American Multi-Ethnic Coalition honors 20 women in Capitol Hill event

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Twenty outstanding women from around the world were recognized at the 13^th Annual Congressional International Women’s Day Celebration, hosted by the American Multi Ethnic Commission (AMEC) on March 12, 2025, at the Rayburn Building on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

In her welcome address, Awards Jury Co-Chair Dr. Vasavi Chakka emphasized that the event was a tribute to women who have demonstrated exceptional excellence, leadership, and resilience across various fields. She noted that the celebration reflects AMEC’s unwavering commitment to empowering and encouraging women to reach new heights.

President of AMEC, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar shared that Congressman Danny K. Davis, one of the most senior members of the U.S. House of Representatives, has been his mentor. He recalled that in 2012, during the Congressional Oscars, Congressman Davis suggested the need for an event dedicated to honoring women. This idea led to the inception of AMEC’s annual celebration recognizing 20 Global Women of Excellence. He also mentioned that each year, AMEC selects a host ethnic community, with this year’s host being the Chinese Embassy, which held a special dinner reception for the awardees and AMEC guests.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Congressman Davis underscored the importance of celebrating Women’s History, stating, “Today, we are celebrating the contribution of outstanding women in our nation who make America what it is today. We have individuals from almost everywhere around the globe.” He praised Dr. Prabhakar as the “guiding light” behind the event, recognizing his dedication to honoring women for over 13 years.

Congratulating the awardees, Congressman Shri Thanedar reflected on his mother’s sacrifices, sharing how she raised him with strong values despite financial hardships. “I grew up in poverty my mother under the hardest financial problems and difficulties raised me, but she raised me with such good values that they have lasted me a lifetime,” he said noting that he misses her mother, a strong woman, every day.

Congressman Jonathan Jackson highlighted the historical struggles of women in Congress, noting that the U.S. Congress was founded in 1789, yet 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 noting “I say that to say this is truly a very special honor to have you up here,” on Capitol Hill.

The 20 Global Women of Excellence included:

1. Dr. Udaya Shivangi – Visionary in sleep medicine and wellness; Founder & Director, Sleep Center Group, Jackson, Mississippi.
2. Dr. Senay Simsek – Leading food science researcher; Dean’s Chair, Department of Food Sciences, Purdue University, Indiana.
3. Dr. Brandi Jackson – Pioneering psychiatrist revolutionizing mental health care; Chicago, Illinois.
4. Grace Munro – CEO of The Inspire Group, South Africa; a leader in business innovation and community development.
5. Devika Malik – Paralympian and Founder of Wheeling Happiness Foundation, India; advocate for disability rights and inclusion.
6. Dr. Sangeeta Simlote – Dedicated physician improving healthcare access for underserved communities; Brookeville, Maryland.
7. Cheryl Ravuri – Inspirational spiritual leader and community advocate; Edison, New Jersey.
8. Donna Miller – Trailblazing Cook County Commissioner, Oak Forest, Illinois; champion for policy reform.
9. Prof. Jyothsna Tirunagari – National Spokesperson, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), India; influential leader in politics and women’s empowerment.
10. Rebecca Cusano – Director of Outreach, Church of Scientology, Chicago; committed to social service and community engagement.
11. Jennifer-Ruth Green – Secretary of Public Safety, State of Indiana; dedicated to public safety and service.
12. Mattie Hunter – Majority Leader, Illinois Senate; fearless advocate for legislative reform and justice.
13. Vani Ghanate – Founder of DhoomDB.com, Georgia, USA; visionary in technology and entrepreneurship.
14. Pat Merryweather Arges – Chair of St. Bernard’s Hospital, Chicago; leader in healthcare and community health initiatives.
15. Daiva Andrade Gonzalez – Senior Acquisition Manager, TV3 Group, Lithuania; global leader in media and communications.
16. Dr. Mahjabeen Hussain – Dedicated oncology administrator, South Chicago Oncology; advancing cancer care and treatment.
17. Rekha Radhakrishnan – Life coach and empowerment mentor, Georgia, USA; champion for personal growth and leadership.
18. Dr. Mercedes Martinez – Physician Specialist, Pilsen Wellness Center, Chicago; innovator in integrative medicine and wellness.
19. Teresa Rodriguez Cerdas – President, Global Education Group, Costa Rica; champion for global education and women’s leadership.
20. Fatima N. Traore – Entrepreneur and beauty industry pioneer, Chicago; redefining hair care and self-empowerment.

Special Awards presented at the event: 

1. Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. Award for Excellence 2025 – Presented to the Paralympic Committee of India, accepted by M. Satyanarayana, National Paralympic Coach of India.
2. Edward & Lily Prabhakar Centenary Award 2025 – Awarded to Shashi Thanedar, Executive Director, Shri Thanedar Outreach Center.
3. NTR Centenary Award 2025 – Presented to CEO of Unicom Technologies, Atlanta, Georgia, Sunil Savili, and Dean of Global Eye International Institute for Leadership, Dr. Vasavi Chakka.
4. Newton & Lita Devasahayam Centenary Award 2025 – Given to CEO of Global Entertainments and Media Services, Mustafa Ajmeri.

Congratulating the awardees, Honoree Dr. Udaya Shivangi shared an emotional tribute, dedicating her award to her late husband, Dr. Sampat Shivangi, who had nominated her.

“He is my greatest champion, nominated me for it. Though he’s not here today. His spirit and vision continue to guide me,” she added. “He dedicated his life to Indo-American relations, charity and education, leaving behind a legacy that continues to uplift countless lives.”

Prof. Jyothsna Tirunagari emphasized that the recognition was not just a personal achievement but a celebration of women’s strength and resilience. “This recognition is not just a personal achievement for me. I believe it’s a celebration of the strength, resilience, and determination of women worldwide, and especially the women from both the Telugu states, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.”

She praised Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, for his dedication to women’s empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, and governance.

Para Athlete, Devika Malik told South Asian Herald, “This award amplifies the voices of women with disabilities. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for inclusion and equity in India and beyond through my NGO Wheeling Happiness.”

In her acceptance speech, awardee Rekha Radhakrishnan shared her belief in the incredible power of women and her vision of fostering unity through a “Circle of Sisterhood.” She also paid tribute to her grand-uncle, former Union Minister for Education of India, Padma Vibhushan, Dr. V.K.R.V. Rao.

As a special gesture, Actress and Founder of Natya Margam, Indrani Davaluri, honored Mayor of Maywood, Nathaniel George Booker, with a silk shawl from India.

(Used under special arrangement with SAH)

Related posts:

Multi-ethnic coalition leads delegation to support Illinois Congressmen Davis and Jackson on primary election night in Chicago Women of excellence honored on Capitol Hill during International Women’s Day celebrations Multi-ethnic organizations from Illinois celebrate women’s achievements on Capitol Hill Global Strategic Alliance along with several organizations launches GSA Metro City sequels