By GINA DARGAN
LONG BEACH, CA –In the few decades leading up to this year, SAHARA, the South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency has dedicated itself to help victims of abuse by providing them tailored and culturally-sensitive services. On September 15, the organization hosted its 27th Annual Gala at the Hilton Hotel here featuring...
LONG BEACH, CA –In the few decades leading up to this year, SAHARA, the South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency has dedicated itself to help victims of abuse by providing them tailored and culturally-sensitive services. On September 15, the organization hosted its 27th Annual Gala at the Hilton Hotel here featuring...
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entertainment, inspirational stories and opportunities to support the cause. Standup comic Rajiv Satyal who emceed the event, shined throughout the evening with his effortless and whimsical jokes that had the audience chuckling in laughter. The inspiring part of the program came through a panel moderated by Navneet S. Chugh, a practicing Attorney and CPA and featuring five affluential and inspiring women who discussed their humble beginnings of advocating for women and abuse victims.
LA Superior Court Judge Rupa Searight Goswami commenced the session by recalling her time as a successful banker but knowing no happiness. She discussed the significance of doing what one loves which led her to become the first South Asian woman on the bench in the state of California. Goswami has been recognized for her work in tackling issues such as cyber fraud and child sex tourism. Community builder Anila Ali, spoke of her journey in becoming an interfaith leader even with the many obstacles that stood in her way. Despite the derogatory terms that were thrown at her for being Pakistani, she went on to found the American Muslim Women’s Empowerment Council. She has created an online college degree program between Coastline Community College and Cal State Fullerton to help Pakistan’s youth, especially girls, gain access to higher education.
Rika Shah another influencer, spoke of her time in India when she could only dream of coming to the United States. But with perseverance, she and her husband, Manu Shah, made their way here and went to become the leading nationwide distributor of flooring, countertop, wall tile, and landscaping products with their company MS International. Along with being a successful businesswoman, Shah has also found the time to coach an array of programs promoting health, wellness, and weight loss competitions.
Tanya Brown, the youngest sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson, was the next inspiring woman who talked about her own and her sister’s experience with domestic violence and mental health. She discussed the importance of looking for early signs of abuse within relationships, which could have potentially saved her sister’s life. Now, Brown dedicates her time to help at The Nicole Brown Foundation, founded by her family, where she advocates and provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The last panel member, Dr. Rubina Najeeb, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and also a member of SAHARA’s Board of Director. She recounted her own journey of helping victims of abuse, which later led to her discovering SAHARA and inevitably contributed her time and efforts towards this organization.
Other than the panel, the evening featured several other speakers. Sona K., who discussed her own involvement with SAHARA’s transitional living home, gave the most inspiring speech of the night. Her heartfelt speech talked about the abuse she and her mother once endured from her father, but the strength and opportunities SAHARA had given them allowed both of them to grow and successfully live independently from their former abuser.
Teenagers, Keya Shah and Sanchi Kohli also described their positive experience with SAHARA’s Summer Youth Program dedicated to raising awareness about healthy relationships, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Aparna Hande who talked about a club within the organization, Apna Sapna which is targeted towards the seniors in the South Asian community and helps promote health and mental well-being.
Earlier, the evening began with SAHARA’s Board President and Attorney, Brinda Gandhi, and Executive Director, Marilyn Neece, welcoming the evening’s guests with their eloquent speeches. They addressed the importance of the organization and listed its accomplishments over the years. A pledge drive was held where the audience had a chance to donate and support SAHARA in order to give back to the community. The biggest donors of the night were Sarva Mangal Family Trust, The Tarsadia Foundation, Chugh,LLP, CIBC Private Wealth Management and Ajesh and Swati from Prospera Hotels together contributing $100,000. A live auction was also held, featuring items such as Paul McCartney’s signed guitar and a 7-night trip to Fiji.
A moment of silence was held for Uka Solanki who had been a strong supporter of SAHARA. Many others were recognized for their support of the organization including Chandrapal & Rusi Chandra, Reshma Block, Dr. Partibal Patel, Rika Shah and Roopa Saijpal. The evening concluded with dinner and dance.
LA Superior Court Judge Rupa Searight Goswami commenced the session by recalling her time as a successful banker but knowing no happiness. She discussed the significance of doing what one loves which led her to become the first South Asian woman on the bench in the state of California. Goswami has been recognized for her work in tackling issues such as cyber fraud and child sex tourism. Community builder Anila Ali, spoke of her journey in becoming an interfaith leader even with the many obstacles that stood in her way. Despite the derogatory terms that were thrown at her for being Pakistani, she went on to found the American Muslim Women’s Empowerment Council. She has created an online college degree program between Coastline Community College and Cal State Fullerton to help Pakistan’s youth, especially girls, gain access to higher education.
Rika Shah another influencer, spoke of her time in India when she could only dream of coming to the United States. But with perseverance, she and her husband, Manu Shah, made their way here and went to become the leading nationwide distributor of flooring, countertop, wall tile, and landscaping products with their company MS International. Along with being a successful businesswoman, Shah has also found the time to coach an array of programs promoting health, wellness, and weight loss competitions.
Tanya Brown, the youngest sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson, was the next inspiring woman who talked about her own and her sister’s experience with domestic violence and mental health. She discussed the importance of looking for early signs of abuse within relationships, which could have potentially saved her sister’s life. Now, Brown dedicates her time to help at The Nicole Brown Foundation, founded by her family, where she advocates and provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The last panel member, Dr. Rubina Najeeb, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and also a member of SAHARA’s Board of Director. She recounted her own journey of helping victims of abuse, which later led to her discovering SAHARA and inevitably contributed her time and efforts towards this organization.
Other than the panel, the evening featured several other speakers. Sona K., who discussed her own involvement with SAHARA’s transitional living home, gave the most inspiring speech of the night. Her heartfelt speech talked about the abuse she and her mother once endured from her father, but the strength and opportunities SAHARA had given them allowed both of them to grow and successfully live independently from their former abuser.
Teenagers, Keya Shah and Sanchi Kohli also described their positive experience with SAHARA’s Summer Youth Program dedicated to raising awareness about healthy relationships, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Aparna Hande who talked about a club within the organization, Apna Sapna which is targeted towards the seniors in the South Asian community and helps promote health and mental well-being.
Earlier, the evening began with SAHARA’s Board President and Attorney, Brinda Gandhi, and Executive Director, Marilyn Neece, welcoming the evening’s guests with their eloquent speeches. They addressed the importance of the organization and listed its accomplishments over the years. A pledge drive was held where the audience had a chance to donate and support SAHARA in order to give back to the community. The biggest donors of the night were Sarva Mangal Family Trust, The Tarsadia Foundation, Chugh,LLP, CIBC Private Wealth Management and Ajesh and Swati from Prospera Hotels together contributing $100,000. A live auction was also held, featuring items such as Paul McCartney’s signed guitar and a 7-night trip to Fiji.
A moment of silence was held for Uka Solanki who had been a strong supporter of SAHARA. Many others were recognized for their support of the organization including Chandrapal & Rusi Chandra, Reshma Block, Dr. Partibal Patel, Rika Shah and Roopa Saijpal. The evening concluded with dinner and dance.
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