About International Forum USA, Vision & Mission

The International Forum is an alliance of leading activists, business icons, researchers, engineers and writers from numerous countries,it provides analyses and critiques on the cultural, social, political, and environmental impacts of economic globalization.

With over cumulative experience of its members in various field, the International Forum supports and energizes the movement for communities safety and culture improvement by bringing in knowledge, ideas and expertise that inform quality projects and practice transformation worldwide.

Showcasing regional perspectives, bringing in international expertise:

The program for each member is developed in close partnership with its local and regional strategic partners. Each meeting will showcase strategies from local experts in the immigrant community, addressing their needs and bringing in the best of global learning to them.

The International Forum schedules:

In 2023, we will be organizing face-to-face meetings/conferences at least once a month to discuss issues facing by these members.   Founder members can bring their friends and relatives.

Our Founders

Shazia Shah

( Pakistan Director )

Dr. Surinder S. Gill

(Chairman International Forum USA)

Guy Djoken

( Executive Director )

Sonia Ryes

( Director )

Nirmal Paharia

( Nepal Director )

Susan Meacy

( America Director )

Thai Nguyen

( Executive Director )

Mrs. Tomiko Duggan

( Japan Director )

Karina Hou is a renowned artist, musician, and educator. She is also a keen social activist and leader in our community. She is familiar with Eastern and Western culture, as she was born in China, grew up in Hong Kong, settled in Montgomery County, Maryland for many years, and has traveled to over 60 countries. Ms. Hou is a keen social activist and currently holds the following positions:

  • Montgomery International Film Festival Chairman and Co-Founder
  • Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Business Advisory Office Advisor
  • Chinese American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Washington President
  • Organization of Chinese American Women (Maryland Chapter) President
  • U.S. Congressman David Trone’s Office of Asian American Pacific Islander Business Advisory Committee Member
  • Advisory Board for the Chinese American Museum of Washington DC

Dr. Surinder S. Gill has served the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) as a community organizer and human rights activist for their “Project Voice “ initiative since 2005. Likewise, he enjoys organizing workshops for South Asian immigrants to share his knowledge of labor rights , immigration law and green card campaigns. During his tenure with AFSC, he notably created an anti REAL ID ACT campaign, organized newsletters in different news papers.Dr Gill is a prominent Sikh of USA and got life time achievement award along with best journalist of 2022. He has been serving on several boards as advisor and heading a school in Sikh temple. He is Secretary General of Sikh Temple of Maryland and Interfaith advisor to Religious freedom and Business foundation of USA.
Renowned for his activism for South Asian immigrants, Dr. Singh has been recognized for his work with the State Government in 1997 and again in 2019, as well as receiving the Best Citizen of India Award in 2004. Following which , the governor of Maryland bestowed upon him with a Certificate of Commendation in the light of his work with the South Asian community . To further his expertise in the field, Dr. Singh has also published articles in news paper and journals in both Punjabi and English and has presented scientific papers at conferences across the globe on mind training.
Looking forward , Dr. Singh intends to further serve International Forum of USA as Co-chair.

Gurcharan Singh is an engineer and economic development professional with over 30 years of professional experience at the World Bank and in the energy, environment and climate industry.  In recent years he has distinguished himself as a prominent “sevak” of the Sikh Community in the USA. He has established the non-profit World United Guru Nanak Foundation, devoted to serving the Sikhs’ political advocacy and social well-being needs in the USA and Canada.  He inspired and organized the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak in Washington DC. Gurcharan is an avid advocate for his community and together with other like-minded leaders, he aims to build a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren.
Gurcharan is also active in the American political space.  As a Democrat, he espouses and advocates for issues of interest to the broader Indian community.  He has recently organized community meetings with Maryland Senators and the Governor.  His efforts led to securing approval for the largest Gurduwara building in Maryland, to be in Montgomery County, Maryland.
More recently, Gurcharan has focused on actively supporting the community in Silver Spring and Tacoma Park, and more broadly the State of Maryland, through his business and political activities.  He aspires to play a more prominent role in public and social service going forward.