South Asian American Women's Alliance honors women, girl students

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Legislator Carrie Solages, Legislator Laura Curran, Chairman of Sapient party, Bobby Kalotee and several community leaders attended the event.
Dr. Anila Midha, president and founder of SAAWA, said that the mission of the organization is to encourage education among South Asian American girl students, because when you educate girls, you transform the society, community and the world. There are many Malalas in this world who have to be helped.

Awards were presented to high school girls who excelled in science subjects and in  community service.

Awards were presented to seven high school girls who excelled in Stem subjects--science, technology, engineering and math-- and leadership and community service.

Monica Dharia, Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist Award and SAAWA Stem Award ;

Niyati Desai, INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Second place and  SAAWA Stem Award;

Tosha Patel, SAAWA Science Award;

Uma Kanth,  SAAWA Science(Junior) Award ;

Sanskriti Bimal, SAAWA  Journalism Award sponsored by South Asian Insider;

Aishwarya Madan, SAAWA Community Service Award;

Francisca Fernandes, SAAWA Leadership and Character Award; Swati Madankumar, SAAWA Rising star.

Ellen McGlade-McCulloh was awarded SAAWA Teacher of the Year award.
Dr. Anila Midha acknowledged the services of SAAWA executive board, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Aruna Saxena, Bharathi Nelanuthala  and Sabiha Mithaiwala. She also thanked the sponsors Habib American Bank, Indus American Bank, Vass Pipe, Perfume Center of America and South Asian Insider.

Six distinguished women, who have excelled in their fields of expertise and profession were also honored.

Padmashri Tripti Mukherjee, Indian classical vocal artist;

Gitanjli Anand, a community leader for 25 years;

Prabha Golia, entrepreneur and philanthropist;

Raji Kuncham, President of Telugu Literary and Cultural Association;

Dr. Isha Mehta, Chief of Gynecology at Elmhurst Hospital for 15 years and a co founder of A Stitch in time;

Zubeida Lunat, an active community worker for 25 years.

The program ended with sumptuous food and entertainment including dances by Salonee and group.