International Women Celebration 2025: Honoring Women, Culture, and Community
Excitement is building as the International Women Celebration (IWC) 2025 gears up for its grand event on March 8, 2025, at We-Ko-Pa Casino & Resort. This annual gathering brings together diverse communities to celebrate women’s achievements, cultures, and impact.
Now officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, IWC continues to expand its mission of empowerment. Founded by Mai Le, IWC started as an annual celebration in 2017 and has grown into a recognized event uniting 14 communities across Arizona. With a mix of awards, cultural performances, and inspiring speakers, this year’s celebration promises to be more significant than ever.
📍 Event Details at a Glance:
- Date: March 8, 2025
- Time: 6 PM – 11 PM
- Venue: We-Ko-Pa Casino & Resort, Fort McDowell, AZ
- Tickets: Regular – $75 | VIP – $150 (Includes VIP seating, plated dinner, and a free drink)
Honoring Women of Distinction
A major highlight of the evening is the Women of Distinction Awards, recognizing 13 outstanding women for their contributions to their communities. Among the honorees is Rhia Luz, a well-known figure in the Filipino-American community, along with other women from Cambodian, Korean, Hispanic, Native American, Vietnamese, Thai, Ugandan, Haitian, Chinese, and African American backgrounds.
Emotions Run High at the Pre-Event Press Conference
During the pre-event press conference, emotions ran high as nominees expressed gratitude. One awardee shared, “It’s truly an honor to be recognized for the work we do every day. We don’t do it for awards, but knowing that our impact is seen and appreciated means so much.”
The Filipino-American community has played a vital role in IWC’s success. Leaders such as Charmel Dela Cruz and Dr. Richelle Miller continue to champion the cause, with Dr. Miller emphasizing, “When we support each other, impossible things happen.”
This Year’s Recipients of the Women of Distinction Award Are:
- Staphany Pich & Kaitling Sorm – Cambodian American
- Ana Paola – Hispanic American
- JungSun Teva Yu – Korean American
- Winnie Kho Kaplan – Malaysian American
- Carol Polcyn – Caucasian American
- Sandra Pattea – Native American
- Le Le – Vietnamese American
- Arponranee Wong – Thai American
- Veronica Lupampa – Ugandan American
- Rhia Luz – Filipino American
- Dr. Sandy Rodney – Haitian American
- Sherri Chen – Chinese American
- Yvonne Swain – African American
Voices from the Celebration
The press conference ahead of the event gave a deeper look into the passion and dedication behind the celebration. Many honorees shared their personal journeys and what this recognition means to them.
One recipient reflected on the unexpected nature of the honor, saying, “When I first received the news, I was shocked. You do your work, help your community, and you don’t always realize how many people notice. It reminds me that every effort—big or small—matters.”
Another honoree, a leader in the Cambodian community, highlighted the importance of representation, sharing, “Being part of this event allows us to showcase our culture while also proving that women from every background have a place at the table. We lift each other up, and that’s what makes this event so special.”
A longtime supporter of IWC, who has been involved since the event’s early days, reflected on how far it has come. “When we started, it was about gathering to celebrate one another. Now, it’s a movement. We’ve seen women start businesses, launch nonprofits, and take on leadership roles—all because they were given a platform here. That’s the power of unity.”
Sentiment from within the Filipino community was just as heartfelt. One representative shared, “The Filipino community in Arizona is deeply connected, and events like this remind us that we are part of a much larger, interconnected family of cultures.”
For many, the night is not just a celebration but a source of inspiration. One guest put it simply: “This isn’t just about honoring accomplishments. It’s about showing the next generation of women that their voices, dreams, and hard work will be recognized.”
A Night of Culture and Inspiration
The celebration blends cultural performances, inspiring speakers, and community recognition into an unforgettable evening. Attendees will experience dragon dances, traditional Korean drums, Indian and Cambodian performances, and the Parade of Cultures, where 14 groups will highlight iconic women in history.
Mesa Fire Chief Mary Cameli will serve as the Keynote Speaker, and Michael Pollack, CEO of Pollack Real Estate & Investment, will be the Inspirational Speaker. Guests will also enjoy a red carpet arrival, networking, and an open dance floor with DJ Dacey.
Beyond the festivities, IWC is committed to women’s health and wellness initiatives and domestic violence awareness programs, ensuring that support for women continues throughout the year.
Join the Celebration
If you are interested in celebrating the achievements of women who make a difference in their communities, this event is one to attend. Tickets are available at www.intwomencelebration.org or by calling (602) 621-5125.