Dataquest June 2023 Special Powerhouse 40 Women in Tech 1687381501

Special Edition | JUNE, 2023
40
www.dqindia.com
YEARS
SINCE 1982
Women
in Tech
Powerhouse
40
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Let’s W
e understand that the technology industry is evolving at an
unprecedented pace, presenting immense growth potential. However,
hear
women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles within
the tech sector. The gender gap becomes more pronounced as one moves up the
from
corporate ladder. However, efforts are being made to bridge this gap and create
more opportunities for women in tech.
you!
Women in India have been actively pursuing technical education in fields such
as computer science, engineering, data science, and Artificial Intelligence.
Educational institutions strive to encourage more women to pursue STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through scholarships,
mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns.
Women entrepreneurs in the tech industry are making significant contributions
to the startup ecosystem in India. Many women-led startups have emerged
across various tech domains, including e-commerce, FinTech, HealthTech, and
EdTech. These entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and inspiring others to
pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
There is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in
the tech industry. Companies are implementing policies and initiatives to create
inclusive work environments, promote diversity in hiring practices, and provide
equal opportunities for career growth.
Women leaders in the Indian tech industry are serving as role models and
mentors for aspiring women in tech. Their achievements and success stories
Minu Sirsalewala inspire others to pursue careers in technology, overcome challenges, and strive
Executive Editor-Special Projects for leadership positions.
CyberMedia We believe it is crucial to highlight the accomplishments of women leaders who
minus@cybermedia.co.in have made a significant impact, and that includes YOU!
We invite you to join us in this celebration by sharing your experiences and
insights as a woman in the tech industry. We want to showcase your journey,
the challenges you have overcome, the milestones you have achieved, and the
lessons you have learned along the way. By sharing your story, you will inspire
and encourage other women who aspire to pursue careers in tech.
Your experiences can cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
1. Breaking barriers and overcoming gender stereotypes in the tech industry.
2. Leadership strategies and tips for aspiring women in tech.
3. Innovations or projects you have led that have made a significant impact.
4. Mentoring and empowering other women in the tech field.
5. Challenges faced and how you navigated through them.
6. The importance of diversity and inclusion in tech organizations.
Your contribution will be featured in our upcoming issues and websites where
we aim to highlight the incredible achievements of women in the tech industry
and inspire more women to pursue careers in this field. Together, let's break
down barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
If you are interested in sharing your story, please write to us and we will provide
you with further details on how to proceed. We look forward to celebrating your
journey and the impact you have made in the tech industry.
Thank you for being a trailblazer and inspiring the next generation of women
in tech.
2 | June, 2023 www.dqindia.com A CyberMedia Publication |

#DQ40Years | 40 Things
Powerhouse 40
The women
in India's
tech
revolution
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of
Dataquest, we are proud to showcase 40
women who are leading the charge in India's
tech industry. These women are driving
innovation, pushing boundaries, and creating
opportunities for women in tech.
I
n today's fast-evolving digital landscape, the selection criteria for these women were based on their
technology industry is witnessing an unprecedented demonstrated excellence in leadership, impact, and
pace of innovation and disruption. Despite the dedication to the tech industry, including those leading
industry's immense growth potential, women are some of the country's most successful unicorns.
still underrepresented in leadership roles within the tech Our list of 40 women is not exhaustive but is eclectic
sector. However, there are many women leaders who and serves as a representation of the remarkable
have demonstrated excellence in the tech industry and contributions women are making to the tech industry.
made a significant impact. In this article, we celebrate We encourage our readers to explore and recognize
the contributions of 40 women who have excelled in the accomplishments of all women who have broken
tech leadership roles in India. barriers and are driving innovation in tech.
The women on this list come from diverse We believe that it is crucial to celebrate the
backgrounds and industries, but they share a common achievements of women in tech and to continue to
thread of being frontrunners in the field of tech. They advocate for greater representation and inclusivity in
have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to driving leadership roles in the industry.
innovation, creating opportunities for women in tech, Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the
and pushing boundaries in the industry. From driving women on this list and all the other women who are
major transformations in tech companies to leading breaking barriers and driving innovation in the tech
cutting-edge research and development, these women industry in India and around the world. Your hard work
have excelled and proved that gender is no barrier to and dedication are paving the way for a brighter and
success in tech. more inclusive future in tech.
