Pakistani American Forum/ Merit Grants for Young Women
MGYW Annual Banquet
MGYW Fundraising Banquet held in November 2023
On November 11, 2023, Pakistani American Forum/Merit Grants for Young Women (MGYW) held its fundraising dinner at a local hotel in Southern California. MGYW is a non-profit 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization founded in 2000 to promote higher education among under-privileged young women of Pakistan. After Qirat recital by Anwar Memon, Community Activist Mohammad Khan introduced Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (37th District) who honored MGYW and its Board Members for their exemplary service to promote education among among under-privileged young women of Pakistan. All Board Members, including Tasneem Afzal, Zeenat Jandga (who also served as an Emcee), Abida Ahmed, Dr. Bina Kamdar, Dr. Farhana Mohamed, and Zille Huma Zaman introduced guests of honor; Farhana Mohamed made a power point presentation to introduce MGYW; Consul General Asim Ali Khan, Mrs. Faiza Ali Khan, Artesia City Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj, and several community leaders were the Honored Guest speakers; Kashif Khan entertained the guests with his comedy as well as assisted Dr. Bina Kamdar in conducting a vey successful fundraiser. Achievement awards were presented to Kashif Khan, Aleeza Adnan, and Late Yasmin Gajiani. In addition to update on recent MGYW activities and raffle prizes, musical entertainment was provided by well known performers Arshad & Shazia Ali and photography was done by Amjad Ali. All Board Members and community volunteers worked very hard to make the program a resounding success.
MGYW Profiles of Excellence
Two accomplished women in MGYW’s circle won accolades as they were recognized for their accomplishments.
1. Dr. Quratulain Bakhteari of IDSP/Balochistan projects (partly supported by MGYW) received women’s achievement award from Hum TV Network. She was also nominated for Nobel Peace Prize and won the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2006.
Following links highlight additional accomplishments for Dr. Quratulain Bakhteari.
Nobel Peace Prize
Skoll
Ashoka
Women Who Win 100
Documentery
2. Lena Khan (MGYW’s past achievement award recipient) She is the executive producer of the documentary “Stranger at the Gate” which was shortlisted for Oscars in 2023 and also nominated for critics choice before the Oscars. Lena is a writer and director. Her first feature film, Tiger Hunter, released in over 70 cities nationwide and garnered effusively positive reviews from The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and more. Fresh off of her first film, Disney tapped Lena to direct Flora & Ulysses, a live action family comedy, that released this year and was among the top streamed movies in the world for multiple weeks. She recently filmed several episodes of Mindy Kaling's award-winning Netflix Show, "Never Have I Ever" and is now working on several feature and TV projects.
Credits: Farhana Mohamed & Jason Chau
MGYW’s International Women's Day Gala
MGYW’s International Women's Day Gala on March: It’s all about Empowerment
The Pakistani American Forum - Merit Grants for Young Women (MGYW) organized International Women's Day Gala on March 4 at a local restaurant, The program was aptly emceed by Dr. Sana Kamdar. The program was introduced by Dr. Bina Kamdar. It started with Quranic Recitation by Huda Nadeem followed by Pak and US national anthems.. For over twenty years, MGYW is playing a positive role in providing educational opportunities for underprivileged young women of Pakistan throughout the four provinces of Pakistan. It is diligently trying to fill the gap due to limited government resources.
The program followed with the welcome, MGYW mission and goals, and introduction of MGYW Board Members by the President Tasneem Afzal. These included Abida Ahmed, Bilquis Haider, Zeenat Jandga, Dr. Bina Kamdar, Dr. Farhana Mohamed, and Zille Huma Zaman. The program was highly entertaining with Board Members and guests actively participating in singing and dance competitions. The guests greatly enjoyed the interactive participation in musical and dance performances. There were many free raffle drawings. MGYW Board also presented plaque to Founder/CEO Farhana Mohamed for her long services to MGYW. The program was highly successful due to the efforts put forth by all Board Members, especially Bina Kamdar and Zille Huma. The Board is profoundly grateful to the event sponsors, generous donors, and volunteers for their huge support.
2023 Events & Highlights