Boston, MA — The Foundation of Indian-Americans – New England (FIA–NE) brought together an inspiring group of women leaders to celebrate International Women’s Day at the top of Boston’s iconic Prudential Center. The gathering highlighted the achievements and leadership of women from diverse fields including healthcare, entrepreneurship, wellness, arts, and community service.
The event was hosted and moderated by Jyoti Singh, who led a thoughtful roundtable discussion with women leaders representing diverse professional and community backgrounds. Through carefully curated questions, Singh guided the conversation toward powerful reflections on leadership, resilience, mentorship, and the importance of uplifting the next generation of women leaders.
Shruti Purushottam attended the celebration as the Chief Guest and joined community leaders in recognizing the significant contributions of women who continue to shape and strengthen communities across the New England region.
The event also marked the launch of FIA–New England’s new environmental initiative, “Plant a Plant – Give to Gain.” As part of the program, the organization pledged to plant 250 fruit-bearing trees over the coming months in honor of United States Semiquincentennial, highlighting the connection between community service and environmental stewardship.
The initiative symbolizes the nurturing role women often play in both families and communities while encouraging collective action toward sustainability.
Inspiring Conversations on Women’s Leadership
A central highlight of the program was the Women’s Empowerment Roundtable Discussion, where participants shared personal journeys and insights on navigating professional challenges, balancing leadership with service, and building supportive networks for women.
The discussion created an open and engaging environment where participants reflected on the evolving role of women in leadership and the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and representation. Singh’s moderation encouraged participants to share deeply personal stories of perseverance and purpose, resulting in a powerful exchange of ideas and experiences.
Recognizing Outstanding Women Leaders
During the celebration, FIA–New England recognized a distinguished group of women for their outstanding contributions to community service, entrepreneurship, healthcare, wellness, arts, and social impact. The honorees included:
- Kathy McDonald – Special Education Child Outreach Director
- Vicky Brogden – Community Service Leader
- Vandana Pitke – Health and Ayurveda Practitioner
- Susanne Dillon – Co-founder, Rhode Island Holistic Healing Association
- Kadian A. James – Psychotherapist and Health Advocate
- Gahna Adaval – Volunteer Service in Adult Care
- Lana Israel – Nutrition and Exercise Expert
- Manju Kaushal – Longtime Business Owner
- Sujata Patil – Business Entrepreneur and Community Leader
- Sudha Sarin – Entrepreneur
- Kameswari Kavsari – Community Service Advocate
- Lakshmi Tulasi Nallam – Entrepreneur
- Priya Bagade – Model and Actress
- Deepa Agrawal – Community Service
- Tanu Phoenix – Community Leader
- Aditi Soni – Community Service Advocate
- Guzel Bikynova – Fitness & Healthcare
Each honoree was recognized for her dedication and impact in uplifting communities and inspiring others through leadership and service.
Celebrating the Power and Impact of Women
The celebration concluded with networking and community engagement, leaving attendees inspired by the stories shared and the collective commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities.
Through initiatives such as this International Women’s Day gathering, FIA–New England continues to advance its mission of promoting leadership, service, cultural unity, and community empowerment across the New England region.
A Celebration of Leadership, Community, and Inspiration
The event served as a meaningful reminder of the powerful role women play in shaping stronger and more inclusive communities. By bringing together leaders from diverse backgrounds and honoring their achievements, FIA–New England created a platform that celebrates inspiration, collaboration, and progress. The celebration not only recognized remarkable contributions but also encouraged future generations to continue leading with courage, compassion, and a shared commitment to community impact.
Jay-Ho Now
The International Women’s Day celebration organized by FIA–New England highlighted the importance of recognizing women’s achievements and encouraging leadership across communities. By bringing together inspiring voices and launching initiatives that support both community service and environmental responsibility, the organization continues to strengthen its commitment to empowerment, collaboration, and positive social impact across the New England region.
