Women are leading the way in economic empowerment, strengthening educational institutions, and amplifying their voices in politics. They have overcome numerous obstacles and demonstrated their ability to contribute significantly to the betterment of the world, achieving milestones never before seen in human history. The AAPI Women’s Leadership Forum focused on “Celebrating Women of Excellence.”
Each speaker at the forum shared their personal journey to professional success. Smriti Irani spoke about breaking numerous glass ceilings to reach the top of both the political and Bollywood worlds. “I am honored to be part of a panel of trailblazing women,” she said, noting that she was one of the youngest ever elected to the Rajya Sabha and to hold Cabinet positions in the Federal Government. Irani also highlighted her recognition by the World Economic Forum as a Young Woman Leader of the world.
Irani emphasized India’s role in promoting women’s leadership on the global stage through its leadership of the G20. She remarked, “Women don’t have the problem of speaking up, but they have the problem of being heard.” She stressed that women’s value cannot be measured solely by their success but by who they are. She paid tribute to Indian-origin physicians for their significant contributions and urged AAPI to ensure that every woman’s voice is celebrated.
Young Yoshita Singh shared her journey from India to the United Nations. “You learn every day as there is something new every day,” she said, noting the significant changes she has observed in multilateral and bilateral relationships with the USA.
Dr. Soumya Vishvanathan, an internal medicine physician in New England, expressed her honor in being part of the powerful panel. She emphasized that the focus is on people’s development, not just women’s. Vishvanathan discussed her ascent to leadership roles, ultimately leading 17 hospitals across Florida, with a system-wide focus on training young physicians.
Dr. Anajana Samadder, President of AAPI, congratulated the members of AAPI’s Women’s Forum. She remarked, “From birth to death, all of us need women in our lives. They sacrifice their lives for the rest of the family, society, and the world at large.” Samadder saluted the contributions of the women panelists and all women present at the forum and beyond.
