Gallery
Strategic Community Aliance, Inc.’s Gentiva Ocala Metro India Fest 2024 brought individuals from Ocala Metro, Marion County and surrounding communities to share, see and experience India’s culture. Individuals from diverse ethnicities, races and backgrounds modeled traditional Indian attire and participated in Indian dance performances.
We are gearing up for Gentiva Ocala Metro India Fest 2024. SCA President Dr. Sheni Meghani with Mr. Kerry Eck (Gentiva Hospice) and Ms. Claire Ramlall (SCA volunteer) after their presentations at Board of Marion County Commissioners and Ocala City Council meetings.
Strategic Community Alliance, Inc.’s Experience India – Artist in Residence Program 2024 was very successful and fulfilling. Our Artist in Residence Ms. Binal Wala from India presented performances, lecture demonstrations, workshops and artist talks about Indian classical dance Bharatnatyam. Eleven events in Ocala Metro and neighboring communities from April 5, 2024, to April 17, 2024; enriching approximately 1000 individuals from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds.
Strategic Community Alliance, Inc. organized the Gentiva Ocala Diwali Celebration – Marion County’s first ever community-wide cross-cultural experience of India – on November 19, 2023, at Citizens’ Circle in Downtown Ocala. This historical event drew more than 2200 attendees from several counties of Florida, New York, Kansas, Georgia, etc. Approximately 100 individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities (Indians, Caucasians, Hispanics, South Americans, Filipinos, African Americans, West Indians, etc.) presented Indian classical, folk and Bollywood dances and music, participated in India Trivia Quiz, modeled traditional Indian clothes, and engaged in learning and sharing of Indian culture, music, dance, history, arts, food, henna, fashion, etc.
Opening Ceremony consisted of color guard, singing of American and Indian national anthems by individuals from Ocala, welcome remarks from City Manager Mr. Pete Lee, Assistant County Administrator Ms. Amanda Tart, CEO of Ocala Metro CEP Mr. Kevin Sheilley, CEO of Marion Cultural Alliance Ms. Jaye Baillie, Executive Consultant of Gentiva Hospice (Flag Sponsor of the event) Mr. Kerry Eck, and President of Strategic Community Alliance, Inc. Dr. Sheni Meghani.
Saree Experience – Women from diverse ethnicities wore Saree (traditional Indian attire for women) as women from Indian community of Ocala volunteered their time, skills, talent and shared their sarees and love for sarees to facilitate an experience of beauty and elegance of Saree for the participants of Saree Experience. The program was facilitated by Dr. Sheni Meghani.
Indian Fashion Show – Individuals from various backgrounds and ethnicities modeled traditional Indian attire, sharing fashions, fabrics, weaves and colors of India with the visitors. The show was facilitated by Mrs. Minal Bhatt of Ocala and the Indian clothes were generously loaned by Laajavaab Boutique of Orlando.
Individuals from diverse ethnicities learned, shared and presented Indian classical, folk, and Bollywood dances and music; inviting the audience to participate in dance along.
Vendors, sponsors, ambience, performers, audience participation, effective outreach and seamless organization allowed this event to facilitate an enriching cultural and education experience for all; highlighting the curiosity, mutual respect, strength, unity within our diverse community.
Individuals from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and races learned, performed and enjoyed Indian dances, forming myriads of colorful rhythmic formations of folk and Bollywood dances.
‘Glimpses of India’ at Marion Cultural Alliance, Ocala – July 2022
Citizens of Marion County, assisted by volunteers from the Indian community, learned about, appreciated and enjoyed putting on beautiful Indian sarees.
Ocala/Marion County Community Partnership – Inaugural Meeting at Mary Sue Rich Community Center on March 25, 2023
Addressing Community Challenges Collectively
Mike Balken, Ocala Police Chief and William Gladson, FL State Attorney 5th Judicial District – Guest Speakers at the Ocala/Marion County Community Dialogue meeting hosted and facilitated by Strategic Community Alliance, Inc.
We had a great opportunity to be at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala to share information about Strategic Community Alliance, Inc. and its initiatives. Thank you to the leaders of Reilly Arts Center for this opportunity.
Strategic Community Alliance, Inc. (SCA) President, Dr. Sheni Meghani with Secretary Griffin, Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). Secretary Griffin provided an awesome presentation with specific data illustrating the growth and opportunities for businesses regulated by DBPR in Florida and the local area. SCA leaders engage applicable regulatory agency officials to enhance SCA’s ability to assist minority businesses in their efforts to grow and prosper.
