The Priyanka Foundation is delighted to announce that Founder and Global Executive Director, Leela Rao, received the prestigious Womens’ International Network (W.I.N.) Outstanding Service Award for 2010.

On March 7, 2011, Leela personally accepted the award in Los Angeles, where W.I.N. hosted a live global podcast to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Womens’ International Network.

The Outstanding Service Award recognizes select nominees for their extraordinary efforts to make a positive difference in the world. Leela began The Priyanka Foundation, in 2007, to fulfill a promise to her daughter, who lost her battle with leukemia at the age of eight. Providing non-medical care to terminally and critically ill children hospitalized in India, The Priyanka Child Life and Development Centers, supported by the Foundation, allow children to live their dreams every day.

Leela gratefully acknowledged her stellar team, including The Priyanka Foundation board members, partners Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Children’s Hospital and Research Center, Oakland, California along with Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, India.

The Chairwoman of the W.I.N. Award Selection Committee summed up this amazing tribute: “I had the great privilege of reading the hundreds of nominations submitted. It was a very difficult task to select winners! It warmed our hearts to read the amazing and touching stories of women worldwide. Their ages range from eighteen to ninety-one! Their efforts bless individual families and whole communities, set industry standards, help those in great distress, and lift, educate and inspire women across the globe. From Rwanda to Rochester, Pakistan to Peru, women are contributing and serving in diverse and remarkable ways!”