By Anand Chavakula, HopeSide Ministries
Silver Spring, MD: On May 11, 2023, Dr. Sonia Selwin received the prestigious Award for Excellence in Global Education, Business, and Advancement. The ceremony was held at the British Parliament in London. Organized by the World Tamil Organization – UK, the event celebrated individuals who made remarkable contributions to education through research and international work. Dr. Selwin was recognized for her work in India, Bahrain, and in the United States, highlighting her efforts in outreach and program development meant to empower underprivileged individuals. Dr. Selwin’s story is a path of determination and compassion, illuminating the transformative power of education and community service.
Breaking Barriers and Fostering Aspirations through Education
Dr. Selwin’s journey of transformation and empowerment began in India at Lady Doak College. There, Dr. Selwin emerged as a beacon of hope for girls in a society where educational opportunities were predominantly reserved for males. Her passion for education and unwavering commitment to empowering women ignited aspirations for success and served as a role model for countless college girls. Aarthi Krishnamoorthi, a former student of Dr. Selwin who graduated in 2005 from Lady Doak College, and now serves as a Director at Bank of Montreal (BMO), Chicago expressed her admiration for Dr. Selwin’s efforts saying, “I still have vivid memories when Dr. Selwin arranged visits to villages to learn from local women entrepreneurs and industrial visits outside the city. However, like many parents in India, our own parents expressed concerns about allowing their daughters to travel outside the city unaccompanied. After organizing meetings with parents to alleviate their apprehensions, Dr. Selwin successfully coordinated multiple industrial visits. Dr. Selwin’s thoughtful approach and facilitation of immersive experiences not only expanded my knowledge but also inspired me to challenge existing stereotypes, fostering newfound confidence in my ability to succeed abroad.”
While at Lady Doak College, Dr. Selwin organized entrepreneurial skills training for about six years. Knowing that marketing was a significant obstacle in the way of local businesses getting their products to potential buyers, Dr. Selwin organized the first-ever mega-exhibition in the college campus in 2005 to promote goods made by women entrepreneurs. The Department of Business Administration learned about Dr. Selwin’s idea and supported it along with Mahalir Thittam (Women Empowerment Program), under the Tamil Nadu Corporation for the Development of Women (TNCDW), Government of India. Over 30,000 products from six districts resulted in a turnover of over one hundred thousand rupees in sales on the first day and crossed eight hundred thousand rupees on the fourth day. The exhibition was a great success and equipped the participants with essential entrepreneurial skills. Dr. Selwin’s vision propelled small local businesses to new heights. She received a letter of appreciation from the State Mahalir Thittam, Government of Tamil Nadu for uplifting thousands of underprivileged sections of society.
Today, Dr. Selwin serves as the Director for Women Ministries at HopeSide Community Church in Adelphi, Maryland. Devoting herself wholeheartedly, she assists in developing the church, initiating outreach programs for marginalized groups. Dr. Selwin’s commitment to community service has had a profound impact on the lives of many individuals in the community. With a focus on advancement through research mentorship, emotional and mental support, entrepreneurial skills development, promoting spiritual values in the workplace, and employability skills training, Dr. Selwin reaches out to people one step at a time.
Some of those who experienced Dr. Selwin’s help in the US commented on their interaction with her: “As I’ve navigated personal relationships, Dr. Selwin has been a steady force in giving me loving perspective, easing my anxieties, and helping with difficult decisions. Moreover, in the past year, I lost two dear people in my life: my adopted mom and a long-time friend. During this challenging time, Dr. Selwin was there for me. Several times, she spoke to each of them on the phone to send love and encouragement. Through her faithful friendship and service, Dr. Selwin has spoken positivity and meaning into the lives of others in her sphere. This spirit of belief has empowered many other women like myself to celebrate the joys and cope with the challenges of daily life.”- Sharon
Recently, Dr. Selwin assisted a Maryland resident, Mr. Roger Massey to start a nonprofit, NEET International who said, “I’ve observed Dr. Selwin providing counseling and support to others, and when I shared my idea of starting a non-profit, she willingly agreed to help me. Dr. Selwin has been a wonderful mentor who helped me brainstorm the entire concept, visualize concrete steps, and create and structure my nonprofit. NEET International aims to foster charitable initiatives and provide educational opportunities for the benefit of the people in America.”
Yet another lady, Jincy shared her story saying “I came to the US in January this year. I saw Sonia in front of my apartment where she also lives. I was with my husband and three kids, and she was the one to first talk with me and invite us to her house. Later she helped me get groceries distributed by churches, helped with my children’s school admission. I told her that I like sewing and she bought me a sewing machine and she helped me join a sewing class. She said that she can help me start a tailoring shop if I learn sewing well. Sonia calls me twice every week to help me speak in English and I am happy that I met her as I have improved a lot.”
Additionally, Dr. Selwin is the founder and President of People Empowerment Alliance for Creativity and Education (PEACE) a non-profit organization based in the US which provides support to underprivileged individuals. More than 350 women in the Green Fem community have reaped the benefits of PEACE’s organized programs in collaboration with the nonprofit Voluntary Association for People’s Services (VAPS). Additionally, PEACE provides training in healthy living and lifestyle through its health department, “Destined Medical Missionaries”. This department has a highly active WhatsApp group with approximately 300 participants. In partnership with VAPS and Green Fem & Guide Foundation for Development, PEACE has undertaken the conferral of the “PEACE Eminent Entrepreneur Award” within the group of 350 Green Fem women entrepreneurs, initially supported by NABARD, Government of India. Dr. Selwin reported, “We will be awarding seed funds to six deserving women entrepreneurs who have encountered developmental constraints from limited investment, along with consolation prizes for all other women who have submitted applications for this award.”
In response to inquiries about her secret to success motivation to serve, Dr. Selwin expressed, “All I am today is due to God’s grace and I am striving to share a humble portion of those blessings to others, recognizing that our time in this world is limited. Having personally encountered the obstacles that marginalized communities often confront, my determination to address these issues drives me. Therefore, my vision is dedicated to fostering holistic development, particularly within the underprivileged community.”
Dr. Selwin’s story serves as a powerful testament to the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others. Through her unwavering compassion, mentorship, and guidance, she has become a driving force in empowering individuals to overcome their challenges and unlock their true potential. As her remarkable journey continues, Dr. Selwin remains a symbol of inspiration and hope, a guiding light for those in need of transformation and empowerment.
Mr. Anand Chavakula, the visionary founder and CEO of HopeSide Ministries Inc., acknowledges Dr. Sonia Selwin, the Women’s Ministry Director, for her exceptional contributions and achievements. As a dedicated leader, he has devoted his life to spreading the transformative message of love, faith, and compassion globally since 2012.
