The America Nepal Society (ANS) transformed its regular Meet & Greet event at the Oakton Library, Oakton, VA, into a celebration of International Women’s Day. The event attracted community members and friends of Nepal, with several distinguished speakers sharing their inspiring stories and insights.

Sandipa Thapa, Co-founder of the Silver Mountain School of Hotel Management in Nepal, delivered a compelling narrative of the institution’s inception and its ongoing impact on the global hospitality industry. Thapa highlighted the school’s commitment to providing international-level education and its significant contribution to shaping the careers of thousands of graduates worldwide.

Shraddha Kharel Pandey, Director at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) in Washington DC, reflected on her journey within the organization and underscored ICMA’s mission to elevate the standards of local government management worldwide. Pandey emphasized the crucial role of collaboration in advancing governance and development goals, citing her involvement with the Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN) as an example.

Dr. Srilekha Palle, Chair of the Virginia Asian Advisory Board (VAAB), commended ANS for fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse communities. Palle discussed the importance of Asian representation in mainstream narratives and outlined VAAB’s initiatives aimed at enhancing visibility and inclusion.

Sasha Taylor, Founder of ‘Realty of a Desi Girl’, shared her experiences addressing pressing issues such as child marriage and forced marriage within the South Asian community in the United States. Taylor’s work in combating trafficking and advocating for the rights of minors garnered attention, reflecting her dedication to humanitarian causes.

Connie Park, Director of the Virginia chapter of ‘Make Us Visible’, highlighted the organization’s efforts to ensure accurate and inclusive representation of Asian Americans in school curricula. Park emphasized collaborative advocacy with local school boards to address gaps and biases, fostering a diverse and representative learning environment.

Anh Tu Do, Founder and President of the American Minority Engagement Network (AMEN), elaborated on the organization’s commitment to community engagement and empowerment. Anh extended an invitation to members of the Nepali community to participate in AMEN’s initiatives, reflecting the organization’s dedication to fostering partnerships and promoting diversity.

The event also featured speeches from Dr. Durga Pokhrel, Former Minister for Women, Children & Social Welfare, Nepal; Ajit Bikram Shah, Founding Chairman of The American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AMCHAM Nepal); and Loren Hershey, Attorney at Law in Vienna VA.

The ANS Meet & Greet event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and celebration of women’s contributions to society, reflecting the organization’s commitment to fostering community connections and empowerment.