The Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects hosted their 40th Annual Gala on Saturday, November 12, 2022, which was attended by over 600 members and their guests. The theme of the Gala was the “Power of Diversity and Inclusion”. This theme reflects upon the diversity of groups and celebrates its uniqueness. It’s about helping people feel that they belong and that their contribution matters.
Ketan shah, SIAEA President addressed that Our theme for the gala this year is ‘Power of Diversity and Inclusion’, and this theme could not have come at a better time, when so much is changing all around us. This theme is represented tonight not only in words, but in our special guests, honorees, and all the attendees in the audience too. Each person brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a strong sense of hard work, resilience, and future endeavors. A key part of the Gala is to recognize and award professionals who have contributed to the architectural, engineering and construction industry and to provide scholarships to a select group of current students who may need financial assistance.
The SIAEA President, Ketan Shah, says this of the Gala: “The Gala is our biggest event of year. My Executive Committee and I have worked diligently for months to create an event that is fun and honors individuals that have excelled in their professions. It’s a night of music, food, and friends”.
Many elected officials and dignitaries also attended the event to congratulate the award honorees and the scholarship recipients. Long-time supporter and SIAEA friend, former NY State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson was there along with NY State Assembly Members Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelym and Jenifer Rajkumar. Mr. Vipul Dev from the Indian Consul General Office was present as well.
The Keynote Speaker for the Gala was Mr. Gordon Tung. Mr. Tung is a Vice President at NYC School Construction Authority. He has over 450 professionals under him and is responsible for a $18.7 billion capital plan. The Chief Guest of the evening was Jamila Glean who is a Vice President at the Division of Minority & Women Business Development at the Empire State Development Corporation. Big supporters and long-time SIAEA sponsors, Past Presidents Nayan Parikh and Mihir Patel, also made sure that the Gala was a huge success.
Speaking about the SIAEA, Executive Board Member Chitra Radin said “SIAEA provides an opportunity for the engineers, architects, planners, and construction professionals of the Indo-American community to come together to exchange ideas and help one another professionally. SIAEA also encourages our youth to pursue careers in these fields by offering them scholarships.” Throughout the year, SIAEA offers technical seminars re-enforcing our on-going commitment to professional growth for our members.
The following is the list of 2022 SIAEA Award Honorees. For the Honorees, each year, SIAEA selects individuals who have distinguished themselves for their vision and their commendable contributions to our professions.
2022 Special Honoree Awards:
Vipul Dev – Consul (Political and PIC) of India
Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, International Affairs, New York City
Aileen del Prado, Senior, Director, NYC School Construction
2022 Honoree Awards:
Ali Chaudhry, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, AECOM
Sandeep Mehrotra, Vice President, Hazen & Sawyer
Hermie Patel, President, AME
Jayesh Patel, Principal, Crest Engineering
Chitra Radin, President, Radin Consulting
Darsh Shah, Associate Principal, Super Structure
2022 Award Honoree for Under 40
Priya Shah, Associate, Gensler
It was a fun evening with dance, music, food, and friends. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones. It was time to recognize individuals who have made contributions in their respective fields as well as recognize the young students who will be the future of tomorrow. At the conclusion of the event, SIAEA President reiterated that “the success of this Gala is because of the hard work performed by our Executive Committee and the three Gala co-chairs (Mitul Patel, Chitra Radin and Yogesh Mistry). And, of course, we are very thankful to our supporters and sponsors without whom this event would not be
