Passage to India 2025: Leading with Strength, Transforming with Heart: Celebrating Women in Central Illinois
This year, we proudly honor the remarkable women of Central Illinois who lead with resilience, inspire with kindness, and transform lives with their unwavering dedication. These women are changemakers—driving innovation in their fields, advocating for others, and shaping a stronger, more compassionate community.
Their strength fuels progress, breaking barriers and opening doors for future generations. Their compassion builds connections, creating a sense of belonging and support for those who need it most. And their impact extends far beyond today, leaving a legacy of empowerment, hope, and transformation for years to come.
At Passage to India 2025, we celebrate their stories, their influence, and their extraordinary contributions to our community—because when women lead with heart, they change the world.
Since its inception in 2006, Passage to India has grown into the premier cultural and fundraising event supporting Easterseals Central Illinois, raising over $6 million to empower children with disabilities.
Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring authentic Indian cuisine, captivating performances, and a celebration of impact—all in support of children and families in our community.
New for 2025: Celebrate a Remarkable Woman at Passage to India!
In honor of this year’s theme—"Leading with Strength, Transforming with Heart: Celebrating Women in Central Illinois"—we’re offering a special opportunity for table and event sponsors to recognize an inspiring woman in their life or community. This unique addition to Passage to India is only available this year, making your sponsorship even more personal and meaningful. Honorees will be celebrated in a memorable way during the event, while your support helps fuel the life-changing mission of Easterseals Central Illinois.
*When registering as a table or event sponsor, simply include the name of the woman you would like to honor in the designated section.
2025 Banyan Tree Award
Click on the link below to see this years Banyan Tree Award recipient.
Leadership
Board of Directors
- Manny Bedi, HTC Global Services
- Brian & Emily Cahill, Illinois Agricultural Association/Peoria Park District
- Bill Conger, Peoria Riverfront Museum
- Deepak Gaddipati, VirtuSense Technologies
- Faisal Hasan, STARlab Capital
- Hiral Hudson, Morgan Stanley
- Drs. Jawad Javed & Zohra Moeenuddin, OSF HealthCare/Children’s Hospital of Illinois/UICOMP
- Paul Joseph, Caterpillar Inc. (retired)
- Dr. Kamlesh Macwan, OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois/UICOMP
- Dr. Krishnanand Maillacheruvu, Bradley University
- Gayathri Mariappan, RLI
- Subhasis Mukherjee, Deloitte (retired)
- Drs. Sudhir & Megha Mungee, OSF HealthCare/Cardiovascular Institute/UICOMP
- Shelley Parn, OSF Healthcare
- Sudheer Sajja, Pringle Robotics
- Drs. Siddharth & Shikha Sarangi, OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute/UICOMP
- Ajay & Preeti Sarin, Onward Technologies Inc.
- Don Shafer, Illinois Central College
- Chris Setti, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
- Dr. Manu Sood, UICOMP
- Anu Uddavolu, OSF Healthcare/Pointcore Inc.
- Dr. Kiran Velpula, UICOMP
Event Founders
- Seshadri Guha & Dr. Meenakshy Aiyer, Tada / UICOMP
- Prasad & Jyothi Parupalli, Caterpillar Inc. (retired)
Questions? Contact Danielle Easton, Director of Development deaston@eastersealsci.com
