We invite you to join us for an evening of Empowerment and Entertainment, supporting survivors in Central Texas on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 6:00 PM, in the Texas Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Barton Springs, located at 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sign Up to Participate
Not Attending?
You can still participate in the auction!
Lotus Award and Volunteer of the Year Winners
At the 2024 Silk Road Gala, we are proud to honor the following individuals with Lotus and Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Joy Authur - Lotus Award
Joy Authur is the Chief Development & Communications Officer for People's Community Clinic, which improves the health of medically underserved and uninsured individuals and families by providing high quality, affordable health care with dignity and respect.
We celebrate Joy's 20+ year behind-the-scenes commitment to place-making and space-making that affirms and includes people of Asian heritage in our community. Joy was involved with the creation of the Asian American Resource Center, and created pathways that link culture and health as an early board member of Asian American Resource Center Nonprofit, which transformed to Asian American Community Health Initiative (a key partner of AFSSA). Joy previously served on the Board of Directors of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and of the Asian American Community Health Initiative; and was appointed to the City of Austin's 2018 Charter Review Commission.
Dr. Saima Jehangir - Lotus Award
Dr. Jehangir, known as Dr. J, is an accomplished gynecologist, educator, and advocate, renowned for her commitment to uplifting women, particularly from underrepresented and underserved communities. Dr. J's personal experience as a minority woman in medicine shaped her commitment to creating spaces where young women, particularly from diverse backgrounds, can pursue careers in healthcare.
It's poetic that Dr. J's birthname, Kanwal, means Lotus as we honor her with a 2024 Lotus Award. We celebrate the care she has offered through her practice Lotus Gynecology and Alchemy Wellness Clinic, as well as institutionalized people, many whom are survivors of abuse, at the Austin State Hospital.
Mona Kafeel - Volunteer of the Year
Mona Kafeel is a dedicated advocate currently serving as the CEO of the Texas Muslim Women's Foundation (TMWF), where she serves with a steadfast commitment to uplifting women and families. Mona brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to the movement against gender-based violence, channeling her efforts into survivor-centered solutions aimed at fostering positive change.
We celebrate Mona's commitment to the partnership between TMWF and AFSSA, always going the extra mile to build our statewide culturally specific coalition of service providers through Texas Coalition of Asian Survivors, and for ensuring that Asian survivors in Central Texas have increased options for safety and wellbeing.
Over her 15-year career, Mona has earned a distinguished reputation for her expertise in organizational growth, strategic partnerships, and successful fundraising endeavors.
We welcome item donations!
Donate an Item Now
Share With Others
