USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Three distinguished Indian-origin women in the United States were honoured by the Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), for their outstanding contributions across various fields. The event, part of FIA’s 7th Annual International Women’s Day celebration, highlighted the remarkable achievements of women in leadership, finance, media, and entrepreneurship. The honorees, Anu Aiyengar, Anjula Acharia, and Seema Mody, were celebrated for their work in empowering women globally, making significant strides in their respective industries, and strengthening the bond between India and the US.
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Anu Aiyengar: A trailblazer in finance
Anu Aiyengar, Global Head of Advisory and Mergers & Acquisitions at JP Morgan, was one of the key honorees at the event. Aiyengar, who also serves on several prestigious boards, including the Board of Trustees at Smith College, is widely recognised for her leadership in the finance sector. Her remarkable contributions have earned her a spot on Barron’s ‘100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance’ list, and she was named one of the ‘Most Powerful Women in Finance’ by American Banker. Aiyengar’s role in shaping key financial transactions globally and her commitment to various philanthropic causes have made her a prominent figure in both corporate and social circles.
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Anjula Acharia: A pioneer in entertainment industry
Anjula Acharia, the CEO and Founder of A-Series Management and Investments, was also honoured for her impact as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and angel investor. Acharia, known for her work in the entertainment industry, was instrumental in launching the career of Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the US, a testament to her influence in global pop culture. Recently named to Billboard’s ‘International Power Players’ List, Acharia’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to empowering women have made her a leading voice in both the business and entertainment industries. Her journey reflects the transformative power of women supporting each other in the workplace and beyond.
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Seema Mody: Breaking barriers in media
Seema Mody, a technology and global markets correspondent for CNBC, was recognised for her extensive contributions to journalism and media. Mody, who covers the intersection of foreign policy, Silicon Valley, and Wall Street, has been an essential voice in global financial reporting. Beginning her career in India at CNBC-TV18, Mody later moved to the US, where she rose to prominence covering major global events, including Brexit and China’s currency devaluation. Her dedication to delivering insightful and comprehensive reporting in the highly competitive field of financial journalism has earned her respect and admiration.
Wendy Diamond: A champion for women’s entrepreneurship
In addition to the three Indian-origin honorees, Wendy Diamond, the CEO and Founder of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organisation (WEDO), was also celebrated. Diamond, an accomplished author and philanthropist, has been a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment globally. As a keynote speaker at the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, and with three Guinness World Records to her name, Diamond’s work in supporting women entrepreneurs and her commitment to social causes has made a significant impact worldwide.
Celebrating women leadership and empowerment
The event was graced by Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, who served as the chief guest. Minister Devi applauded the honorees for their exceptional contributions and acknowledged their efforts in fostering India-US relations. She also emphasised the importance of empowering women globally to create a more equitable society. During the event, the honorees shared personal stories about their journeys, discussing the challenges they faced and how they overcame barriers to achieve success in traditionally male-dominated industries. Their reflections inspired attendees and provided valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the role of women in driving change.
In addition to the awardees, the event also featured speeches from Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Pradhan, FIA Chairman Ankur Vaidya, and FIA President Saurin Parikh. They highlighted the indispensable role of women in society and reiterated the progress made toward women’s empowerment, particularly in India. The event was a fitting tribute to the four honorees, whose extraordinary achievements continue to inspire and empower women across the globe. Their dedication and success serve as a reminder of the importance of strong female leadership in shaping a brighter future for all.
