Women’s Leadership Event Celebrates Excellence, Empowerment

India-West News Desk

ARTESIA, CA — The Global Peace Foundation and the UNA-USA Long Beach chapter hosted their annual Women’s Leadership Summit on March 15, bringing together a diverse group of community leaders, professionals, and families to honor female achievement and inspire the next generation.

The centerpiece of the afternoon was the recognition of seven distinguished honorees, celebrated for their impactful contributions to leadership, community service, media, business, advocacy, and the performing arts. The 2026 awardees included Roopa Sharma, Dr. Rita Puri, Zeel Ahir, Kelly Ruggirello, Amy Ren, Nimmi Raj, and Melisa Evans. Their personal journeys provided a powerful testament to the role of women in fostering a more inclusive and progressive society.

“Tonight was not just about recognition—it was about inspiration,” said Dr. Manorama Gupta, President of both sponsoring associations. “By celebrating these remarkable women and encouraging our youth, we are building a stronger, more empowered community.”

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Sunita Puri, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, and an acclaimed author. Guest speaker Nina Patel, representing the Ronald McDonald House of Long Beach, also shared insights on community resilience and support.

Adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the summit, local students delivered high-energy performances that explored themes of female strength and empowerment. A highlight of the program was a thematic fashion show that chronicled the life of a woman, tracing her journey from childhood through motherhood and into professional life.
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