ILP is proud to share that two of its dedicated volunteers, Padmaja Sathyamoorthy and Uma Venkatesh, were awarded the “Trailblazer Women” Award on Women’s Day by the Association of Indo Americans (AIA) in San Francisco. This recognition celebrates their extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to creating lasting change in their communities.

Padmaja’s journey with ILP began in 2005 as a volunteer, but her passion for education quickly propelled her into leadership roles, including serving as President of the ILP US board. With a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on involvement, she has driven ILP’s technological innovations and educational initiatives. Whether visiting project sites in India, mentoring staff, or spearheading AI-driven learning tools, Padmaja’s unwavering commitment to empowering children through education shines through. Her ability to bridge gaps—between technology and learning, and between ILP’s US and India teams—has transformed the organization’s reach and impact.

Uma Venkatesh’s story is equally inspiring. A volunteer since ILP’s inception in 1990, she has been the heartbeat of the organization’s fundraising and financial operations. From organizing community events to managing complex financial systems, Uma’s meticulous attention ensures every dollar is put to its best use. Her ability to connect with people, coupled with her relentless drive for progress, has been instrumental in sustaining ILP’s mission over the decades.

Together, Padmaja and Uma embody the spirit of service and the transformative power of volunteerism. Their stories remind us that when women lead with passion and purpose, they create ripples of change that uplift entire communities.

While every day is an opportunity to celebrate women’s contributions, we take this moment to celebrate their well-deserved recognition. Their dedication inspires us all—to believe in the power of education, the joy of giving back, and the profound impact one person can make in changing the world.