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www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know 14 CITY VIEWS March 20, 2026 I ndo US Lions Club of Chicago, a 501C non- profit organization serving the area community, organized a business networking event recently at the venue provided by the Pearl Banquet and Conference Center in Roselle, IL. Attended by hundreds of entrepreneurs, business professionals, volunteers, sponsors and community leaders, Chicago area elected officials and guests, the event brought together the business community to brainstorm over enabling economic advance- ment. The event also featured more than twenty inter- active business booths which showcased their busi- nesses and connected with local business leaders to discuss new trends in business, extend their profes- sional reach and form lasting business relationships, according to the club’s press release. Illinois State Secretary Alexi Giannoulias pro- claimed the day of the event as Chicago Indo US Lions Club Community Service Day. In the procla- mation, Giannoulias commended the Club for their volunteerism, humanitarian projects and health initiatives. The event also raised funds to purchase necessary hearing and vision screening equipment, A1C testing devices, and other medical supplies to be distributed by Chicago Indo US Lions Club (the Club hereafter) in the underserved communities. Speakers at the event spoke about the Club’s efforts to serve the community and enhance its economic growth. Many speakers sent video messages and letters prais- ing the Club for promoting small businesses leading to economic growth and community development, stress- ing its positive impact in Chicago area. These included Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker, Cook Country Treasurer Maria Pappas, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, and other elected officials and civic leaders. In her message, Founder President Hina Trivedi said the community response to such events was inspir- ing. “Events like this reflect our shared vision of growth, service, and lasting partnerships,” she said in her message, according to the press release. President Kishan sent in a message thanking the participants, volunteers and sponsors for helping build stronger business connections and a stronger community. The event was made possible and successful by their hospitality and support from Raj Jayara and Pearl Banquets and Conference Center. Sewa Interna- tional USA supplied volunteers for smooth event op- erations. United Punjabi Association and its President Atul Wahi provided valuable support and collabora- tion of his team, and Sudhir Sakhuja was a major support with his behind the scenes efforts, according to the press release. Major businesses of the Illinois area supported the event by sponsoring it. These included industrialist Darshan Dhaliwal, Parminder Singh Goldy from the hospitality industry, liquor distribution executive Sukhwinder Singh Ghaggar, Brijesh Patel of Core Exte- riors for commercial and residential roofing solutions, Brij Kukreja and his Kite Entertainment, Santhosh Kumar of Universal Metro Aging Services, Chintal Mehta of Care for Soul, Dr. Rani Yousefzai of Belleza Med Spa and J&R Hair Academy, Dr. Andrew Thomas of Heals onWheels, Avani & Hemant Trivedi of AUCI / 7-11, and Noman Khan of Illinois Media Group. Chicago Indo US Lions Club has been focusing on community service and regularly provides assistance through meals, vision and hearing screenings, educa- tion and empowerment, health projects and volunteer- ing in the local community. It promotes business networking, professional ad- vancement and cross-industry partnerships within the Indo US community and local US businesses, cultural engagement and philanthropic initiatives in the US and India. Nonprofit Indo US Lions Club Organizes Business Networking Event By a StaffWriter She Matters Global Foundation Launches With Tribute To Women In Downers Grove T he She Matters Global Foundation, a new nonprofit focused on em- powering and supporting women, officially launched Saturday with an event titled “She Matters – A Grand Tribute toWomanhood” at Ashya- na Banquets in Downers Grove. The celebration brought together com- munity leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and supporters to recognize women’s achieve- ments and contributions across various fields. The organization was founded by Rajkumari Rathod, who said the founda- tion was created to ensure women receive recognition, support and opportunities to succeed. “This event was not just a celebration — it was the start of a vision that is very close to my heart,” Rathod said. “She Mat- ters was created to uplift women, cele- brate their achievements, support women entrepreneurs and build meaningful con- nections within our community.” The evening featured theWomen Excellence Awards honoring women mak- ing positive impacts in their communi- ties. Guests also enjoyed cultural dance performances, live music, a gala dinner, giveaways and a DJ celebration. According to organizers, the foundation aims to create platforms that empower women through recognition programs, networking opportunities, mentorship and community initiatives designed to promote leadership and growth. Members of the organizing team per- form the traditiAttendees described the event as an evening of empowerment and unity that highlighted the strength, resil- ience and talents of women from diverse backgrounds. Rathod said the foundation plans to host future programs and initiatives that support women’s entrepreneurship, leadership development and community engagement. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “Together, we are building something meaningful — a space where women feel encouraged, respected and empowered.” By Bhailal Patel PHOTO:REUTERS PHOTO:PROVIDED BY CHICAGO INDO US LIONS CLUB Members of the organizing team perform the traditional diya lighting ceremony during the launch of the “She Matters – A Grand Tribute to Womanhood” event hosted by the She Matters Global Foundation on March 7, 2026, at Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove, Illinois. The ceremony marked the official opening of the celebration honoring women’s achievements and leadership within the community. A collage of photos depicting the networking event organized in Roselle, IL, by Chicago Indo US Lions Club. Award recipients and organizers pose for a group photo during the “She Matters – A Grand Tribute to Womanhood” launch event hosted by the She Matters Global Foundation on March 7, 2026, at Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove, Illinois. The event celebrated women’s achievements and honored community leaders through the Women Excellence Awards while bringing together supporters, entrepreneurs and artists for an evening of recognition and empowerment.