By highlighting their achievements and showcasing Join us in celebrating the 40 women who have excelled
their inspiring stories, we hope to inspire the next in tech leadership roles in India and in recognizing the
generation of women leaders to pursue tech careers and impact of women in the tech industry.
create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Our We are presenting the list in alphabetical order…
| A CyberMedia Publication www.dqindia.com June, 2023 | 3
Amrita Gangotra
Independent Board Director, Global Strategic Advisor - 5G, Managing Director, ITyukt Digital Solutions
01
“I have been able to evolve and grow my career every 8-10 years because
I am always ready to get out of my comfort zone, keep learning new
technologies and business models. I also believe, networking and having
good mentors go a long way in helping you break the glass ceiling."
A
mrita is a tech industry veteran who has achieved great success in her
entrepreneurial career journey. In January 2019, she founded a boutique
consultancy and advisory company that specializes in 5G, IoT, and AI/
ML-based digital transformation for enterprises. Her firm also provides growth
strategy advice to tech SMEs and start-ups. Amrita's expertise has been gained
in India, the UK, and Europe, and she has used technology to drive business
performance and deliver value in the telecommunications, IT services, and
FMCG sectors.
Amrita's impressive career includes holding key roles in business-impacting
transformation initiatives. For example, she was instrumental in negotiating a
revenue-share IT outsourcing deal for Bharti Airtel with IBM. Additionally, she
led the launch of a tech platform for Airtel Payment, creating the IT platform
for Global Enterprise business at Vodafone, and introducing the tools and
organization to support the Digital Telco strategy of Vodafone. She also played a
significant role in the CWW M&A integration, 4G network roll-out, and preparing
for the 5G introduction. Her extensive knowledge of IT transformation in the
telecom, FMCG, and ITES sectors has made her a sought-after professional in
the tech industry.
Anjali Bansal
Founder and Chairperson, Avaana Capital
02
A
njali Bansal is the Founding Partner of Avaana Capital which manages
Avaana Climate and Sustainability Fund, investing in technology and
innovation-led start-ups catalysing climate solutions and sustainability
and delivering exponential returns. Previously, Anjali has been the Non-
Executive Chairperson of Dena Bank, appointed by the Government of India to
steer the resolution of the stressed bank, eventually leading to a merger with the
Bank of Baroda. Prior to that, Anjali was a Global Partner and Managing Director
with TPG Growth PE, responsible for India, SE Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Anjali has invested in and mentored various successful start-ups including
Delhivery, Urban Company, Darwinbox, Nykaa, Lenskart and Coverstack.
She also serves as an independent non-executive director on several leading
boards including Tata Power, Nestle, and Piramal Enterprises, and chairs the
“Climate Special Interest Group” within Indian Venture Capital Association. She
has previously chaired the India board of Women’s World Banking, a leading
global livelihood-promoting institution, been a board member at GSK Pharma,
Siemens, Voltas and Bata.
Anjali is a Member of the Niti Aayog Evolution Review Committee, India’s
premier policy think tank chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. She has been
appointed on the Expert Advisory Committee for the Start Up India Seed Fund
Scheme announced by the Honourable Prime Minister.
She is also a member of the Advisory Council for the Open Network for
Digital Commerce (ONDC), the world’s first open access infrastructure for digital
commerce and serves on the CII National Committee on Corporate Governance.

Aruna Jayanthi
Managing Director of Capgemini's Latin America and Canada Business Units
03
A
runa Jayanthi is an accomplished businesswoman from India with over
30 years of experience in the IT services industry. Currently, she serves
as the Managing Director of Capgemini's Latin America and Canada
Business Units and is a member of the Group Executive Committee.
Jayanthi joined Capgemini in 2000 and played a pivotal role in setting up
the company's offshore capabilities in India. She has held various leadership
positions within the company, including CEO of Capgemini India, where she
managed the operations of all business units covering consulting, technology, and
outsourcing services in the country. During her tenure, she strengthened India's
position as an industrialization and innovation hub, and the local headcount
rose from 32,000 to 85,000. Jayanthi's expertise in outsourcing services led
to her appointment as the Global Delivery Officer for Outsourcing Services at
Capgemini, where she improved the quality, productivity, and profitability of the
outsourcing operations worldwide. From 2014 to 2018, she also served as the
chair of the country board for Capgemini Sweden.
In 2018, she has conferred the prestigious French award of Knight of the Order
of the Legion of Honour (Chevalier dans l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur).
Apart from her role at Capgemini, Jayanthi is a member of the supervisory
board of Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin SCA (Michelin
Group) since 2015.
Aruna Sundararajan
Chairperson, Broadband India Forum (BIF), former Telecom Secretary
04
A
runa Sundararajan is a prominent figure in India's technology and
telecommunications sectors. She is currently the Chairperson of the
Broadband India Forum (BIF).
As India's former Telecom Secretary and Chairman of the Telecom Commission,
she was responsible for shaping the country's policies on telecommunications
and digital infrastructure. With over three decades of experience in leadership
roles in the Central and State Governments, she is one of the most senior civil
servants of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the country.
