Step2StepUp Inc.

Happy International Women’s Day 2024! What a wonderful day to recognize all the hard working women in the world. You are all doing a fantastic job. Dont doubt yourself.

As a young girl, I was inspired by my Mom to dream big, work hard and create excellence. My Mom is spectacular at everything she does and she always cares for her family with great pride and joy. She is the heart and soul of our family. I am grateful for all of her wisdom and support!

May we all Inspire Inclusion in our homes, communities and workplaces. Whether you are a working Mom, single mom, Stay-at-Home Mom, a Fur-babies Mom or not a Mom at all, may you always strive to learn, grow and excel in your field of choice.

And most importantly, may we invest in our communities, neighborhoods and circle of influence. Never stop dreaming big!!

🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶

https://www.internationalwomensday.com

Meet the remarkable Rita Pardue!

Rita is a 2023 - 24 Inspirational Women Awardee by Step2Step Up Inc.

Rita Pardue is KUNV’s Community Engagement Producer and an On-Air Personality for the podcast, “Rita-On-The-Road.” She is the recipient of the NBC 4 and the Los Angeles YWCA “Women Making History” award for her contribution to children’s radio programming and the National PTA Golden Oak Award for 16 years of service. Rita is a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, TV & Broadcasting and a Master’s Degree in Child Development, focusing on children’s radio programming.

She works with the Children’s Literacy Program providing narration for Sanrio, Inc. “Hello Kitty” book series and Recording for the Blind. Rita has been a columnist for Valley Magazine, the Glendale News-Press and published author of “The Nothing-To-Do Fun Shop” book. As a spokesperson for World Vision, she helped recruit more than two thousand sponsors for third-world children during her KKLA Midday on LA hosting position on Los Angeles’s number one Christian radio station.

Rita has served as a mentor and educator. Her goal is to provide students with the tools and abilities to not only succeed in school, but life as well having respect for others and taking personal responsibility and developing excellent communication skills.

If you or someone you know is interested in gaining further insight, mentorship or guidance from Mala Ganguli, please reach out to me and I will gladly make that connection.

It is our goal at Step2StepUp Inc. to create mentorship opportunities for all of the entrepreneurs of the world. Getting a college degree and a good job just isn't enough in today's highly competitive AI driven market. You don't need to reinvent the wheel. Learn from the greatest teachers of the world and grow your own empire.

"Stay focused to your goals and keep working towards learning and not expecting quick results and achievements. Always continue learning as much as possible and find the right Gurus in which ever field you are in. Never think of stage and fame too quickly. If you work hard, your name and fame will automatically follow you"., stated Mala Ganguli.

To learn more about Mala Ganguli's incredible accomplishments, check out our previous post.

Meet the talented Mala Ganguli! Pioneering the usage of Indian Classical Music in mainstream American commercials like "Nike", and the hit CBS movie “The Christmas Box", Mala Ganguli performs throughout North America as a touring and recording artist. Mala is widely acclaimed for her extraordinary vocal skills. Mala is a SAG/AFTRA performer who works regularly as a composer and singer in Hollywood movies, TV jingles, Voice Overs, and fusion music.

Recently, Mala gave her voice to the blockbuster hits "Mission Impossible 4 ", "Big Bang Theory ", “Eat, Pray, Love”, “Hulk”, “The Most Fearless”, “Blade Runner 2049”, “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders/Made In...”, “Ms. Marvel”, and “Shantaram (TV series)”.

Mala Ganguli is the founder of The Surmala Music Academy, which is dedicated to furthering the fine arts of India. Her original artwork has been exhibited in the Laguna Beach Arts Festival and Monrovia Arts Festival in San Francisco and Los Angeles. She specializes in producing one-of-a-kind commissioned paintings and composites.

Mala Ganguli is a 2023 Step2StepUp Inc., 24 Inspirational Women Awardee!

Contact Vasu Pawar directly, if you are interested in collaborating with Mala Ganguli.

Vasu Pawar

Journey of Vasu Pawar: Selfmade Indian Community Builder, Business Women 📣 I am thrilled to share my remarkable journey as a Selfmade Indian Community Builder and Business Woman. 🙋‍♀️ In 1976, I embarked on a life-changing journ...

It is Ms. Vasu Pawar's strong determination to empower and uplift every person she encounters in her life.

