Wishwas (translated in Hindi as Trust), a New York based non-for-profit organization will be holding a fundraiser in Manhattan honouring fashion designer Naeem Khan and acclaimed and well-known jewellery designer, Ranjana Khan. Wishwas aims to financially empower women in South Asian communities by providing them the tools to create their own successes.
Specifically, the organization supports and empowers low-income women to better assimilate within the society and secondly, the organization provides resources for them to develop vocational skills and make them financially self-sufficient.
Women are given opportunities to develop skills in leadership management, personal financial management, business/entrepreneurship training, community building, and micro-credit/micro financing loans.
By creating small cooperatives, Wishwas creates a safe space for these women to develop and execute ideas, develop relationships and trust with each other, and are able to become empowered!
According to their official Facebook page, “Their purpose is to educate and train women in order for them to achieve the level of financial independence that they wish to achieve. This includes fostering women onto the path to becoming entrepreneurs of home-based businesses, marketing their services, or branding their goods.” Their purpose is also not limited to the South Asian population.
Nivedita Chandrappa, Wishwas executive director says, “We aim to create a safe space where immigrant women can come together and develop confidence, faith and trust in each other and their futures. We envision a world where all women will have the opportunity to achieve financial freedom."
On September 26th 2013 in Manhattan, Wishwas will be hosting a one of a kind fundraiser of the power couple and celebrity designers Naeem and Ranjana Khan.
Naeem Khan is an Indian-born American fashion designer who has designed clothes from A-list celebrities including Penelope Cruz, Debra Messing, and even the first Lady Michelle Obama who donned her gown for Oscars 2013!
His wife, Ranjana Khan, whose masterpiece jewellery has been featured in Allure, Marie Claire, and other publications, is also known for her stunning collection of bib necklaces, bridal jewellery, earrings, and woven necklaces says, “This cause has touched me deeply because the women in our lives–our mothers, our aunts, our sisters, and daughters–are seldom given the chance to work on skills that boost their confidence and financially empower them strength. Wishwas’ mission helps make this happen.”
Join well-known social leaders, entrepreneurs, executives, and taste makers of the tri-state area for an evening of fine wine, hors d’oeuvres by Devi restaurant, desserts by ChocaL8kiss, live entertainment by award winning AATMA dance troupe, silent auctions and a preview of Naeem Khan’s Fall 2013 collection.
The evening will be hosted by former Miss India America, Melanie Kannokada. The fundraiser aims to raise money for the charity through the ticket sales and silent auction that will work to benefit Wiswas throughout the year.
![](/wp-content/uploads/images/blog_articles//1376157020_Funraiser2.jpg)
Feature Image: Wishwas Fundraiser Face book Page
Images & Source: Neerja Patel/ Neerja Public Relations