As the founding IT Secretary of Kerala in 1998, she conceived and spearheaded
the Akshaya project, the largest e-literacy project of its kind. Over a million
people were trained in basic digital skills, and the project catalysed one of the
largest known IP-based rural wireless networks in the world. Sundararajan has
had several firsts to her credit during her illustrious career. As the Chairperson
of DCC, she was one of the primary forces behind the creation of the highly-
acclaimed world-class telecom policy—NDCP 2018—and has been keenly
involved in giving support and encouragement to the unique WANI architecture.
She was the Chairperson of the 5G High-Level Forum and played a key role in
formulating India’s policy on 5G.
She has also been instrumental in establishing the Indian Institute of Information
Technology and Management-Kerala (IIITMK) and the InfoPark in Kochi, which
changed the IT landscape of the state. She initiated the SMART City project in
Kochi, which aims to transform the city into a model of sustainable and inclusive
urban development.

Arundhati Bhattacharya
Chairperson and CEO of Salesforce India
05
A
rundhati Bhattacharya is the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer for
Salesforce India. In her role, Arundhati oversees the growth strategy of the
company and plays an integral role in defining Salesforce’s relationship
within the ecosystem.
Arundhati Bhattacharya has over 40 years of experience in the financial
sector. Prior to joining Salesforce India, she was MD & CEO of SBI's investment
banking arm, SBI Capital Markets and she headed the largest Human Resources
Department of the Banking Industry consisting of over 200,000+ employees.
Under Arundhati Bhattacharya's leadership, Salesforce India has grown rapidly,
expanding its workforce from 2,500 in 2020 to over 9,000 employees today. With
the largest workforce outside of the US, Salesforce India's Center of Excellence
(CoE) has been expanded to provide world-class innovation for research and
development. The CoE's engineering teams in Hyderabad have contributed
significantly to Salesforce's product development. This growth has been fueled by
Indian businesses embracing cloud technologies and partnering with Salesforce
for digital transformation. Leading companies like Air India, HDFC Ltd., Tata CliQ,
and Mahindra Ltd. rely on Salesforce for their 360-degree digital transformation.
Salesforce India also launched a Start-up Program to support efficient operations,
market access, funding, and community engagement for Indian start-ups.
Bhattacharya's leadership has strengthened Salesforce's position in India through
strong partnerships, community engagement, and tailored innovation for
Indian businesses. In January 2022, Bhattacharya released her autobiography
“Indomitable: A Working Woman's Notes on Work, Life and Leadership” published by
HarperCollins. In which she details her contributions in her career and experiences
and views of being a working woman in a male-dominated industry.
Daisy Chittilapilly
President, Cisco India & SAARC
06
"As technology becomes all-pervasive, India has an opportunity
to reimagine its stance as a global digital nation and a talent
superpower. However, to unlock the true potential of digitization for
India, the inclusion of more women in the workforce is not just the
right thing to do but a prerequisite for success. McKinsey suggests
that gender equality in the labour force could increase global GDP
by up to $12 trillion by 2025. Bringing more women into technology
is key to seizing this opportunity and fostering a robust ecosystem of
accelerated innovation and growth."
D
aisy Chittilapilly is the President of Cisco's India and SAARC theatre, as
President, Daisy is responsible for strategy and sales, operations, and
investments to drive long-term growth in the region. She has also played
a key role in accelerating Cisco's transition towards software and subscription-
based offerings.
Daisy began her career at Wipro Limited, where she held multiple sales
management roles and has over 25 years of experience in the technology
industry. At Cisco, she held leadership positions within the Enterprise &
Commercial businesses, Strategy & Operations amongst others and is known for
transforming operations and cultures to drive growth at scale. Daisy's leadership
style is characterized by her ability to transform operations and cultures to drive
growth at scale. She is passionate about empowering youth to join the technology
space and mentoring start-ups to innovate technology solutions for the most
urgent social challenges.
Debjani Ghosh
President, NASSCOM
07
“Empowering women in technology and fostering their leadership is not only
a matter of equality but a catalyst for innovation and progress. For Tech India
to achieve its leadership in the age of AI, we would need diverse voices to
unlock the full potential of AI, shaping its development and deployment. While
strides have been made, there is still much work to be done. Augmenting skill
development at scale on AI and other emerging tech must be the topmost priority
for organisations as well as individuals to remain relevant and future-ready.
By championing women in tech and leadership roles, we not only create a
more equitable future but also harness the true power of AI to solve complex
challenges and build a better world for all.”
