Shakti
Women's Symposium
Empower. Elevate. Evolve.
Shakti is a non-profit community for women by women.
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Shakti is a non-profit community organization that provides a common platform for women from the South Asian community.
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Join us for a heartfelt gathering created especially for South Asian women — a space where our stories, strengths, and shared experiences are honored and celebrated.
Shakti Symposium is more than an event — it is a movement. It is where tradition meets ambition, where culture and confidence walk hand in hand, and where women come together to uplift one another.
We will share wisdom, spark meaningful conversations, and build genuine connections that extend beyond a single day. Through inspiring voices and authentic dialogue, you’ll leave feeling seen, supported, and strengthened — not just as individuals, but as a community.
Whether you're a seasoned professional, an aspiring entrepreneur, a student, a mother, or a leader in your community, there's something for everyone at this celebration of womanhood.
We celebrate each other to grow together.
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This year's theme is Empower. Elevate. Evolve.​​​
Our featured panelists come from different walks of life and share similar qualities - inner strength, social service, and moving forward with purpose. ​
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Noreen Haque-Colombe
Noreen is a first-generation American born to Punjabi parents whose roots span both India and Pakistan.
With a background spanning aviation, education, and real estate, Noreen brings a blend of adaptability, resilience and a commitment to excellence. As an educator, Noreen focused on empowerment and growth—values that continue to define her professional journey. Today, in real estate, she combines strategy, market knowledge, and heart-centered service to guide clients through one of life’s most important investments: home.
As the visionary behind homeswithgharlioneses, Noreen has built a movement. “Ghar,” means home, represents sanctuary, legacy, and belonging; “Lioness” symbolizes strength, leadership, and protection. Noreen empowers families to build wealth, security, and generational impact through real estate, while honoring cultural identity and community roots.
Pavni Jaidka
Founder of Ek Baar Aur, a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting Afghan refugee women and families in the Sacramento region. Through thoughtfully organized donation drives, Pavni works to provide essential items including hygiene products, household goods, bed linens, traditional clothing, and toys for children—helping families rebuild their lives with dignity and comfort.
Guided by compassion and a strong sense of community, Pavni's efforts focus on creating practical, immediate impact while fostering a sense of belonging and support for newly arrived families. Pavni is committed to mobilizing local resources, building meaningful connections, and ensuring that every contribution reaches those who need it most.
Priya Venkatesan
Priya most recently served as a Business Analyst at UC Davis and is a Certified Global Strengths Coach with Gallup. After taking a 16-year career break to focus on family and caregiving, Priya intentionally relaunched her professional journey through strategic career planning — transforming what many see as a gap into a powerful professional comeback. She previously chaired the Women’s Advisory Administrative Committee at UC Davis, leading initiatives that foster inclusion and empowerment in the workplace.
Her journey reflects resilience, clarity, and strength forged through real-world challenges. She is deeply passionate about mental health and wellbeing, and has delivered sessions on Ikigai, resilience, and purposeful career transitions.
Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the SHAKTI movement.
Get Inspired: By the resolve and perseverance of our panelists
Connect and have fun: By participating in discussions and fun activities
Light refreshments will be served to keep us energized :)
The event is free. Registration is required.
History of Shakti - Visit the link to know more about Shakti's goals, past events, and photos.
Shakti Women's Symposium 2019
Shakti Women's Symposium 2021
Shakti Women's Symposium 2023
Shakti Women's Symposium 2024
