NEW YORK: The growing number of South Asian women entering the marketplace was reflected in the diverse experiences of the panelists and speakers that were featured at the Congress 2008. Described as the largest single gathering of South Asian women professionals ever held in the US, Congress 2008 was presented by the South Asian Women's Leadership Forum (SAWLF) held last month at its global headquarters for PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York City.

This year's opening keynote presentation examined the precedent for women in leadership roles by comparing and contrasting the US and South Asia. The panelists, including Shahla Aly, General Manager of Corporate and Business Groups Solutions Delivery Microsoft IT and Punita Kumar-Sinha, Senior Managing Director, The Blackstone Group, addressed the rapid global transition that has already begun, as women around the world work for multi-national organizations; manage cross-border transactions and teams; and impact global policy.

"I thought there was an important opportunity for South Asian women to shape and influence mainstream perceptions of our community," recalls Simi Ahuja, SAWLF Founder. "I felt it was even more important that South Asian women were presented as experts and advisors - an examination of the mainstream media and business platforms did not indicate this was the case. As the interest in South Asia grows and thrives, organizations, like SAWLF, serve as a key resource to the media and Corporate America."

"Initially, we had a series of informal events and the response was strong today our membership base exceeds 4,000 women from across the US, UK and South Asia" says Ahuja. "Our organization was created to capitalize on the experience of women in senior leadership roles and extend their knowledge to the growing number of South Asian women who have entered the US marketplace in recent years."

"As a mother and professional, I realize the value in supporting a platform for the next generation of women leaders. SAWLF is a valued resource for women within the South Asian community," said Sheila Hooda,