D
ebjani Ghosh is the President of nasscom since April 2018. A veteran of the
technology industry, she is the first woman at the helm of the organization’s
three-decade history. She is a firm believer in the power of technology in
enhancing lives and livelihoods, leveraging it for societal good. Ms. Ghosh is a vocal
advocate for the ethical and responsible use of technology. Under her leadership,
nasscom actively works with the industry to build Trust and Responsible build as a
core competitive advantage of the tech industry in India.
Back in 2020, nasscom under her leadership had coined the term “Techade”
to define a decade where technology will transform from being an enabler to
business and governance to becoming the foundation of how we live, work and
play. Debjani is a firm believer that by the end of this Techade the "I" in innovation
will stand for India, fuelled by India’s young talent and the growing confidence in
our capabilities to solve for the world.
Deepa Madhavan
Vice President and India Country Head Genesys
08
D
eepa is a highly accomplished professional with an illustrious career
spanning over two decades. Her remarkable thought leadership, innovative
mindset, and impressive track record have earned her the reputation
of being a results-oriented leader who prioritizes the well-being of her team
members. Currently serving as the India Country Head at Genesys, Deepa brings
her wealth of experience and expertise to drive the company's success.
Deepa is a revered mentor for women in the industry, both within her
organization and in the field at large.
Deepa possesses expertise in several key areas, including engineering, product
management, technology-agnostic solutions, innovation, design thinking,
strategic leadership, machine learning, data privacy, regulatory data, agile
delivery, executive alignment, talent development, change management, and
customer and people-centric approaches. Her commitment to staying at the
forefront of industry developments has earned her a seat as a representative
at prestigious technology forums and conferences, such as the Grace Hopper
Celebration, where she actively contributes to advancing and expanding women's
careers in IT.
In her role at Genesys, Deepa leverages her extensive experience managing
international engineering and product teams to oversee, support, and expand the
company's R&D center in Chennai. This facility, recognized as the second-largest
of its kind globally, is responsible for developing groundbreaking technology
products across multiple domains, including product management, professional
services, customer care, engineering, finance, sales, and support roles.

Deepa Parikh
Head of Solutions Engineering, India, Akamai Technologies
09
“I strongly believe in self-belief, voicing out insecurities and challenges,
and seeking help to be able to thrive in regions like India that are on a
growth trajectory. I would tell my younger self to do more of these 3
and fail more to further strengthen these skills along the way.”
D
eepa Parikh is a Customer Advocate and Presales Leader for India
at Akamai Technologies. In this role, she is responsible for presales
consulting, enabling customer acquisition + retention and leading a team
of talented solutions engineers solving complex problems across Industries and
Technologies - Security, Media & Performance. She is also part of the leadership
team that is responsible for accelerating growth and defining the go-to-market
strategy for India. She lives in Bangalore with her strongest supporter Sachin,
daughters Veda & Maahi who keep life fun outside work too!
She is a thought leader in the industry and is often invited to speak at conferences
and events on a wide range of technology & leadership topics. Some of the recent
events she represented Akamai include Yourstory Shesparks, Akamai BFSI
Round table, Akamai OTT Cloud Workshop – covering women in tech leadership,
cybersecurity landscape for BFSI customers and workshop on creative solutions to
solve challenges from monetization to multi-cloud in OTT vertical.
Deepa is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the
technology industry. She is a mentor to many young women in the field and
contributes to advancement the careers of women in technology. Driving from her
values on fairness and integrity, she is a strong advocate for citizen & corporate
social responsibility and is actively involved in several initiatives that support
education and economic development in underprivileged communities.
Divya Gokulnath
Co-Founder of BYJU'S
10
"As educators, our responsibility is not just to impart knowledge but
to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in our students. We
need to move beyond the traditional methods of teaching and embrace
technology to create personalized learning experiences that cater to
each student's unique learning style."
D
ivya Gokulnath is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of BYJU'S, one of
India's most successful ed-tech companies. She started the company along
with her husband Byju Raveendran in 2011, with the goal of revolutionizing
the education sector in India. Divya's role at BYJU'S involves overseeing the
company's content and product development initiatives.
Under Divya's leadership, BYJU'S has become one of the fastest-growing ed-
tech companies in the world, with over 100 million registered users and a valuation
of over $20 billion. The company offers a range of educational products, including
live online classes, interactive video lessons, and personalized learning solutions.
In addition to her work at BYJU'S, Divya is actively involved in promoting education
and entrepreneurship in India. She has been a speaker at various industry events.
In March 2022, Gokulnath was appointed as the Federation of Indian Chambers
of Commerce & Industry’s EdTech Taskforce Chair.
