Medha Nicky Rishi: Sensuality with Poise and Glamour

Blessed with 4 national and international titles over the past 2 years Medha Nicky Rishi was Miss South Asia USA 2007 and Miss India America West coast 2006. From there, she went on to secure the International title of Miss India Galaxy 2007. Along the way, she was also the second runner up of Miss India California 2008 competition and won the crowds as she walked away with best talent, best catwalk and most photogenic at the pageant. These experiences have not only given her fame but also a platform to launch her dream of modeling and acting in the entertainment industry. She speaks five languages and has done cameos in films too. More at: www.nickyrishi.com.

Nicky with SATimes:



* What is your fitness regime or mantra?
Plenty of sleep, small meals during the day and exercise on a regular basis.


* What is your inspiration?
My inspiration is simply my family

* What are your future dreams?
My future dream is to be the next Miss India, then set that as a platform to strengthen my acting skills and shine in the entertainment industry.


* Which charities are you working with?
I have been working with Jagriti Foundation over the past 5 years, and that is one charity I will be focusing on again this year. It supports and enhances the empowerment of women all over the world: an issue that needs attention especially in third world countries.


* What brands have you modelled for?

The FaceShop, Levis, Satya Paul, Manish Malhotra, Anand Jon, Ritu Kumar, Platinum Jewelers, Kumar Jewelers etc


* Do you plan to enter Bollywood?

Yes, the near future goal is to enter Bollywood


* What is the best thing about your profession?

Best thing about my profession is that since I am pursuing my passion, there is never a dull moment in my life.


* What perfume do you wear?

Burberry Tender Touch


* Your favourite outfit?

A short black dress.

* Your dream date?
Dinner and a movie with a Renaissance man.

* What turns you off?
Superficiality turns me off.

* Three wishes you'd like to be granted if possible?
Good health throughout my life, the power and means to be a humanitarian, and another 3 wishes

* Your favourite vacation destination?
Paris

* Last but not the least, what stands you apart from others?
My deep Indian roots and strong sanskriti, along with my modern, western upbringing in the US makes me stand apart from others.


By Nikki Rattan/SATimes

Hospitality at large - Tarun Patel, AAHOA Chairman 2009

Asian Ameican Hotel Owners Association is the leading force for Hotel Owners in the Hospitality Industry. It provides a forum for advocacy, professional development and business development. All kinds of help is provided, from resolving disputes with franchise companies to promoting the hotel owners positions in legistative activities and providing forums to increase development in the hotel industry. Exhibitor Registrations are on for AAHOA Annual Convention & Tradeshow 2009. For membership information and more log onto: http://www.aahoa.com/

Vice Chairman of AAHOA 2008, Mr Tarun Patel talks to SATimes:

1) A lot has been done to enhance professional development in Hospitality by AAHOA. What are the chief programs and benefits?

CHO (Certified Hotel Owners) is a program that is now certified by both Carlson Hotel and Choice hotels in lieu of manager training. It also offers a solid perspective of all aspects required as a Hotel Owner

We have also partnered with NYU (New York University) to build a leadership curriculum that is offered to our members free of charge. The subjects range from Revenue Management to Leadership.

2) What is your role/key responsibilities?

I am the Vice Chairman of the Association; will be Chairman in April 2009. My role is to promote and protect the interests of our membership in the general industry as well and communicate the progress we are making on our long term plans to our membership.

3) Does the Asian Hotel Industry hold a major share in the America's Hotel Industry?

AAHOA just surpassed membership of 9,000. The 9,000 members of AAHOA own close to 22,000 to 25,000 hotels of the approximate 50,000 hotels in the US. So yes, the Asian Hoteliers own close to half of the lodging in this county.

4) What are some future policy changes that can/should be made in AAHOA?

Over the past few years, we have been working on a new AAHOA governance policy which guides us how to run the organization. This work that has been done is amazing and we just need to make sure that it is implemented. We also need to make the organization more relevant for the younger hoteliers so that their involvement increases. This is the only way to ensure that the organization continues to thrive in the coming years.

