Monday, May 02, 2011

Week 1 - Washington DC

I realized I wouldn't have much time to look aroundWashington, which seems smaller than how it is made to look on the screen. Decided to visit the Smithsonian and look around a bit before coming back for the welcoming dinner organized for us. And I finally met all the other mentees yesterday over dinner and also Chris Miner, Managing Director at the US Department of State.
The CEO of Vital Voices addressed us telling us we got here after a really competitive selection process.  I have the embassy in Chennai to thank for this. All this seems bigger than I imagined. Meeting women from Egypt, Pakistan, China, South Africa, Ghaza..Most of us are still learning to say each other's names correctly :)

Talking of names, my last name is being pronounced in the most interesting ways here.

Today we head to Panel Discussions at the US State Department and the White House.

I thought, some day I would be performing at these places sooner or later but never imagined to be part of panel discussions with some of the most powerful women in the US State Dept .. ever. My Blue Elephant is quite a lucky vehicle :)

Listening to the women at the introductory dinner, their challenges, how they have grown to be who they are, their dreams for the future, was more a time of bonding than just mere introduction. Vital Voices has an interesting thought of "Invest in Women Improve the World" and I cannot agree more. Every lady who has been selected as a part of this mentoring partnership somehow made a silent pledge to just not help each other but also each others' communities. The world is as small or as big as we want it to be. 

14 comments:

anitha shalini said...

I am totally jealous. Congratulations. Soak it all up. I am sure it would be an unforgettable time in your life.

Gayathri said...

Congratulations Chinmayi! Truly inspiring to see a budding woman entrepreneur reach such great heights! God bless :)

Akila said...

We are so proud of you Chinmayi. Kudos to you and to Blue Elephant. Good luck for the rest of your stay in US. Take care.

Nandhini said...

Blue Elephant is not only a lucky vehicle.... Its a vehicle full of talents, confidence and hard work!!!

Unknown said...

That is really great.. Since you are going to be in DC for a month, how about a meet up with your fans in north east. If you have something on your mind, please let me know, i will be very happy to see you...

Unknown said...

Chinmayi,

Were u the voice of karthika in "KO"?

Anonymous said...

Looking forward for the rest of your experiences....Is aunty with u Chinmayi??

Godspeed good people.
Maheswari

Youtube of India said...

//The world is as small or as big as we want it to be //

True!

Anonymous said...

Last name chin- mayi or sripdha? Womens from egypt, china, SA they all are stick on ther own languages, that also one of credit for their succes, lovely to c u along with them from tamilnadu hats off chinmayi":)

Unknown said...

All the very best Chinmayi!! And am sure it will be one of the best experiences for you and you will make us proud.... If you will be coming down to Miami,Fl do let me know.. would love to meet you..

Sashwath said...

Awesome . . Please write more on the training program , interesting topics and activity's . . Have fun i am sure lot of learning is going on . .

Janarthanan said...

Wow... We Indians should be so proud of you, Chinmayi! Its a great going. Now you should be feeling on top of the world! Keep up the good work and utilize your power for good. Wish you the best!

http://janas59.blogspot.com

Arathi said...

Chinmayi, sounds really interesting...do blog about this more in detail...would love to read more about your experiences here in the U.S

Jayamurugan said...

All the best. Great to hear this.