Malayali Excellence Gala

Honoring Heritage, leadership, and community

Uniondale, NY, June 22, 2025 – The Malayali community gathered in celebration on Sunday evening for the American Malayali Heritage Foundation’s Malayali Excellence Gala, hosted at the Long Island Uniondale Marriott. The event highlighted Malayali culture, food, traditional dances and performances by singers, honored professional achievements, and reinforced a sense of unity among Malayalis in the region.

The evening commenced with appetizers catered by Mint Restaurant, followed by an open bar reception where attendees networked and reconnected. Guests were then treated to vibrant performances by Dynamis Entertainment, a talented group of youth performing English and Malayalam music live with instrumental accompaniment. Their soulful and energetic renditions brought an atmosphere of joy and cultural pride to the ballroom.

The program also featured a powerful performance by Long Island Thalalayam, a dedicated group of chenda melam performers, who filled the room with the electrifying rhythms and beats of Kerala’s traditional percussion ensemble, creating an immersive cultural experience for all.

A key highlight of the Gala was its panel discussion, moderated by Daisy S. Palliparambil and Thomas Joy, featuring distinguished Malayali professionals:

• Shane J. Oommen, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Northwell Health’s Western Market, shared insights from his extensive career in healthcare leadership. Oommen emphasized the importance of human capital strategy and community-focused leadership, highlighting his commitment to fostering positive and inclusive work environments.

• Steven Roy Thomas, content creator and celebrity brand director, discussed his journey bridging Indian and American media industries. Known for his viral content featuring Bollywood stars and his role as brand director for actress Nora Fatehi, Thomas inspired attendees with stories of creativity, cultural pride, and building a global brand presence.

• Meryl-Lyn Joshy, a dedicated personal trainer and wellness coach, shared her journey of empowering women to achieve their fitness and wellness goals. With a strong athletic background, including collegiate soccer and teaching at premier fitness institutions such as Equinox, Rumble, Lifetime, and Barry’s Bootcamp (where she taught full-term pregnant in NYC), Meryl-Lyn emphasized resilience, adaptability, and the importance of meeting clients where they are in every chapter of life.
  Meera Mathew, a Forensic Psychology graduate from John Jay College with a minor in Homeland Security, shared her multifaceted career path. Currently at Northwell Health, she also works as a wedding planner with Ava Event Management, a pharmacy technician, and serves on the board of the American Malayali Heritage Foundation. Born in Kerala and raised in Staten Island, Meera highlighted her dedication to community building, cultural representation, and empowering the next generation of Malayalis to embrace their identity while forging their own path.

• Blessen Mathew, Sergeant in the Philadelphia Police Department, inspired attendees with his story of resilience, service, and leadership. After immigrating from Kerala at age 18, Blessen earned a degree in Criminal Justice and began his public safety career with the Philadelphia Department of Corrections. Joining the Philadelphia Police Department in 2017, he made history as the first South Indian police supervisor in 2022 and the first South Indian Sergeant in 2024. Currently assigned to Internal Affairs, he serves as President of the Pennsylvania Asian American Law Enforcement Association (PAALEA) and Treasurer of the American Malayali Law Enforcement United (AMLEU), advocating for diversity, representation, and inclusion. Beyond law enforcement, he holds leadership roles in civic organizations, focusing on youth empowerment, family support, and building trust between communities and law enforcement.

The cultural program continued with a mesmerizing classical dance performance by Nadanam Collective, further celebrating Kerala’s artistic heritage. Guests enjoyed additional musical performances from Dynamis Entertainment throughout the evening, energizing the room with their live music and tribute to Malayalam music over the years.

Attendees also participated in a raffle led by Thomas Joy before concluding the night with an interactive dance session led by Roshi George. The evening was kept alive with upbeat tracks by Genuine Thomas (DJ Generation).

Honoring Sponsors

The success of the Malayali Excellence Gala was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors:

• Grand Sponsor: Northwell Health

• Silver Sponsors: Porsche of Huntington, Dilbar Restaurant, and 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East

• Bronze Sponsors: ECHO (Enhance Communities through Harmonious Outreach), Melvin Monachan Law, and Hedge Brokerage Inc.

• Supporting Sponsors: 2000 Ninos Pharmacy, American Luxury Homes, Yaas Tea, TAO Asian Fusion, and The Cotillion

Organizers expressed their gratitude for these partners whose contributions helped bring this community event to life.

Looking Ahead

The American Malayali Heritage Foundation continues to serve as a platform for cultural celebration, professional networking, and community building. Organizers plan to expand future events to include mentorship initiatives and youth programs that foster leadership and cultural pride among the next generation.