Pakistani Named ‘Woman of the Year’

A Pakistan woman,  Moina Shaiq,  has been selected as the Woman of the Year by Senator Ellen Corbett from among more than 1 million people in her constituency in recognition of  Moina’s community service work that she has been doing for several years.
On coming to know that Moina had been named Woman of the Year, Congressman Pete Stark read it to Congress and entered the information into Congressional Record on April 2nd. Moina has previously received awards from the local, state and federal elected officials.
Ellen Corbett invited our family to Sacramento to spend the day at the State Capitol on March 10th, 2008. The "Woman of the Year" award event started with a breakfast reception with Lt. Governor John Garamendi and his wife. During breakfast we got a chance to discuss the current world situation and Pakistan's role with Garamendi. In the end the Lt. Governor gave Moina a gift.
After breakfast we went to Senator Corbett's office. Prior to the ceremony one of the staff members took us to the Senate floor, which is off limits to visitors. I experienced the Senate live in session; this was followed by the recognition on the Senate floor where Moina's accomplishments were announced to the whole Senate. It was a very humbling experience for her when the whole California Senate gave a standing ovation in recognition of the great work done by the "Woman of the year".
Later, we were treated to a reception by the State Woman's Caucus.
I am very touched by their generosity and kindness. They offered to work with us or help us in anyway possible.  I hope that we Muslims can continue to do good work in the communities in which we live here and show the true face of Islam.
The second reception was given by the Senator at the district level on April 5th, where she invited about 30 elected officials and leaders from the community to meet with Moina. It was hosted by Kaiser Permanente at their Fremont facility.
First prayer was recited by the hospital chaplin, the Senator introduced Moina who then Moina gave an inspirational speech.
Moina was given a surprise by our Congressman Pete Stark, who sent his speech in congress on April 2nd which was entered into congressional record for that day, which talked about Moina and about the work she has been doing in the community. So basically this was the cherry on top of the cake.
(This piece was kindly written by Mr Mohammad Shaiq, husband of Moina Shaiq)

 

 

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