Page 21 - The Indian EYE 032125

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MARCH 21, 2025 | The Indian Eye 21

FIA celebrates International Women’s Day

FIA Chicago’s innovative Leadership: Empowering Women, Strengthening Community

OUR BUREAU

Chicago, IL
s the world gears up to cele-
brate International Women’s
ADay 2025, the Federation of
Indian Associations (FIA) of Chicago
stands as an ideal of empowerment,
inclusivity, and cultural preservation
for the Asian Indian community. Un-
der the dynamic leadership of Mr.
Sunil Shah founder / Chairman and
his dedicated team, FIA Chicago has
become the largest and most influen-
tial Asian community organization in
the Midwest, growing threefold in just
the past two years.
Behind every great leader stands
a pillar of unwavering support, and
for Mr. Sunil Shah, that strength has
always been Mrs. Rita Sunil Shah.
Through every challenge and tri-
umph, she has been his silent force, in female leadership is fueled by an
his guiding light, and his steadfast be- extraordinary group of dedicated
liever. With grace and conviction, she women who have been the backbone
has stood by his side, always saying, of its success. Apart from them Chan-
“I am 1000% with you, go ahead and dini Duvuri and Richa Chand, along
achieve success!” Her words weren’t with powerhouse leaders like Falguni
just encouragement; they were the Sukhadia, Sonia Luther, Pinky Thak-
foundation upon which dreams were kar, Anita Beri, Prasuna Muddasani,
built. Her faith in him never wavered, Kamlesh Kapoor, Leela Patel, Digna
making her not just a life partner but Patel, Asha Oroskar, Sushma Bha-
the invisible force behind FIA Chica- not, Priyanka Parekh, and Archana
go’s remarkable journey. Agrawal, have been instrumental in
In a historic leap, FIA Chicago driving FIA’s mission forward. Their
has shattered expectations with an unwavering dedication and leader-
unprecedented rise in female leader- ship have transformed FIA into a
ship. In 2023, women accounted for beacon of unity, strength, and prog-
just 49 members, but in 2024, that ress for the Asian Indian community.
number has surged to 123. From 49 FIA Chicago enters 2025 with
female to 123 Female is151 % incre- an unstoppable momentum, uniting
ment to women in one year [Mail 91 over 300,000 Asian Indians across the
in 2023 and Mail in 123 in 2024 – 35 Midwest under the visionary leader-
%increase]. Women participation ship of Sunil Shah and his dynamic
marks a new era of inclusivity and team. Currently FIA is 246 members
empowerment. Under the visionary strong [123 men and 123 women, To-
leadership of Sunil Shah and Vini- tal 246] an unprecedented milestone.
ta Gulbani Past President, Pratibha From organizing grand celebrations
Jairath Immediate past president of Indian Republic Day, Indepen-
and Anu Malhotra current presi- dence Day, and Diwali to providing
dent, FIA has cultivated an environ- crucial support in legal, educational,
ment where women are no longer and medical fields, FIA Chicago has shaping history for generations to Indian diaspora with such dedication.
just contributors but equal change- positioned itself as the most trusted come! FIA’s impact echoes through every
makers. This surge isn’t just about voice of the Asian Indian commu- “I am a great witness to FIA Chi- celebration, advocacy effort, and act
numbers it’s about redefining lead- nity in the Midwest. Through grand cago’s extraordinary 15-year journey of service, making history year after
ership, ensuring women play a piv- celebrations, civic engagement, and one of resilience, vision, and unwav- year. As FIA forges ahead, its legacy
otal role in shaping the future. FIA charitable endeavors, FIA continues ering commitment. FIA has set an of unity, empowerment, and progress
Chicago isn’t just growing; it’s evolv- to strengthen its bridge between the unparalleled benchmark in commu- remains stronger than ever.” Suresh
ing into a powerhouse of unity, equi- USA and India, ensuring every voice nity service and cultural preservation. Bodiwala, Founder and Chairman of
ty, and progress. is heard. Join the movement —be- No other organization has consis- Asian Media USA.
FIA Chicago’s phenomenal rise cause together, we are FIA Chicago, tently championed the causes of the --Asian Media USA

www.TheIndianEYE.com