Unveiling a $4.2M Fund to Empower Indian Women by the American India Foundation

May 17 :
Annually held at Cipriani Wall Street, the American India Foundation (AIF) recently raised more than $4.2 million. In order to put these health, education, and livelihood programmes into action, AIF collaborates with federal, state, and local governments to fund initiatives that empower women to find and keep jobs, learn about personal finance, maintain good health during pregnancy and motherhood, and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Presenters at the gala, which was hosted by Indian American comedian Zarna Garg, including Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach and Nykaa founder and CEO Falguni Nayar.

Michael and Falguni are great exemplars of inspirational, committed leaders who advance AIF’s objective to drive sustainable, social and economic transformation', AIF CEO Nishant Pandey stated, praising their excellence. As a result of their assistance and the generosity of our supporters, funders, friends, and corporate and government partners, AIF has been able to touch the lives of 18.88 million people in 35 states and union territories of India.

The event's keynote speaker, Michael Miebach, praised the successful partnership between AIF and Mastercard, whose STEM education initiatives have benefited more than 220,000 students in India. "Our goal is to extend Girls4Tech to 500,000 girls across India by 2027, translating ideas into concrete actions," Miebach pointed out.

By announcing a new three-year collaboration between AIF and Nykaa, Falguni Nayar sought to encourage more girls to pursue STEM fields. "With India's female literacy rate significantly trailing behind that of males, this collaboration seeks to provide girls with the resources to pursue their passions and dreams," Nayar pointed out. At the event, inspiring remarks and films highlighted AIF's life-changing work. Goldman Sachs Gives, Mastercard, and Salesforce were among the key sponsors of the 2024 New York Gala, which was the most successful AIF ever had.