In recognition of her contributions to the ed-tech industry, Divya has received
several awards and accolades. She was named among Fortune India's "40 Under
40" list in 2022 and was also featured in Forbes Asia's "Power Businesswomen"
list in 2020. Divya Gokulnath's journey as an entrepreneur and her role in BYJU'S
success have been inspiring to many. She has been instrumental in driving the
company's growth and vision for making quality education accessible to every
student in India and beyond.
Falguni Nayar
CEO and Founder, Nykaa
11
"More women need to dare to dream and allow the spotlight of
their lives to be on themselves.”
F
alguni Nayar, CEO and founder of Nykaa, was presented with the
Dataquest Pathbreaker of the Year 22 Award at the 29th ICT Business
Awards at the Dataquest Leadership Conclave. Dataquest magazine
recognized Nayar's outstanding work in ushering in and strengthening the
startup era in India and globally.
Nayar is a management consultant, business leader, and entrepreneur with a
career spanning more than three decades. She graduated from IIM Ahmedabad
and worked as a management consultant with A.F. Ferguson & Co. and as a
Managing Director with Kotak Mahindra Capital before founding Nykaa in 2012.
The company that she started with $2 million of her own money, shattered the
$10 billion ceiling after the IPO.
Nykaa not only redefined the meaning of e-commerce in India but also became
India’s first-ever unicorn with a woman steering its success. After going public,
Nayar became the wealthiest female Indian billionaire, with her net worth
rising to the tune of $6.5 billion, becoming one of the two self-made female
Indian billionaires who entered the list of top 20 Indians by net worth. Nayar
now heads a team of over 1600 Nykaa-ites and has built a beauty and lifestyle
retail empire with a portfolio of 4000+ brands, including its own private label,
available online and across 100 stores in India.
Gazal Kalra
Co-founder, Rivigo
12
G
azal Kalra, the former Co-Founder of Rivigo, Founder & CEO of BlueAtom.
AI is a pioneer in the tech-logistics industry, known for her disruptive
thinking and innovative approach. An IIT-Delhi alumnus, Gazal holds an
MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and a Master’s degree in
Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. Her passion for building
scalable and purpose-driven businesses that bring about a positive social impact
has driven her career. Before co-founding Rivigo, Gazal was a consultant at the
World Bank Group, after working as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company.
However, her calling was to do something that would create a meaningful impact
on society, and Rivigo was her answer.
At Rivigo, Gazal has led the development of technology and products for truck
drivers, providing them with job opportunities and improving their quality of life.
She has spearheaded the company's mission of "Making logistics human" and
has been instrumental in creating a relay truck model, where no driver drives for
more than four-to-five hours at a stretch, and they return home the same day.
This approach has revolutionized the logistics industry in India, making it more
organized and efficient.
Gazal's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have been recognized by the
industry, with Business Today naming her one of the "Most Powerful Women in
Business in India" in 2019. She was also included in Forbes 40 under 40 India's
brightest young business minds 2019 list.
Gazal Kalra's work at Rivigo has not only made a significant impact on the
logistics industry but also on society as a whole. Through her tireless efforts, she
has created a company that values people, innovation, and sustainability, and is
contributing to the growth and development of India's economy.
Ghazal Alagh
Chief Mama & Co-founder at Mamaearth
13
“As a founder, I’ve learned that great ideas don’t come from a single mind
but get shaped by the collective minds all around you. That's why active
listening is one of the most powerful tools at every leader’s disposal.”
G
hazal Alagh is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Mamaearth,
a startup that provides natural, organic and toxin-free personal care
products for babies and mothers. After becoming a mother, Ghazal realized
the lack of safe and chemical-free personal care products for babies in India and
used her degree in Management Studies and experience in marketing and brand
management to build Mamaearth. The brand has grown exponentially under her
leadership, with a presence in over 5000 retail outlets across India and other
countries. Mamaearth has also expanded its product portfolio to include skincare,
haircare, and grooming products for men.
Ghazal has a BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) from Punjab University.
She started her career as a corporate trainer at NIIT and opened her first business
with a diet expert, a health startup for customized diets.
Ghazal's efforts have been recognized as Business World 40 under 40 and
Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 by Entrepreneur India. Ghazal is actively
involved in promoting entrepreneurship and sustainability and has been a
speaker at various forums and conferences, sharing her experiences and insights
on building a successful startup and promoting sustainable practices. With her
passion and innovative approach, Ghazal continues to make a positive impact in
the personal care industry and beyond.
Dr. Garima Sawhney

Co-Founder, Pristyn Care
14
“Treating patients is my Passion . Making them disease free is my goal
. ‘Serve to masses’ is something which my father taught me .
All these led to an idea which got experimented in the year 2018 and
shaped into a beautiful dream come true - PRISTYN CARE.”
