Author: IWN Staff

Leading Ladies, an Independent Women’s Network initiative, showcases and honors women who make a significant impact in their communities and beyond. Join us in sharing their inspirational stories and celebrating their remarkable achievements!

Geeta is a bold leader based in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. An immigrant from India and a strong advocate for limited government, health freedom, and strong families, she plays a key role in building community and advancing conservative values through the Independent Women’s Network. We admire Geeta’s thoughtful leadership, courage, and commitment to creating meaningful impact for women and families.

We asked Geeta…

Where do you live?

East Greenwich, Rhode Island

How did you get involved with IWN? 

I was introduced to Independent Women’s Network by Mike Stenhouse from the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity. Mike brought together 8-9 women from across Rhode Island with shared conservative interests. We met and quickly realized we all needed the support and friendship that came with being a part of the Rhode Island Chapter of IWN.

The IWN Rhode Island Chapter is composed of women from a variety of backgrounds, interests and experiences that have come together to make a difference in our state and local communities by disseminating information through events and activities that advance our values on topics ranging from education to responsible government interaction. We share a belief in the importance of strong families and communities

We learned of the variety of activities and interests each of us were involved in and decided that we could enhance our efforts by working together and starting new initiatives on issues we care about.

Our goal is to create a community of like-minded women in Rhode Island who promote conservative values, inspire engagement, foster connection, and provide networking opportunities that impact policy issues affecting women and families.

Where do you fit politically?

My political interest came as a result of my children being involved in conservative politics in Washington DC. I am conservative in my views on my family and also in my approach to fiscal policy. I believe in small government and feel that it is the responsibility of each person to be responsible for achieving outcomes . My husband and I are both immigrants from India. We value the opportunities given to immigrants and have worked hard to make a life in the US.

Have you changed politically over the years?

I have worked in higher education for many years. Over time I have seen the effects of progressive policies applied to higher education in the form of DEI initiatives and advising practices. These policies and agendas do not help students. This was when I became aware that my values aligned more with the conservative movement. During the covid years, I became distrusting of health care and the push for mandated vaccines and other initiatives that made no sense. That is when I became a member of the steering committee of the World Council for Health New England (WCH – New England) with an interest in working toward health freedom and informed knowledge for health choices.

What do you consider the most important issues facing our country today?

I strongly support President Trump’s actions to hold Ivy League institutions and other universities and colleges accountable for the effects of DEI and CRT initiatives. There is a lot of financial waste when grant funds are diverted towards   administrative activities to support initiatives that ultimately hurt student learning. Scrutiny is long overdue and needed. The expansion of DEI initiatives across higher education, particularly its effects on research grant applications, coursework, faculty and staff hiring, and admissions, raised serious concerns for me and motivated me to speak up and become actively involved in pushing  back. Health Freedom is another issue I believe is critically important. I am on the steering committee of the World Council for Health New England (WCH – New England), where I am focused on advancing  health freedom and informed decision-making  around health choices. Given the large amounts of money in health care, there is a real risk of corruption and misaligned priorities that warrant greater transparency.

How do you spend your free time?

I have two children that live in the Washington DC area. I am often visiting them and helping with their new babies. I love doing this and also enjoy my time traveling with my husband to India and other places around the world.

My family is spread throughout the US. I am often traveling to  visit them and attend family get-togethers for various celebrations and events. We also enjoy gathering with friends for Indian religious and cultural events.

When did your Chapter launch?

March 2022

How many members are in your Chapter?

12-15

What are the main issue areas and goals of your Chapter?

While education is one of our primary focus areas as a group, chapter members are also engaged in issues relating to CRT/DEI initiatives, energy and wind energy, transportation, and voter integrity activities in the state–all under the broader goal of building strong families

A few of our members are involved in activities related to health freedom and informed decision-making around health choices.

We have built a community of like-minded women in Rhode Island that promotes conservative values, encourages engagement, connection, and impact on policy issues affecting women and families.

Leading Ladies, an Independent Women’s Network initiative, showcases and honors women who make a significant impact in their communities and beyond. Join us in sharing their inspirational stories and celebrating their remarkable achievements!

Stephanie Cross is a principled leader based in McMinnville, Tennessee. Known for her strong conservative values and clear-eyed perspective on the issues facing American women today, she brings a steady and thoughtful voice to every conversation. We admire Stephanie’s commitment to truth, her dedication to empowering women, and her passion for strengthening our nation’s future.

We asked Stephanie…

Where do you live?

McMinnville, Tennessee

How did you get involved with IWN? 

I first learned about IWN after watching a Fox News segment featuring Gabriella Hoffman, Director of the Center for Energy and Conservation. I was inspired by her message and reached out to connect with her personally, which led me to learn more about IWN and how to get involved. I quickly joined the organization to support its mission of empowering independent women leaders. One year later, I’m honored to now serve on the CEC Advisory Board and continue advancing the conversation around energy, leadership, and opportunity for women across the nation.

Where do you fit politically?

I am a conservative through and through. I believe our nation was founded by Godly men and on Godly principles that continue to guide our freedoms today. My values are deeply rooted in faith and a desire to honor the Lord in all I do. Just as Exodus 31:3 says, “And I have filled them with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship,” I believe every gift and opportunity I’ve been given comes from Him. That is who I am, and how I strive to be seen—in all things, to represent my Lord and Savior with excellence, integrity, and grace. This same conviction guides my leadership, my work, and the purpose behind every project I pursue.

Have you changed politically over the years?

I have not changed politically over the years. My beliefs and convictions have always been rooted in biblical truth and conservative values. While the world around us continues to shift and embrace ideals that often contradict God’s Word, my foundation remains firm. I will always stand for faith, family, freedom, and the principles that honor the Lord and the way our nation was originally established. My hope is to be a light in a culture that desperately needs truth and moral clarity.

What do you consider the most important issues facing our country today?

The most important issue facing our country today is that we have become a nation that no longer reveres God. Without Him, we lose our moral compass and our sense of direction. Proverbs 29:18 says it perfectly: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” When a nation loses its spiritual foundation, there is no restraint, and depravity follows. Restoring Godly principles, truth, and moral leadership is the only way we can rebuild the foundation and secure the future of this great nation.

How do you spend your free time?

Free time… what’s that? All jokes aside, I stay very busy, but whether I’m working or taking a rare break, my heart is to inspire others and shine God’s light in a lost and broken world. I love spending time with my family and my horses and dogs—they’re a huge part of my life! When I do have a moment to slow down, you’ll find me on horseback, riding through nature and soaking in the beauty of God’s creation. That’s where I find peace, perspective, and renewed purpose.