5) Tell us more on the ALB Magazine.

ALB is our official magazine which has information from the leadership along with information from some industry experts on the trends and opportunities in the lodging industry.

6) What is a typical day in the life of Mr. Tarun Patel?

Since my involvement in AAHOA, no day has been typical! (says laughingly) I travel close to 45 weeks a year attending AAHOA Regional Events, meetings with franchise companies, going to Washington DC to talk to legislators regarding issues, Industry events, AAHOA Board Meetings, etc. etc. We have a high touch engagement model with our membership and that requires us to be on the road a lot.

7) How does is feel do make the American Dream possible for many?

I have been blessed to have a family that supports me and provided me a foundation to build upon. I am very passionate about leaving a legacy of political involvement so that my children can enjoy the foundation that I will leave for them.

8) Any message for the readers, expecially for Diwali?

I want to wish everybody "Saal Mubarak and Happy Diwali" I trust that the new year will bring you happiness and good luck.

By Nikki Rattan/SATimes

Women in Leadership: Nikki Haley

An ideal example of Women Empowerment, Nikki Haley is the first American Republican state legislator in the United Stated. Born and brought up in Bamberg, South Carolina, Nikki's parents Dr. Ajit and Raj Randhawa are Punjabi Sikh immigrants from Amritsar, India. Doing the nations much proud today she is a South Carolina House of Representatives legislator for Lexington Country.

Thinking outside the spider's web, Nikki has made several reforms in the system to eradicate issues of unemployment, illiteracy and enforce economic development. Winner of prestigious awards like "Friend of the Taxpayer" - South Carolina Association of Taxpayers in 2005, "Palmetto Leadership Award" - South Carolina Policy Council" and "Strom Thurmond Excellence in Public Service and Government Award" - South Carolina federation of Republican Women in 2006, she is a wife, a daughter and a mother of two. Find out more at: http://www.nikkihaley.com/

Nikki shares the experiences with SATimes:

First GOP Indian American in the nation to win a State House seat in 2004. What are some challenges you have faced?

I had to introduce myself to the district and communicate what I thought I could do differently in representing the district. I worked to develop trust and that took a lot of time, energy, and one-on-one conversations. In the end, the challenges proved to be worthwhile and the people were and have been incredibly supportive ever since.

Tell us about your role in your family business Exotica International.

I grew up in our 32 year old family business which is where I developed my work ethic and appreciation of small businesses. I am an accountant and I am responsible for the corporate accounting for the business.

What are some chief responsibilities as member of South Carolina Legislative?

As a legislator my goal is to educate my constituency on the issues that we face, get their opinions on these issues and report back my votes. I also have an active constituency that I help in all aspects of state government when they have problems to find them answers and get them to the right people so that their lives are easier and government is not in the way.

The key to earning the trust of District 87 voters?

I think the key to earning the trust of the voters is to keep in constant communication with them and to educate them on the issues. It is important that you communicate your actions and reasons for votes. I believe that they need to be informed so that they feel and know that they are actively involved in my representation and the legislative process.

Taxes pose a great problem in most parts of the world. What have been your prime contributions in tax reduction in Columbia?

I have worked on significant property tax reform in the past couple of years. In the next year I will be introducing legislation to eliminate personal property taxes on small businesses. My main concern is on accountability and transparency in government. I am sponsoring the 2009 Spending Accountability Act which will require all legislative votes to be on the record for public access and view.

What are your future goals for development of society in the coming years?

I don't know where life will take me but my one hope in life is that people know that I was here, represented them in a way that makes them proud, and that their lives are better for it.

What is life like away from work? A typical day in the life of Nikki Haley?

I'm a wife who believes that she is married to her very best friend in life and ultimate soul mate. I feel blessed everyday for the two children that call me Mom. I am a daughter who hopes that I can be half the person my parents are and taught me to be. I live each day hoping that I can make today better than yesterday. No two days are ever alike but I take it one day at a time and always strive to do the best that I can.

By Nikki Rattan/SATimes