Journey of Vasu Pawar: Selfmade Indian Community Builder, Business Women 📣 I am thrilled to share my remarkable journey as a Selfmade Indian Community Builder and Business Woman. 🙋‍♀️ In 1976, I embarked on a life-changing journ...

Brilliant Exercises for our eyes only

10 Great Exercises to Improve Your Eyesight How to improve your eyesight at home? Exercising your eyes is one of those simple things that very few people do. However, it can help you maintain excellent...

Meet Non-Profit Barbie! She is undeniably focused on helping people across the world find their purpose in life through Lifology and then transform those passions into a business of their own with the help up Step2StepUp Inc.

Learn more at:
www.Lifology.com
www.Step2StepUp.com

Meet our fearless founder ... Vasu Pawar. For those of you who do not know Vasu very well, let me share one very important fact about her. Vasu is a serial entrepreneur who has built several businesses from the ground up. Vasu has invested in over 10 small businesses throughout the years.

She has owned and operated two Indian Restaurants, a ceramics business, an import/export shoe company, a tech company, several MLM businesses, the import/export of food products, jewelry, women's clothing, and to***co products.

Vasu knows how difficult entrepreneurship is and she is committed to helping motivate young adults to launch the business of their dreams. The business world entices us with its big salaries and great benefits, but it is also shreds our hopes and dreams with layoffs, long hours, a very heavy workload, long commutes, grueling demands, unreasonable expectations and heartless managers who don't care about you or your family.

At Step2StepUp Inc, we don't stop. We pivot. We may fall, but we get back up. We don't fail. We learn and we grow. A Failure is a valuable lesson. And we have certainly learned a lot.

Step2StepUp Inc is a non-profit organization that was formed to motivate, support and guide entrepreneurs all around the world, so they never lose sight of their passions and they persevere despite all the challenges that come their way. Vasu wanted to create an organization that provides the support that she wished she had.

Every year, we focus on honoring 24 successful women, who are industry & community leaders. Women who are the best of the best. Women who have shattered the glass ceiling, cut through the red tape and silenced the haters. Women who have lead their teams with honor while creating groundbreaking programs that have revolutionized their industries. Each of these incredible w

Build a legacy so great that you will have the power to alter the lives of everyone you care for.

STEP2STEPUP INC.

PRESENTS
A TRIBUTE TO 24 SUCCESSFUL INSPIRING WOMEN IN THE NATION 2023

The “A Tribute to 24 Successful, Inspiring Women in the Nation” event hosted by Step2StepUp Inc was held on Sat., March 11, 2023, at the Bombay Grill, Bar & Banquet in Yorba Linda, California. The event organizers found themselves on storm watch, days prior to the event, which caused an unexpected venue change, for all attendees. The Step2StepUp Inc team ensured that the elegance of this Red-Carpet event would not be compromised, which was only possible due to unwavering support of our devoted sponsors, volunteers, an ecstatic audience, and team members like Vilas Jadhav, who helped tremendously with the brochure and Dharmesh Patel and Jon & Rani Kuusto, who were there for the set-up.

Our emcee, Chanel Beery, kick started this high impact event with an audience lamp lighting, which was followed thereafter by a prayer and the National Anthems of both USA and India, sung by Priyadarshini Roy.

The 2023 Step Up and Soar challenge, featured 24 Youth Entrepreneurs from Step2StepUp’s USA, India & Africa Chapters. Team USA was mentored by Chanel Beery, who assisted 15 young men & women to write up a business plan and create a business idea that would make a positive impact in their communities with a modest $50 budget. The Youth Africa, Uganda, chapter had 5 students who were represented and mentored by Susan Seats and Ramesh Thalli and the India Chapter with 4 students who were mentored by Shravan Tedla.

Each of the 24 Awardees were honored on our red carpet with a memorable award presented by our sponsors, as we listened to each of their inspiring messages to the world and their heartwarming stories of triumph. It was wonderful to share this special event with the family members of the awardees who showed unwavering love and support.

The very talented Mona Shaikh rocked the mic with her fun & edgy comedy routine, which kept every audience member, excited and on their toes. Mona continues to soar to new heights on and off the stage.

