PHOTO: provided by Malini Shah
Community leader Malini Shah was among the five women honored recently for their contribution to the borough’s well-being by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz at her Women’s History Month Celebration.
Held at Queens College in Flushing, the celebration was co-sponsored by Queens College, the Queens County Women’s Bar Association and the Center for the Women of New York. Among the many dignitaries present at the event, were Council Members Sandra Ung and Joann Ariola, and bestselling author Dr. Stacie N.C. Grants who delivered a keynote address on women’s rights.
In her address, Katz said it was important to recognize women who provide support daily to other women in their work in various fields including domestic violence, trafficking issues and more. Grant commended such women for setting an example to younger women.
Shah has been working for many years in Queens. “I love Queens,” Shah told News India Times. “I am proud to be part of this multicultural borough where I get a chance to celebrate cultural values, customs, beliefs and traditions of all of its residents,” she said.
Shah has been involved in forming and heading as Vice President the Center for the Women of New York where she works closely with others to advocate for gender equality, empowering women through connecting them to essential services. “I am inspired daily by our team as we work together to support, empower and uplift women,” Shah said.
Known to the Queens community as the Community & Cultural Liaison for Council Member Paul A. Valone, Shah has been involved in political and civic engagement, advocating for women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and social justice. “The late Councilman Valone was a true leader and mentor who taught me to be always ready to help, and to do the right thing always,” Shah said.
Shah has also been a member of Katz’ South Asian / Indo-Caribbean Advisory Council and organizations including Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, Queens Council on the Arts, and other major community organizations.
Shah is also the Co-Chair of Felicia’s Promise, a nonprofit organization that empowers young women from underrepresented communities in New York. “At Felicia’s Promise, we help women develop marketable skills, pursue higher education, and achieve financial independence. We provide training in STEM, entrepreneurship, leadership, and civic engagement,” Shah said.
Shah’s background as an entrepreneur helps her tackle the aspect of business proficiency for women she works with. She is the President of Difference Inc. and holds an Accredited Jewelry Professional certification from the Gemological Institute of America.
Shah said, “Education is an important background for women to succeed.” Before entering the jewelry industry, Shah had been a school teacher in India for over 30 years at prestigious schools.
With roots in Indian culture, Shah has been promoting Indian heritage through her own Nritya Kala Kendra Indo-American Arts and Cultural Inc. which preserves and promotes India’s classic and contemporary performing arts. Her organization also promotes cultural exchanges inviting dance troupes and organizing visits from local cultural organizations in the US.
Shah’s association with education, arts and community has also resulted in her promoting and organizing cultural events at the Queen’s College, Barnard College, Columbia University, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Pace University, the UN, and more.
Shah has also been traveling abroad as cultural ambassador for India. “I value representing India’s culture in other countries. Some of my best experiences come from events at Kuala Lumpur, Athens, Bangkok, Singapore and the Caribbean when I represented the Indian Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations,” Shah said.
Shah has been much decorated and has received many awards and honors for her contribution to society from various organizations, including the Queens Ambassador Award, the Hind Rattan Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement (London), the South Asian Leadership Award from Governor Andrew Cuomo, Congressional Recognition from Congressman Thomas R. Suozzi and Congresswoman Grace Meng, Leadership in Arts & Culture Award from Assemblyman Nick Perry, Outstanding Mother Award from the Chinese American Parent-Student Council, and more.
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