On March 19, the annual International Women’s Gathering at the Global Village Welcome Center brought women of different nationalities together to encourage and support each other by sharing their heritage and experiences to celebrate Women’s History Month.
This year’s theme was “Break the Bias” as a diverse group of panelists shared how they rose through the ranks in their respective fields and defined their own success. The panelists who took the stage included Rupal Thanawala, business and digital strategy executive; Tiffany Vivo, Marion Circuit Court judge; Myla Eldridge, Marion County clerk; and Gloria Griesinger, assistant treasurer at Cummins Inc.
The panelists discussed their journeys of breaking the barriers to achieve their current careers. Thanawala opened the discussion by describing her journey as a biomedical engineer 35 years ago to becoming a visionary innovator who also creates opportunities for others.
“So, I had to speak up and had to define my own path or people were going to define it for me,” Thanawala said. “If you want to open doors for yourself, I want you to knock over this door and come inside.”
During the event, Lauren Casey, Good Morning Indiana anchor from WRTV, presented the Jefferson Award to Thanawala. Every month WRTV recognizes one person for their outstanding work in the community with the Jefferson Award. Thanawala provided technology and a computer lab with 75 computers for immigrants to use.
Vivo, who immigrated from the Philippines, shared her story of coming to the United States to pursue her career dreams. Vivo began as commissioner in the Marion Superior Court in January 2011 and is now a magistrate in the Marion Superior Court Family Relations Division.
“Bias is a way of thinking based upon a preconceived idea that tends to dictate a certain thought pattern that influences the way you believe or think about something,” Vivo said. “It is a challenge, but it is not an insurmountable challenge. We can do it.”
A bust of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist and the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate, was unveiled in the art gallery to commemorate her work. Dozens of women dressed in the native attire of their homeland applauded while complimenting each other and learning more about the inspiration of their clothing.
“I always knew about girl power, because growing up I was encouraged to believe that even though I may look or sound differently, at home it did not matter I was taught that we belong there,” Vivo said. “It does not matter what anybody tells you, you belong there and if you want it, you will get it.”
Over 50 vendors showcased merchandise such as jewelry, purses and clothes throughout the flea market inside of the banquet hall. Guests also had the opportunity to partake in a feast of unique entrees from all over the world and are available locally.
“I think eating other people’s food and trying to speak other languages such as simple gestures as ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is a sign of respect,” Griesinger said.
Contact Thomas Butler-Guerrero at 317-924-5143 or email at thomasBG@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @TBGofficial_.
