Celebrating community champions: 14 women honored on International Women’s Day
In celebration of International Women’s Month, the Ken and Radhika Show, a beloved local radio program renowned for its community engagement initiatives, held its second Women’s Day event on Friday. The event honored and celebrated 14 exceptional women for their remarkable contributions to their communities in New York and the country.
The event, held in Richmond Hill, Queens, brought together community leaders, activists, and supporters to celebrate the achievements and dedication of these remarkable women.
Organizers of the women’s day event, Radhika Orlate and Kenneth Rampersaud, alongside his wife Geeta Rampersaud.Photo by Tracey Khan
Kenneth Rampersaud, a key event organizer, shared that honoring these remarkable women is a heartfelt gesture to uplift and recognize their invaluable contributions. With a background in the healthcare field and a recipient of over 25 awards, Ken emphasized his deep understanding of the significance and impact of acknowledging hard work and dedication.
“I’ve attained a lot of my goals, and so it’s time for me to give back…we had COVID, and it made me realize that I am on borrowed time, and so the little difference I can make in this world I wanna do it…so many women are making a tremendous impact in the various communities in New York,” he noted.
Radhika Orlate, another event organizer, expressed her joy in positively impacting the honorees’ lives. She highlighted their selfless service to the community and their significant contributions.
Dr. Veronica Jackson-Wiltshire delivered the keynote address. Photo by Tracey Khan
Dr. Veronica Jackson Wiltshire delivered a moving keynote address during the event, recounting her extraordinary journey to success. Having left Guyana for Antigua and Barbuda before moving to the US at 13, she faced the challenges of being undocumented. Despite this, she became a pediatrician and rose to lead six clinics as the chief medical officer during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York, among many other distinguished moves. Dr. Wiltshire recently joined Atrium One Health Pediatrics in Clemmons, North Carolina, and emphasized the importance of valuing time in her address to the audience.
“When your intention is clear, so is the way. Be intentional about your choices, what you pray for, and seeking out like-minded women or women you aspire to be like and connecting with them,” she added. ”
The women honored are Keren Espinoza, Sherry Algredo, Daughters of Guyana (Gaitree Latchman, Bibi Ortiz, Saruj Hardat, Rohini Ramphal, Joan Gerbich, Tara Lakeram), Lourdeth Ferguson, Devika George, Dr. Rose October, Tangerine Clarke, Fazila Razack and Dr. Devicka Persaud.
Caribbean Life freelancer Tangerine Clarke was a recipient of the prestigious award. Photo courtesy Tangerine Clarke
Dr. Persaud was honored with a second award recognizing her 30 years of dedicated service to the Queens community. At the same time, Dr. Veronica received a plaque of appreciation for her impactful keynote address. Additionally, Trinity Lutheran Church was presented with a plaque acknowledging its significant contribution to the event’s success.
Dulary Khemchand of Shanta’s Flowers, a recipient of the 2023 award, generously sponsored the award ceremony. She is known for her active involvement in community empowerment projects.
The honorees expressed their appreciation for the recognition and vowed to continue working to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. The event wrapped up with an energetic dance performance by Deeraj, a seasoned artist with nearly 50 years of experience in the arts. Talk show host Lakshmee Singh skillfully hosted the proceedings, adding a touch of grace and charm to the auspicious occasion.
