About US PWCA

Moni Gill is an internationally recognized media entrepreneur, cultural leader, and advocate for Punjabi heritage and South Asian culture. She is the Founder & CEO of the Punjabi Women Cultural Association (PWCA), a women-led organization dedicated to preserving culture, empowering women, and engaging youth and seniors through impactful community initiatives.

For over 15 years, Moni has successfully hosted the signature female festival Mela Teeyan Teej, one of the largest Punjabi cultural celebrations in the DMV region. She has organized numerous high-profile South Asian events and led humanitarian initiatives, including hosting the first Punjab Flood Drive, reflecting her deep commitment to community service and global outreach.

Moni is also the CEO of MYTV USA Studio, a global broadcast platform reaching audiences in over 180 countries. She has hosted more than 200+ television shows, interviewing internationally acclaimed artists including Salman Khan and other global personalities. A former Radio Jockey and accomplished folk dance instructor, she has served for four consecutive years as a judge for The Voice of Richmond and multiple talent and cultural competitions.

Her distinguished honors include the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award (3,000 hours of service), an official White House recognition letter, the Governor’s Citation from the State of Maryland (Gold – 3,000 hours), the Ambassador for Peace Award (UPF), and multiple community achievement recognitions. She proudly serves as a Brand Ambassador for UNMOL, representing health, wellness, and cultural pride.

Through media, leadership, and service, Moni Gill continues to build bridges across cultures while inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Rupinder Chahal serves as the President of the Punjabi Women Cultural Association (PWCA), providing strong leadership and strategic guidance in advancing women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and community service. With dedication and vision, she plays a vital role in strengthening PWCA’s initiatives, programs, and outreach efforts across the DMV region, helping to uplift and unite the community through impactful engagement and meaningful service.

She is closely involved with local gurdwaras, actively supporting and promoting religious programs. Through her continued participation in gurdwara activities, she fosters spiritual growth, community unity, and the preservation of Sikh values and traditions.

Rupinder Chahal frequently co-hosts major events alongside CEO Moni Gill, fully supporting her vision to truly empower women. Moni believes in Rupinder’s abilities so strongly that she made her President of PWCA — a role that Rupinder has proven herself to be exceptionally deserving of. Their teamwork is unmatched — rooted in trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to service. Believing in one another, they exemplify true sisterhood, setting a powerful example for others to follow, especially the younger generation. Together, they continue to lead innovative, out-of-the-box initiatives, including their ongoing work supporting the Punjab Flood Drive.

Mela Teeyan Teej is the only event in the DMV area exclusively for women, run by women, and organized by women. This annual celebration — a true Teeyan Da Mela — welcomes women and girls dressed in vibrant Punjabi suits to come together and celebrate culture through festive Gidha and Bhangra performances, traditional Boliyan (couplets), and participation in the Mrs., Miss, and Ms. Punjaban DC pageant, along with Jr. Miss Punjaban DC.

Attendees enjoy henna art, authentic Punjabi cuisine, and shopping from unique vendors, creating a full cultural experience. A historic highlight was the first-ever calendar shoot dedicated to Miss and Mrs. Punjaban, unveiled at Mela Teeyan Teej 2019 — a milestone made possible by PWCA, MYTV, and KM Paras under the leadership of Moni Gill.

Each year, PWCA proudly presents the “Woman Inspiration” Award to honor an outstanding individual, celebrating female empowerment, leadership, and talent while promoting Punjabi culture, traditions, and customs to the younger generation.

One of our proudest milestones was introducing the Junior Miss Punjaban category after receiving overwhelming interest from girls ages 3–14. Many of these American-born young participants were eager to connect with their roots and proudly showcase their heritage to their families and community.

Moni Gill and Rupinder Chahal of PWCA shared, “The goal of this Mela is to help girls — especially those born in America — dig deep into their heritage and fall in love with their virsa.”

Moni Gill further believes that Mela Teeyan Teej serves as both an inspiration and a vital bridge, helping young girls stay connected to their cultural past while confidently embracing their future.