D
r. Garima Sawhney is the co-founder and COO of Pristyn Care, a
healthtech startup that provides advanced medical technology and
recovery measures for elective surgeries. She studied gynecology after
her father suggested it was a successful field, and began working with various
hospitals before starting her own clinic. Patient feedback revealed pain points
in the surgery process, including fear and stress, leading her and her colleagues
Vaibhav Kapoor and Harsimarbir Singh to create Pristyn Care in 2018. The
Gurugram-based startup now offers surgery care to patients through advanced
medical technology and recovery measures, with a focus on simplifying the entire
surgery journey. Pristyn Care has a presence across 42 cities and has treated
over 1.5 million patients, partnering with around 800 hospitals and maintaining
200 clinics. The company has a team of nearly 700 doctors and acquired Ratan
Tata-backed healthcare startup Lybrate in 2020 to provide primary healthcare
services. Sawhney's passion for helping patients and innovative approach to
surgery care has has led to the success of Pristyn Care and has made a positive
impact on the healthcare industry.

Harmeen Mehta
Chief Digital and Innovation Officer at BT and Non-Exec Director at Lloyd’s Banking Group and Max Healthcare
15
A
s the Chief Digital and Innovation Officer at British Telecom (BT), Harmeen
Mehta is a highly influential figure in the tech industry. She has a wealth
of experience in technology and innovation, and she has been responsible
for driving digital transformation across a wide range of sectors.
Mehta holds a degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
in Mastering Design Thinking and Business Analytics; Economics; Financial
Accounting from Harvard University. Prior to joining BT, she held several
leadership positions at global companies like Bank of America Merrill Lynch,
HSBC, and Bharti Airtel.
At BT, Mehta has been instrumental in driving digital transformation and
innovation, transforming the company into a digital-first organization. She has
implemented several initiatives to modernize the company's infrastructure and
improve its digital capabilities. She is also responsible for overseeing the devel-
opment and launch of cutting-edge products that drive growth in the business.
Mehta's impact on the tech industry has been significant, and she is widely
regarded as a thought leader in the field of digital transformation. She has been
named as one of the world's most influential women in the telecoms industry by
Global Telecoms Business magazine and was also inducted into the CIO Hall of
Fame in 2019.
Apart from her work at BT, Mehta is also a Non-Exec Director at Lloyd's
Banking Group and Max Healthcare. Her innovative approach to technology and
digital transformation has been a key driver in bringing significant changes in
these industries.
Irina Ghose
Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft India
16
“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to encounter remarkable
women who have offered me a unique and inspiring perspective on
technology, helping to drive its progress and development. Women’s
participation in technology has significantly grown in recent years. We
must continue to foster an inclusive culture where women feel equitably
seen, heard and supported so that they can thrive personally and
professionally and contribute to their organization’s success."
I
rina Ghose is the Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft India, with the responsibility
to drive end-to-end operations. Irina focuses on the go-to-market strategy for
Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions in India to deliver on core business
parameters and create new growth engines for the future.
A Microsoft veteran of over two decades, Irina has held a variety of Strategy
and Sales leadership roles across Enterprise, Solution Sales, Partner Solutions,
and Education segments, focusing on Business management, Operations,
Partnerships and New business initiatives. In her previous role as the leader of
Cloud Solutions in India, she was focused on empowering Cloud Transformation
by engaging with customers and partners to envision and architect their digital
growth strategy. She is an Electrical Engineer from IIT BHU and an MBA from
XLRI. A proponent of Women in Business and Technology, she is a recipient
of the ‘Inspirational Women’s Award’ at Microsoft and ‘Distinguished Alumnus
Award’ from IIT BHU. Besides being a marathon runner and a music lover, she’s
a strong champion of Diversity & Inclusion. She is the founder of ‘MyLittleBit’,
a philanthropic foundation, focusing on education and jobs for underprivileged
girls. She’s also actively engaged with startups with ‘Microsoft for Startups’ and
as a Trustee of SonderConnect, a foundation for women entrepreneurs.
Jaya Jagadish
India Country Head and Senior Vice President, Silicon Design Engineering, AMD
17
“I firmly believe that equity should be achieved beyond gender
equality. Research shows that businesses with diverse teams
are more innovative, make better decisions and achieve higher
performance. That is why at AMD we aim to drive a strong sense of
“belonging”. Diversity connotes statistics and requirements while
“belonging” connotes attachment and connectedness. We believe
“belonging” is what every employee desires. Driven by this thinking,
we have renamed the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) initiatives at AMD
to Diversity, Belonging and Inclusion (DB&I) approach.”
A
s Country Head, Jaya Jagadish is responsible for AMD’s R&D work out
of India and for fostering a culture of innovation, inclusive growth, and
corporate responsibility at the company’s India Development Centre.
