Women’s Leadership Summit Draws Crowds

Women’s Leadership Summit was organized by Jasmin Human services and Global Peace Foundation, Inc., on May 21, 2017 at Sanatan Temple Auditorium in Norwalk.  The event started at 3.45 p.m with Lamp lighting by the chief guest, Mr. Rohit Rathish (Deputy Consul General at Indian Consulate in San Francisco), the two co- organizers of the event, Charu Shivkumar and Manorama Sharma Gupta M.D., and invited guests Ali Sajjad Taj, the Mayor of Artesia, Sunil Tolani, Inder Singh, Sudip Gorakhsheker.  The chief guest, Mr. Rohit Rathish spoke about the progress of women’s empowerment in India, and as its example, described the Kutumbshree program in Kerala.  

The program was started with Ganesh vandna, followed by speeches given by children (ages 9-12) and youth, who spoke about their perspective of leadership.  The interest and enthusiastic participation of the children and youth were inspiring.  

In her speech, one of the co-organizer, Dr. Manorama Sharma Gupta, President and Founder of Global Peace Foundation, Inc., explained what is women’s empowerment, why it is needed, and how it can be achieved.  She emphasized that the goal is not just to give speeches today but support those in need. She also described her plans to hold the summit again next year to coincide with International Women’s Day, for which keynote and other speakers are being scheduled.  She also summarized the past activities of the Global Peace Foundation, Inc., such as feeding homeless, distributing toys and blankets, as well as the upcoming program of feeding and distributing blankets to the homeless, in conjunction with GOPIO LA, at Fullerton Methodist Church on November 18, 2017.  Global Peace Foundation, Inc., will also celebrate World Peace Day on September 16, 2017 in Lake Forest, CA.

Mrs. Charu Shivakumar, President of Jasmin Human services, and co- organizer explained what services they are providing to needy in India over last few years and what are her future plans.

The keynote speaker Ann Bannett, CEO of Renegade Branding, gave a very energizing and entertaining speech on how women can progress and stand out from the crowd through branding.  

This was followed by two panel discussions. In the first panel session, moderated by Dr. Manorama Sharma Gupta, the participants were Dr. Tanya Gilbert, Founder & Director of Tsage Center for Change; Mrs. Vandana Gupta, President & CEO of Ingenious Information Technology; and Ms. Nelly Harris, Chairwomen & CEO of NJ Systems, LLC.  The panelists described their own experiences of facing the hurdles as women, how they overcame them, and how other women can do so as well.  

In the second panel session, moderated by Charu Shivakumar, the participants were Aparna Hande,  Women of the Year for 2012; Kamini Khare, Founder and past President of IASC; and Deepi Singh, a Vice-President of Health of GOPIO, who also gave speeches to encourage women.

A cultural program followed, with multicultural dances, with performers of all ages from young children to seniors, who presented kathak, bharatnatyam, Bollywood and other Indian folk dances.  Spanish and Hawaiian dance was performed by the ladies from a senior day center. Tibetan song by Christne Ma, and Tibetan dance by the professional performers Amy Ren, Amy Tosi and Nancy Fu entertained the audience.  Varsha Parekh and Swarnava Sarangi also performed dances greatly enjoyed by the audience. The cultural program was emceed by Rachna Srivastva and Dimple Mehta who did a wonderful job. Participent schools were Nitya Shetra, Alpana Akarsana, Noopur Dance, Swaarnva Sarangi, Rachna and SudiptaDance school.

A number of community awards were presented at the summit.  There were Community fathers and community mothers who were selected for their community services. They were Uka Solanki, Sunil Tolani, Dr. Mahesh Gupta, Ramji Bhai Patel, Ravji Bhai Patel, Odai P. and Suresh Bhatti.  Community mothers were Usha Shah and Bharti Rohit. The awardees were presented plaques. Mrs. Sumati Talvi was also honored as she is 100 years old and did community service in India and here.

 There were different booths who showcased their itemis and services.

Vote of thanks was given by Charu Shivkumar and Manorama Sharma Gupta to the volunteers without whose hard work the program could not have been succesful; they included Rani Kuusto, Aparna Hande, Ashok Madan, Radhika Patel, Keshav Patel, Nila Parekh, Anjana Patel, Shiva Kumar,  Vilas Jathav Ravi and others. They also thanked to every one, including Mr. B. U. Patel and his team of Sanatan Temple, and Ashoka the great Restaurant that catered delicious food and all vendors.