Our Keynote speaker, Srividya Nagaraju asked our guests to invest time into better knowing themselves, which will lead to a different aspect of togetherness, its purpose, and how it aligned to their Dreams, Skills, and Actions to contribute to their greater good. A quote “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together” – Ratan Tata

We were honored to host a crowd of over 150 powerful guests who were dressed to impress in either an evening gown or a suit & tie. We enjoyed the photo session, networking and the entrepreneurial spirit orchestrated by the Step2StepUp Inc team. As we push forward to accomplish our biggest goals, there is no greater joy than to share these sweet moments with other hard working and dedicated people, who are as passionate as we are.

Step2StepUp Organization is grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event. We thank all our guests for their wonderful messages received in appreciation of our event. We are extremely grateful to all our wonderful sponsors, including Janak Patel, of Maurice Carrie Winery who gifted each of our inspiring awardees with a wine bottle from his prestigious winery. We encourage each of you to visit this lovely winery in the hills of Temecula. In addition, we acknowledge each of our other sponsors who are equally committed to supporting our 24 Inspiring awardees and 24 talented young entrepreneurs. As this event encourages us even more, we look forward to the unprecedented growth of Step2StepUp, to our next generation, our community, and the Nation.

Ms. Vasu Pawar
Convener, CEO/Founder, Step2StepUp Inc.

TONIGHT!! Celebrate excellence with us tonight!

Meet our 24 Inspirational Women of 2023 who will be recognized tonight at the 2023 Tribute 24 Event! These women continue to raise the bar, while staying true to their values.

Join Step2StepUp Inc at their 2nd Annual Tribute to 24 Inspirational Women on Sat., March 11th, 2023 (tonight) at 4:00pm.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $50.00 per person!

We will be celebrating at Bombay Grill, Bar & Banquet.

Bombay Grill, Bar & Banquet
23040 Eastpark Dr.,
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
(714)279-9619

Thanks to SoCal.Channel for this Wonderful Teaser for the Spectacular Event, Tribute to 24 Successful Women in the Nation.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 4:00 pm Sharp, for an ENJOYABLE EVENING with us.

SoCal Channel
CHANEL
Srividya Nagaraju
Smita Vasant
Mona Shaikh
Shagun Gupta

Step2StepUp awards 24 Inspirational Women in USA March 11th, 2023, Step2StepUp presents 2nd Annual Tribute to 24 Inspirational Women in USA.

The event of the season has arrived. Join Step2StepUp Inc at their 2nd Annual Tribute to 24 Inspirational Women on Sat., March 11th, 2023 (tomorrow) at 4:00pm. We will be celebrating at Bombay Grill, Bar & Banquet.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $50.00 per person!

Bombay Grill, Bar & Banquet
23040 Eastpark Dr.,
Yorba Linda, CA 92887
(714)279-9619

Step2StepUp awards 24 Inspirational Women in USA March 11th, 2023, Step2StepUp presents 2nd Annual Tribute to 24 Inspirational Women in USA.

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE OUR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2023, PAY TRIBUTE TO 24 SUCCESSFUL WOMEN IN THE NATION ALONG WITH OUR 24 STUDENTS WHO NEED YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT AND GUIDANCE TO BE FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS.

Mark your calendars!

On Saturday, March 11th, 2023, join Step2StepUp Inc at our 2nd Annual Tribute to 24 Inspirational Women event.

May we all aspire to positively influence the leaders of tomorrow by committing to excellence today!

Benny Dayal Show is in town, Presented by Daxini Bengali Association. Join us at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center on October 8th at 7:00 pm and make your day a fun filled one.

Globally we celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India 75

This beautiful patriotic song features community professionals, leaders, award winners, young kids and more globally.

Featuring our Consul General of India, SF, Hon Dr. T.V. Nagedra Prasad, Dr. Nitin Shah, Ashok Madan, Ms. Vasu Pawar (founder of Step2StepUp), Vijay Patio (SMAP Foundation_, Harsh*th Kotni, Smith Vasant (LA India Fashion Week), Amrit Kamoh & Priyadarshini Roy.

https://youtu.be/XZ8a2pLYP_c

Patriotic song | HARA BHARA BHARAT | Featuring Rasheenu | Bharat Song 'Hara Bhara Hai Bharat Mera' is a patriotic song of India that has beautiful words in praise of Bharat. The full song is from 1. 35 min to 6.50 min in the v...

