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AMEC marks 14th women’s history celebration at Capitol Hill
Congressional ceremony recognized women leaders across sectors, featuring lawmakers, interfaith prayers and youth participation.
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Staff Reporter - Sun, 29, Mar 2026
- 03:44 EDT
- 11
The ceremony included special commemorative awards and the recognition of 20 women from diverse professional backgrounds. / AMEC
The American Multi-Ethnic Commission (AMEC) held its 14th Annual Congressional Women’s History Month Celebration at Capitol Hill, honoring 20 Global Women of Excellence during a March 2026 awards ceremony attended by U.S. lawmakers and community leaders.
The event featured remarks from members of Congress including Rep. Danny K. Davis, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Shri Thanedar, alongside interfaith prayers, award presentations and speeches from honorees.
ALSO READ: JITO D.C. champions Women's History Month
Shree Gurusamy, AMEC Inter-Governmental Chair, opened the program, welcoming attendees and calling the gathering “a wonderful 14th Annual Congressional Women’s History Celebration in Capitol Hill.” Co-host Kathirvel Kumararaja said it was “an honor to be part of so many accomplished women.”
The program began with the national anthem performed by Yesoe Yoon, followed by interfaith prayers representing Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh traditions. Speakers emphasized unity across faiths and communities.
Fatima Traore, AMEC National Women’s Chair, said the event was “not just a celebration, but… a declaration of influence and conviction,” highlighting the role of women leaders across cultures.
AMEC Founder-President Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar reflected on the event’s origins, recalling encouragement from Rep. Davis. “We are doing this because when women progress, all of us progress,” he said.
Thanedar spoke about immigration and opportunity, recounting his journey to the United States. “A great country this is,” he said, describing his path from a rejected visa applicant to a member of Congress. He also called for religious freedom and inclusion, saying there should be “no place of hate anywhere in our society.”
Krishnamoorthi thanked organizers and attendees, saying, “We literally would not be here without you… for everything that you do every day, thank you so much.”
The ceremony included special commemorative awards and the recognition of 20 women from diverse professional backgrounds, including health care, technology, public service and the arts. Among the honorees were Ashley Lucas, Meghna Sharma, Anu Malhotra, Renuka Molleti and Stella Okere Amadi.
Several recipients addressed the audience. “It is truly an honor to be here today,” said Yesoe Yoon. Meghna Sharma said her goal is “to really improve the health care… experience with every American and hopefully every global citizen.”
A “call to action” was delivered by 9-year-old Shivani Soni, who said, “Today I feel very proud… to stand here among so wonderful and amazing people.” Dr. Heavenly Kimes responded, noting, “The next generation is watching us.”
Rep. Jonathan Jackson also addressed the gathering, urging continued recognition of women’s contributions. “Women have always carried so much weight… and have not been given their recognition,” he said.
The event concluded with closing remarks by AMEC Georgia Chapter Chair Mustafa Ajmeri.
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