The Indian American Public Affairs Council brought together community members, civic leaders, professionals, and public officials in Houston for an evening dedicated to celebrating women whose leadership, perseverance, and service have made a meaningful difference. The WE@IAPAC Women Who Inspire gathering attracted a full audience at Raindrop Turkish House and focused on the personal stories behind remarkable professional achievements.
Led by IAPAC Board Members Ruchi Gupta and Jagruti Sarkar, the event recognized women whose contributions have helped strengthen communities and inspire future generations. The program also highlighted IAPAC’s broader commitment to civic participation and leadership, particularly as the United States approaches the celebration of its 250th anniversary.
ABC13 News anchor Pooja Lodhia served as the event’s emcee, guiding the audience through an evening of recognition, conversation, and personal reflection.
One of the major highlights was the presentation of the 2026 IAPAC Community Impact Award to entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist Vaishali Dev. IAPAC Founder and Board Member Dr. Roopa Gir presented the award and recognized Dev for transforming personal challenges into a life focused on service and positive change. Her work through the Blume Foundation, particularly her efforts to support and empower women, was also acknowledged during the ceremony.
The evening’s central discussion was moderated by civic and business leader Sanjay Ramabhadran. Rather than focusing solely on professional accomplishments, the conversation explored the difficult and often unseen experiences behind success. The panelists shared stories of uncertainty, sacrifice, perseverance, and the defining moments that shaped their individual journeys.
Author and former global sustainability executive Paula McCann Harris spoke about overcoming fear and self-doubt in professional spaces. Nory Angel, President of the American Leadership Forum, reflected on the importance of meaningful work and bringing people together across differences.
Dr. Rathna Kumar, founder of the Anjali Center for Performing Arts and Artistic Director of Samskriti, shared her thoughts on perseverance, mentorship, and creating a lasting legacy beyond professional accomplishments. Space scientist Dr. Kavya K. Manyapu discussed confronting fear, expanding possibilities, and encouraging younger generations to move beyond perceived limitations.
The event also received recognition from elected officials. Congressman Al Green addressed attendees and presented Congressional recognition to IAPAC and the honorees. Local officials and representatives from Harris County also recognized the organization’s civic education and community engagement efforts.
Supported by community partners, sponsors, and volunteers, the gathering concluded with appreciation for the speakers and guests. Beyond celebrating accomplishments, the evening emphasized the courage, humanity, and resilience behind each woman’s journey, leaving attendees inspired by stories that extended far beyond professional biographies.
