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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline AUGUST 07, 2026 | The Indian Eye 27

AMEC’s 15th Congressional Global

Champions Gala Ignites Naperville

OUR BUREAU
Chicago, IL

ellow Box in Naperville, Illi-
nois, pulsed with the heart-
Ybeat of 33 ethnic communi-
ties on the evening of July 25, 2026.
More than 1700 guests filled the
hall in person while thousands more
joined via livestream as the American
Multi-Ethnic Commission (AMEC)
staged its 15th Annual Congressional
Global Champions Gala under the
theme “Igniting Passion: Equipping
Change.” From 5:30 p.m. until near-
ly 11 p.m., the stage became a living
atlas of culture, leadership, and hope
anchored throughout by the steady
presence of living legend U.S. Con-
gressman Danny K. Davis.
The evening opened with the
grand entry of co-anchors Gauri Ya-
dav and Hannah Leong, followed by
interfaith invocations that set a tone
of shared reverence. Pastor Jebas-
ingh Jebamony offered a Christian
prayer for unity and blessing. Dr.
Vasavi Chakka and Anwar Sada-
tullah recited Hindu and Muslim
prayers, including Surah Al-Fatiha.
National Chair Dr. Hong Liu, the
first Chinese American to hold the
post, welcomed the gathering with
quiet pride, noting that differences
remain America’s greatest strength.
Governor Martino Tankar, National
Faith Chair Dr. Twin Green, Senior Change, accepted by CEO Dr. Jas- forward to thunderous applause. turing amputees Gerardo, Carlos,
Vice President Dr. Ronnie Yusefzai, dip Singh and COO Sajid Tarar for Segment two honored Attor- Angela, Carla, Pablo, Sed Ali, Ele-
Executive Vice President Kathy 26 years of autism care and interfaith ney of the Year Beau Brindley Esq., na, John Reynolds, Louis Santiago,
Thorat, and 12-year-old Student leadership in Elkridge, Maryland. Champion of Ethnic Arts Jigar Shah Cherish, and technician Cliff who
Secretary Samira Bangali each add- Global Icon Pin Ni was celebrated for (founder of Chicago Indian Arts and redefined possibility Segment three
ed warm greetings that underscored transforming Wanxiang America into Literature Festival), Senior Citizen continued the celebration. Commu-
AMEC’s multi-generational reach. a multi-billion-dollar enterprise that of the Year Susan Au, Youth of the nity Leadership Award Ye Liu, Or-
Then the magic began. Created bridges the United States and China. Year Kriti Aryal, Dr. Pratap C. Ku- ganization of the Year Indian Com-
and patented by the Founder, Chair- Visionary of the Year Sam Pitroda, mar Outstanding Physician of the munity Outreach (ICO) Naperville
man Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, the sig- architect of India’s telecom revolu- Year Dr. Omar B. Lateef of Rush led by Krishna Badal, Social Entre-
nature “Around the World in 60 Min- tion with 100 patents and 20 honorary University, Rising Artiste of the Year preneur of the Year Sandra Ford of
utes” segment swept the audience doctorates, reminded the room that actor John David Castilla, Golden Beautiful Angels, Agri Vision Award
across continents without ever leav- young people with an average age of Palm Award for Sustainable Real Es- Professor Dr. Senay Simsek, Com-
ing their seats. Korean percussionist 23 once turned a dream into 1.5 bil- tate Excellence to Papachsorn Mee- munity Activist of the Year Fai Fong,
Chansoo Lee opened the journey. lion telephones and $250 billion in pa and Dr. Sunil V. Manjarekar, John Mir Ali Ethnic Singer of the Year
ABC Channel 7 which broad- software exports. Child of the Year Saldanha Healthcare Entrepreneur Chandra Lekha Gangavarapu, Glob-
casted the gala referred to AMEC’s Aiden Saldanha, Student of the Year Award to Ashley Lucas, and Com- al Resilience Award Zina Harvey,
15th Annual Gala as America’s larg- Katana Murphy-Green, Lily Prabha- munity Service Award to Faye Yu. Humanitarian Leadership Award
est multi ethnic festival. kar Change Maker Rosie Ni, Lifetime After a moving Whitney Hous- Dr. Qing Chen, Young Woman of
Awards flowed in four elegant Achievement Louis James, Journalist ton Experience by Sherie Yuette the Year Shruthie Ramaswamy, and
segments, each introduced with rev- of the Year Judy Hsu (ABC7 anchor Withers and the powerful “Beyond Bridge Builder Award Xiaojing Li all
erence. Healthcare Organization of celebrating 25 years), and Volunteer of Limits” fashion showcase by Pros- received their honors.
the Year went to Center for Social the Year Shiva Adhikari each stepped thetic Foundation of Americafea- -- Asian Media USA

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