Former UK First Lady Cherie Blair honored in NYC for her work on women’s entrepreneurship

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Meera Gandhi, founder of Giving Back Foundation, a New York City-based non-profit, hosted a birthday cocktail reception for UK’s former First Lady Cherie Blair, founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair accompanied his wife to the event. A diverse crowd of international dignitaries, thought leaders, influencers, and change-makers came together, united by a common thread – the commitment to driving meaningful global change, the press release said.

Some of the other luminaries included Democratic politician Marjorie Margolies, as well as Desi Talk publisher and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, and Dr. Sudha Parikh.

The reception was held the evening of Sunday, September 17, 2023, at the Helen Yarmak Showroom on 5^th Avenue, and it coincided with the start of the 78^th United Nations General Assembly meetings which bring world leaders to the Big Apple. The evening celebrated Cherie Blair’s human rights work and achievements of her Foundation.

Gandhi, the author of ‘3 Tips: The Essentials for Peace, Joy and Success’ hosted a lavish cocktail event, in “an exquisite venue adorned with elegant decor, reflecting the global spirit of unity and philanthropy,” the press release said.

The highlight of the evening was Cherie Blair’s speech in which she walked the audience through her life journey as a barrister, lecturer, writer, and advocate for women’s rights and global justice.

“Her words resonated deeply, leaving attendees inspired and ignited with a renewed sense of purpose,” organizers said in the press release.

Dr. Parikh told Desi Talk he had the opportunity to interact with both Prime Minister Blair and Cherie Blair about her Foundation. “I told them I liked their initiative very much and would like to help meet the goal of making 1 million women around the world into entrepreneurs, and that our media outlets were available to promote such work,” Dr. Parikh said. “Once a woman becomes an entrepreneur, whole families are uplifted, as is the town, and the economy,” he added.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair also spoke at the event.

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women aims at empowering women all over the world “to start, sustain and grow successful businesses, so they can live to their full potential,” says the website of the organization. According to the website, CBFW has, to date, helped more than 230,000 women to start and grow successful businesses in more than 100 countries, and millions of lives have been touched through the ripple effect of the success of the women entrepreneurs. The programs are delivered through a network of partners around the world.

“Cherie Blair stands as a beacon of hope and transformation in our world. Her legacy of dedication and action speaks volumes, and I felt compelled to honor her, especially during a week that celebrates global unity and humanitarian efforts. This evening was more than a tribute; it was a clarion call to all of us to step up and make a difference,” Gandhi is quoted saying.

Gandhi’s Giving Back Foundation says its core mission revolves around uplifting society by supporting initiatives in education, health, and well-being. “With impactful projects spanning continents, the foundation’s outreach has been transformative, offering assistance and empowerment to individuals and communities that need it most, the press release notes. Established in 2010, the non-profit addresses problems such as mental health, illness, poverty and suffering by empowering young women and children, it says.