The 41st Annual Lotus Festival was a big hit. We celebrated this monumental event in Los Angeles on July 9th-10th! Check out a few of the many highlights of the event. Head over to my page for more photos!

It was a proud moment for India and every other Asian culture that was represented at the 41st Annual Lotus Festival in Los Angeles on July 9th – 10th, as this year marks ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, and ‘75 Years of India Independence’. It is Ironic that the ‘Lotus Flower’ happens to be the National Flower of India. The Lotus Festival is the City’s largest festival and a celebration and understanding of the contributions by the Asian diversity community and Pacific Islanders. This festival is celebrated each year when the lotus flowers start blooming in the Echo Park Lake.
Our Honorable Consul General of India, San Francisco, Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad, was ebullient in showcasing India in the most decorative way at this prestigious event. He had assigned this important task to Sunil Agrawal of India Association of Los Angeles, a reputable organization, that has been in existence for the past 22 years. Mr. InderSingh (Late) and Mr. Kumar Jawa, prominent personalities were the founders of IALA.

Under the leadership of Past President, Past Chairman, Sunil Agarwal, Chairman, Manmohan Chopra, BODs, Kanaksinh Zala, President Mrs. Manjit Wahi, Executive Committee Members, Kiran Kamboj, Ms. Vasu Pawar, Falguni Zala, Vandna Kumar, Hema Chopra & Prem Chopra succeeded in making this an ‘Event to Remember’.
The City Officials assigned the Main Pavilion to India as the ‘Host Country Pavilion’. Under the direction of IALA, the ‘India Pavilion’ was decorated by Neeru Koshy of ‘Truly Beautiful Events’, with ‘India Theme’ portraying the ancient history of India in a nutshell, artifacts, music, architecture, Indian National heroes, posters, monuments, and Indian Cultural Dance forms representing various States of India. Classical Indian music was played during the day by Dr. Rose Muralikrishnan Group and other artists like Ramesh Thalli of Sargam LA Live. We also had a ‘Henna Booth’ and ‘India Photo Booth’ which was managed efficiently by Hema Chopra & Prem Chopra, which turned into the main attraction at the ‘Lotus Festival’. In addition, Yoga, and Ayurveda sessions were artistically showcased. The event opened with a parade and 90-minute showcase by India Association of Los Angeles presenting the culture of India through dance forms. Many ethnicities participated in showcasing their culture, food, artifacts, jewelry etc. throughout the two-day festival.

The Lotus Festival was inaugurated by Honorable Consul General of India, San Francisco, Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad along with IALA executive members, Mayor of Los Angeles, Commissioner of Recreation and Parks, and other important City officials. There were speeches and awards presented. The American and Indian National Anthems were melodiously sung by our very own Priyadarshini Roy.
We are proud of the speech by our Hon. Consul General of India, Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad. He spoke about the excellent relationship between India and the US, how India had progressed in so many ways and how India had helped over 100 countries during Covid Crises with free vaccines. His speech also triggered unity in diversity and the congregation of our two democratic countries India & US; both believe in equality. He expressed that India wishes to do more things that will solidify our India/US relationship.

The 90-minute opening show was coordinated by IALA Team Lead Sunil Agrawal, including Manmohan Chopra, Manjit Wahi, Vasu Pawar, Kanaksinh Zala, Kiran Kamboj, Falguni Zala, Hema Chopra and Prema Chopra and Vandna Kumar which consisted of colorful dances, music, martial arts, and songs from various states and cultures of India with our Indian National Flag fluttering on the stage throughout the day. The performances were presented by Leela Dance Academy, Rangashree Dances of India, Bhairvi Dance Academy, Navarasa Dance Theater Company, Kathak Kala Academy, Indian Performing Arts, Got Bhangra, while our Emcee, Mansi Mehra, rocked the stage with her elegance and grace.

This was indeed a proud moment for me (Ms. Vasu Pawar) as well, to receive an award from our Honorable Consul General of India, Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad in appreciation of my services to the 41st Los Angeles Lotus Festival.
The City of Los Angeles also presented me with a certificate of appreciation for the cultural program presented that evening on behalf of SMAP Foundation. Shankara Dance Academy presented a breathtaking Kathak Dance choreographed by the artistic director, Arti Manek, which mesmerized the crowd. Dakshini Organization headed by President Riddhi Chakraborty presented a graceful group folk dance of west Bengal. Ramesh Thalli of Sargam LA Live and others, created a collaborative connection with their classical music presentation of drums and rhythm which drew a lot of attention.

