SACC Presents 5 Houstonians with Excellence in the South Asian Community Award

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Board members, from left: Sarah Ali, Kasteena Parikh, Dr. Noreen Khan-Mayberry (Mistress of Ceremony), Maryum Khan (Treasurer), Shenila Naseem (President), Malik Jamal
Photos: Meedu Photografy

HOUSTON: The South Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) held an awards luncheon to celebrate five Exceptional Houstonians on Friday, October 23. The event was held at Tony’s restaurant in the heart of the city. Excellence goes beyond being extremely good and SACC realized this fact was being overlooked throughout this diverse American community which have roots in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan & Sri Lanka.   “For years, there have been amazing contributions from the South Asian American community throughout the greater Houston area. But we simply were not recognizing our own and decided to fill that gap”, says SACC Board member & event chair Dr. Noreen Khan-Mayberry.

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The recipients of the award included a diverse array of professionals from the medical community to fashion, architectural and interior design to a purveyor of fabulous French  sweets. The awardees included international fashion designer Sameera Faridi, owner of Sameera Faridi designs & Director of Poshak Fashion & Style;  Allergist, Rheumatologist & Philanthropist, Dr. Sippi Khurana, owner of Allergy and Rheumatology Specialists of Houston; Colorectal Surgeon, community activist and philanthropist, Dr. Monira Hamid-Kundi ; innovative interior designer & TV personality, Nina Magon owner of Creative Director of Contour Interior Design; and entrepreneur Sukaina Rajani, owner of Macaron by Patisse, French macaron boutique, whose creations have been featured on many reality television shows. The awards were presided over by Dr. Noreen Khan-Mayberry, “The Tox Doc”, the worlds first female Space Toxicologist, TV expert on Toxicology &  Environmental Health,  & #1 Best Selling author.

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Award recipients, from left: Sukaina Rajani, Sameera Faridi, Dr. Sippi Khurana, Nina Magon, Dr. Monira Hamid-Kundi

“This award is given in recognition and appreciation of exemplary work ethic and achievements, as well as their commitment and dedication as a South Asian in the Houston community,” said SACC board president, Shenila Naseem. Many of the board members wore red which is symbolic of being empoweRED by their work in the South Asian and greater Houston community.  “We encourage all Houstonians who want to do business with the South Asian community to join SACC, not just South Asian Americans”, said SACC Treasurer Maryum Khan. Also in attendance were SACC board members Kasteena Parikh, Malik Jamal and Sarah Ali. The award ceremony was made extra special when Dr. Arun Verma, lifetime member of SACC talked about the early history of the organization and the importance of SACC’s existence.

For further information about SACC and to join visit: http://www.sacchouston.org/become-member-of-sacc