The RAYWA Foundation, a trailblazer in empowering neurodiverse youth and fostering a more inclusive world, hosted its marquee event—The Inspirational Achievers (TIA) Awards Gala—on December 14, 2024, at the iconic The Pierre Hotel in New York City. Celebrating 25 years of legacy, this unforgettable evening brought together visionaries, changemakers, and luminaries from around the globe to honor excellence, resilience, and social impact.
Partnered by Pfizer, Morgan Stanley, ICICI Bank, Tanishq, SG Worldwide, Altice USA, Aaj Tak, and India Today, the event highlighted the indomitable spirit of those rising above challenges to make a lasting difference.
“The TIA Awards are a celebration of those who not only achieve great success but also pave the way for others to follow,” said Manee Kamboj, Co-Founder of the RAYWA Foundation. “It’s a tribute to the power of leadership rooted in empathy and purpose.”
This year’s distinguished honorees, representing diverse industries and causes, included:
Lifetime Achievement Awards
• Alan Cumming – Actor, Author, and Activist
• Princess Diya Kumari – Philanthropist and Politician
• Tonino Lamborghini – Luxury Brand Innovator
Corporate Leadership Excellence
• Saul Van Buerden – Head of Consumer & Small Business Banking, Wells Fargo
• Dennis Mathew – CEO, Altice USA
• Chiro Aikat – EVP, Mastercard
• Ashu Rathor – Partner, EY
Philanthropy and Community Impact
• Robin Ganzert – President & CEO, American Humane
• Parekh Family Foundation – Philanthropic Organization
• Mayor Neena Singh – Mayor of Montgomery Township
• Raju Sethi – Media Entrepreneur
• Dr. Rajendra Bansal – Philanthropist and Healthcare Entrepreneur
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Sunil Bagaria – Founder & President, GDB International
• Bobby Garg – Branding Expert in the Liquor Industry
• Greg Reid – Author, Speaker, and Entrepreneur
Healthcare and Science Leadership
• Dr. Julie Russak – Founder, Russak Dermatology Clinic
• Chirag Patel – Chief Strategy Officer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Dr. Satheesh Kathula – Oncologist and Philanthropist
Arts and Culture Excellence
• Claudia Wells – Actress and Philanthropist
• Rhea Raj – Singer and Songwriter
• Ashfer Biju – Executive Chef, The Pierre Hotel
• Namratha Prashanth – Winery Expert, Italy
Adding to the evening’s allure, all honorees and sponsors will be featured on the NASDAQ Times Square billboard at the start of 2025, spotlighting their remarkable achievements globally.
The event, hosted by celebrated actor Omi Vaidya and anchor Shanelle Kaul, featured a breathtaking Tanishq USA Fashion Show, celebrating sustainable luxury and global craftsmanship. Enchanting dance and musical performances captivated the audience, blending tradition with modern expression. A centerpiece of the evening was the unveiling of the limited-edition coffee table book authored by Dr. Rashmee Sharma. “The Roshni coffee table book brings to life the stories of those who have turned adversity into opportunity,” said Dr. Sharma. “It is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, perfectly aligned with the heart of the TIA Awards.”
Proceeds from the gala will drive RAYWA Foundation’s transformative initiatives, including vocational training, scholarships, and the One World Home project—a pioneering lifelong support system for neurodiverse youth and their families. Reflecting on the evening, Manee Kamboj concluded, “RAYWA is about creating a future where every individual, regardless of their challenges, has the tools and opportunities to thrive. Tonight’s TIA Awards Gala and the Roshni book are a celebration of inclusion, empowerment, and the boundless potential of the human spirit.”