This Year’s LA City honorees included Avadhesh Agarwal, Sunil Agrawal, Kumar Jawa, Harwans Bawa, Raman Chadha, Ashok Madan, and Bharasinh Zala, for their extraordinary leadership and contribution to the city.

This was a coordination of so many efforts by IALA executive team and there were awards presented in appreciation of their contribution to the city and putting together such a beautiful ‘Lotus Festival’ as the ‘Host Country’, and these awardees were, Manjit Wahi, Arun Bhumitra, Kanaksinh Zala, Manmohan Chopra, Falguni Zala, Ms. Vasu Pawar, Kiran Kamboj, Hema Chopra, Prema Chopra, Rose Muralikrishnan, Mansi Mehra and Ashish Saboo, President of TIE So. Cal.
This truly was a proud moment for India Association of Los Angeles Team, celebrating the Los Angeles Lotus Festival on India’s 75th Year of Independence.

Ms. Vasu Pawar
CEO/Founder Step2StepUp Inc.

The 41st Annual Lotus Festival kicked off in Los Angeles, CA on July 9th & 10th as this year marks ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (Festival of Freedom) and ‘75 Years of India Independence’. The lotus flower is the National Flower of India and is considered a sacred symbol of purity, rebirth, enlightenment and strength. The Lotus Festival is the city’s largest festival and it celebrates the contributions of the local Asian and Pacific Islander communities. This festival is celebrated each year when the lotus flowers start blooming in Echo Park Lake.

Our Honorable Consul General of India, San Francisco, Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad, was overjoyed to represent and showcase India with an elaborate and diverse display of talent. India was the Host Country for this years celebration. The India Association of Los Angeles headed by Sunil Agrawal was assigned the task of project planning for this festival.

I had the pleasure of participating by way of the India Association of Los Angeles and offer my helping hand with the opening show at the Lotus Festival. I also presented the cultural show on behalf of SMAP Foundation, as the SMAP-LA President that evening. In addition, as the CEO/Founder of the non-profit organization, Step2StepUp Inc. had a booth at the event promoting our services, which provide opportunities to our young adults to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams.

I am proud to have received an award from our Honorable Consul General of India In addition, the City of Los Angeles presented me with a Certificate of Appreciation for the cultural program presented that evening on behalf of SMAP Foundation., Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad in appreciation of my services to the 41st Los Angeles Lotus Festival.

The Shankara Dance Academy mesmerized the crowd with its breathtaking Kathak Dance choreographed by the artistic director, Arti Manek. Dakshini Organization headed by President Riddhi Chakraborty presented a graceful group folk dance of west Bengal. Ramesh Thalli of Sargam LA Live and others, created a collaborative connection with their classical music presentation of drums & rhythm which drew a lot of attention.

Don’t miss today’s Rukus Avenue Radio’s interview at 6pm PST with Vasu Pawar on the Lotus Festival and more. Tune in tonight and get ready to have some fun!

I was proud to receive on behalf of the SMAP Foundation a Certificate of Recognition at the 41st. Lotus Festival presented by The City of Los Angeles. This was a proud moment for India as India was the Host Country. Our National Flag fluttered in the background on the stage.

My heart goes for the terrible tragedy and killings of so many Elementary school students and its impact on their families. Please join us at the candlelight vigil in Riverside on June 4th

Spectacular Shivaji Maharaj Antarashtriya Parivar 2022 event

https://youtu.be/vEUTbP-64Qg

TV Asia USA coverage of SMAP Shiv Jayanti Los Angeles

Join NFIA on April 3, 2022 for the International Women's Day Celebration. You won't want to miss this thrilling event.

As the Regional Vice President of Pacific South (California & Nevada) within the National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA), I am proud to introduce you to our March 2022 Newsletter, which is filled with inspiration and insight.. As a community leader, it is my honor to serve my nation by uniting our people with education, culture and wisdom. It is up to each of us to keep our fire burning strong.

Let's support our very own Fashion Designer and movie producer Shekhar Rahate, for the reality show in the making.