In September 2022, Jaya has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Semicon
Talent Building Committee as part of the India Semiconductor Mission. In early
2000, limited engineering design was done in India. She played an instrumental
role in shifting this narrative. She built a strong team, that today is responsible
for designing the very core of AMD CPUs. She hired fresh talent, trained, and
mentored them. Ask her about her success as a woman leader, and she will urge
you to not look at her growth from the prism of gender. She envisages a future
where there is no such term as ‘Woman Leaders’, but just Leaders!
Kirthiga Reddy
Co-founder & CEO Virtualness, Former Managing Director, Facebook India & South Asia
18
A
s a builder turned investor, Kirthiga is now back to building as the CEO of
Virtualness, a mobile-first platform. Guided by the belief that successful
businesses lead to flourishing livelihoods, her career journey includes
engineering work at Silicon Graphics, leading product teams during the mobile
shift with Good Technology, and spearheading SaaS consumer security at
Phoenix Technology. As the Managing Director of Facebook India & South Asia,
she played a pivotal role in establishing global operations offices, growing the
India business to several US$100 million in revenue, and securing investments
to reach US$1b+. Her investment endeavors include co-founding Laddrr, being
a founding Investment Partner of F7 seed fund, and serving as the first female
Investment Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers, where she deployed
substantial investments and focused on emerging sectors like quantum
computing, additive manufacturing, and web3. Kirthiga is passionate about K-12
education, fostering diverse leadership, mental health advocacy, and leveraging
technology for social good. She enjoys running, hiking and has conquered the
Mt. Everest Base Camp twice.

Kumud Srinivasan
Vice President & GM, Manufacturing-&-Operations Automation Systems & Analytics at Intel Corporation
19
K
umud Srinivasan is a Vice President and General Manager of Manufacturing
and Operations Automation at Intel Corporation. She has over three
decades of experience in the tech industry and has played a significant
role in transforming Intel's manufacturing and operations through automation
and digitalization.
A reputation for being a ‘turn-around’ leader. She leads by focusing relentlessly
on her customers, investing in win-win ties with her partners, and creating teams
that embrace challenging goals and a laser-eye for commitments.
Kumud joined Intel in the late 1980s and worked her way up through the ranks.
She served in various leadership roles in automation, software development,
product management, and engineering management. In 2008, she was appointed
as VP & GM, IT for Intel’s SILICON, SOFTWARE AND SERVICES, overseeing
development, and delivery of software products.
In 2020, Kumud was appointed Vice President and general manager of
Manufacturing-&-Operations Automation. In this capacity, Kumud is responsible
for driving Intel's automation capabilities and has implemented advanced
technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics in
Intel's manufacturing processes.
Kumud's work on Digital Manufacturing has resulted in significant benefits for
Intel Corporation, including improved quality, yield, cycle-time reduction, higher
equipment utilization, and increased worker safety.
Her contributions to the automation industry and Intel's success are
monumental, and her work continues to shape the future of manufacturing and
operations.
Naiyya Saggi
Group Co-Founder, Good Glamm Group and Founder & CEO, BabyChakra
20
“I am passionate about learning from and working with fellow
entrepreneurs and am especially a big believer in Women Shaping
Tech. Formally, I have been a mentor at Facebook's flagship
#SheLeadsTech but informally its been wonderful to be a small part
of hundreds of journeys and stories with fellow entrepreneurs.”
N
aiyya Saggi is an entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of BabyChakra,
a digital platform that connects parents with useful information and
resources for maternity and childcare. She is also the CEO of The Good
Glamm Group, a beauty and wellness company that operates with Glam Studios
and TrueMarket brands across India.
Before co-founding Gool Glammm she worked as a Management Consultant
at McKinsey & Co. and at The Bridgespan Group (Boston) where she worked
extensively in Scaling Healthcare & Education Ventures. BabyChakra has grown
to become one of India's largest parenting communities, with over 25 million
users nationwide. BabyChakra raised over $10 million in funding from notable
investors. MyGlamm and BabyChakra merged in 2021 and Saggi joined MyGlamm
as Co-founder & Board Member of the group.
Naiyya's leadership and entrepreneurship have set an example in the Indian
startup ecosystem. She has transformed the lives of millions of Indian families by
her contributions to the parenting and beauty care industry.

Neha Bagaria
Founder & CEO, JobsForHer
21
“Our goal is to provide women with the tools they need to succeed
in the workforce, no matter their career stage or background. We
believe that every woman has the potential to achieve greatness in
her career, and we're committed to enabling them to do just that.”
