The Chicago chapter has 30 members. Teresa Hintzke and Ada Kolmodin ably represented Chicago at the 22nd International Conference in Singapore. Teresa spearheaded the PPSEAWA-USA Education Fund. Chicago members Rebecca Massey, Suki Ochoa, and Gloria Massey hosted a fundraiser luncheon in April which raised nearly $500 for the Education Fund.
Ada Kolmodin designed and created a beautiful stained glass panel with the PPSEAWA logo which was presented to the president of PPSEAWA-Singapore. Greeting cards and transparencies from the panel are on sale and will benefit the Education Fund.
Lakshmi Gidwani, outgoing Program Chair, organized a variety of interesting programs this year. Topics included Asian Community Services in Chicago; Indonesia; the history of Chinese immigration in Chicago; Indian textiles; Afghan cuisine; and the story of Aggie Grey and women and economics in the South Pacific.
The ongoing philanthropies are scholarship funds for Ogallala Lakota College and the Jyoti Children’s fund for a hearing impaired girl in Kanpur, India.
The slate of officers for next year include: President: Anita Yamada, First VP: Martha Mackin, Second VP: Jerilyn Maripol, Recording Secretary: Diane Singh, Corresponding Secretary: Akari Yamada, and Treasurer: Royal Buscombe