Georgia, USA; visionary in technology and entrepreneurship.
Pat Merryweather Arges – Chair of St. Bernard’s Hospital, Chicago; leader in healthcare and community health initiatives.
Daiva Andrade Gonzalez – Senior Acquisition Manager, TV3 Group, Lithuania; global leader in media and communications.
Dr. Mahjabeen Hussain – Dedicated oncology administrator, South Chicago Oncology; advancing cancer care and treatment.
Rekha Radhakrishnan – Life coach and empowerment mentor, Georgia, USA; champion for personal growth and leadership.
Dr. Mercedes Martinez – Physician Specialist, Pilsen Wellness Center, Chicago; innovator in integrative medicine and wellness.
Teresa Rodriguez Cerdas – President, Global Education Group, Costa Rica; champion for global education and women’s leadership.
Fatima N. Traore – Entrepreneur and beauty industry pioneer, Chicago; redefining hair care and women self-empowerment.
Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. Award for Excellence 2025 – Presented to the Paralympic Committee of India, with M. Satyanarayana, National Paralympic Coach of India, accepting the honor.
Edward & Lily Prabhakar Centenary Award 2025 – Bestowed upon Shashi Thanedar, Executive Director of the Shri Thanedar Outreach Center, for her exceptional contributions.
NTR Centenary Award 2025 – Awarded to Sunil Savili, CEO of Unicom Technologies in Atlanta, Georgia, and Dr. Vasavi Chakka, Dean of the Global Eye International Institute for Leadership, recognizing their leadership and impact.
Newton & Lita Devasahayam Centenary Award 2025 – Conferred upon Mustafa Ajmeri, CEO of Global Entertainments and Media Services, for his outstanding achievements in the entertainment and media industry.
One of the awardees, Vani Ghanate was recognized as a technologist and visionary for her contributions to DhoomDB.com at AMEC’s Top 20 Global Women of Excellence. She was recognized for her unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Fueled by passion and a bold vision for DhoomDB.com, Vani made the courageous decision to leave behind a stable and successful IT career to build the platform single-handedly. Inspired by her dedication, her husband soon joined her in this endeavor, contributing to its growth. What began as a solo pursuit has now evolved into a dynamic team of passionate individuals, predominantly women, united by a shared mission. Vani’s mother leads the team in India, providing invaluable support and guidance.
Vani envisions reshaping the digital entertainment landscape by establishing a seamless, one-stop destination for media enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond her personal achievements, she is deeply committed to empowering women, fostering opportunities, and nurturing growth within her team.
She was nominated by Mustafa Ajmeri of Atlanta and honored by Dr. VGP of AMEC and Congressman Danny K. Davis. Originally from a small town in India, Vani highlighted the vital role of education and her family’s unwavering support in her entrepreneurial journey. She concluded her acceptance speech with a heartfelt pledge to uplift the widowed women of Vrindavan, India, empowering them to transition from abandonment to becoming contributing members of society.