N
eha Bagaria is an entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of HerKey
(formerly JobsForHer), India's largest career engagement platform for
women that enables women to restart their careers after a break. She
has worked towards making a difference in the lives of women who have taken
a break from work due to various reasons such as family responsibilities, health
issues, or personal reasons.
After marriage and working Neha took a break in her career to be a full-time
mother. In 2015, she founded JobsForHer (now HerKey), an online platform that
connects women looking to restart their careers with potential employers. The
platform has helped thousands of women to return to work after their career
break, providing them with access to job listings, career guidance, mentorship,
and networking opportunities. Under Neha's leadership, JobsForHer (HerKey)
has grown rapidly and has become one of India's largest and most valuable
communities of women professionals. The platform has more than one million
users across the country and has partnered with hundreds of companies,
including Amazon, Dell, and Google, to provide job opportunities for women.
Her achievements in empowering women to restart their careers have
transformed the lives of thousands of Indian women. She is leading the way for
women entrepreneurs in India and inspiring women to follow their dreams.
Neelam Dhawan
Board Member, Mentor and Advisor, Ex-Director at ICICI Bank
22
N
eelam Dhawan is a well-known figure in the Indian tech industry, having
served in leadership positions at several multinational companies. She is
currently a board member, mentor, and advisor to various companies and
organizations, including IBM India, HPE, Microsoft and ICICI Bank.
Neelam holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from St. Stephens College,
Delhi University, and an MBA, Marketing, Faculty of Management Studies -
University of Delhi.
With over three decades of experience in the Indian and global tech industry,
Neelam has held various high-ranking positions. She served as the India
Managing Director of Microsoft from 2005 to 2008, during which she led the
company's growth and expansion in one of its largest markets globally.
Later, she served as the Managing Director of Hewlett-Packard India before
joining IBM India in 2018 as its Head, India Advisory Board. Neelam is also a
board member, mentor, and advisor to several companies and organizations in
India, including ICICI Bank.
Neelam's contributions to the Indian tech industry have been widely recognized.
Leading business journals such as Fortune (international edition), Forbes and
Business Today have recognized her as one of the Most Powerful Women in
Business. Neelam Dhawan is a trailblazer in the Indian tech industry, whose
contributions have helped shape and transform the sector. Her vision and leadership
have been instrumental in the growth and expansion of some of the world's leading
tech companies in India. Neelam is an inspiration to many, and her achievements
serve as a beacon of hope for women entrepreneurs and leaders in India.

Nivruti Rai
Country Head at Intel India and VP & GM, Automotive Solutions Group, IFS at Intel Corporation
23
N
ivruti Rai is an accomplished leader in the field of technology, known for
her dynamic leadership and strategic thinking. She is currently the Country
Head of Intel India, driving the company's transformational agenda in one
of its fastest-growing markets.
A global leader with 20+ years of technical and business leadership experience
in the US and India. Varied roles across engineering & research, innovation, and
organizational management. Focused on building strong teams and grooming
leaders who can deliver on the global stage. Passionate about Indian technology
ecosystem and how we can usher in the next technology revolution for India and
the world. She studied for a BA at Lucknow University thereafter gaining a BSc in
mathematics and operations research from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,
New York, and then a Masters in engineering at Oregon State University. She started
working at Intel in 1994 and moved to Bengaluru, capital city of Karnataka in 2005.
Nivruti has spent over two decades at Intel, serving in various leadership roles
across the organization. She started her career in the company's office in the US in
1995, then moved to India in 2005 to lead Intel's engineering teams in Bangalore.
Over the years, she has worked in several different roles, including Director of
Data Center Group for Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) and the Vice President of
Platform Engineering Group. Since 2016, Nivruti has been leading Intel India as its
Country Head, responsible for driving the company's strategic growth agenda and
innovation efforts in India.
Nivruti has been instrumental in driving Intel's growth and transformation in
India, helping to build the company's presence in the country and strengthen its
relationships with key stakeholders. On International Women's Day 2022, Rai
received the Nari Shakti Puraskar from President Ram Nath Kovind alongside
28 other women. She was recognised for her work in promoting rural broadband
internet connectivity and innovations in semiconductor chips.
Padmaja Chunduru
MD & CEO of the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)
24
”Adoption of technology-driven strategy was imperative considering
the exponential growth in demand for digital services during and post-
pandemic period. To enable its business partners to offer end-to-end
client journeys, we focused on complementing the existing service
bouquet by accelerating the development of an array of digitally-
powered offerings that were built on the B2B2C framework [Business-
to-Business-Client]. NSDL’s proprietary API Gateway framework has
enabled more than 150 business partners to seamlessly integrate
their digital operating models with NSDL’s post-trade services
ecosystem and deliver a world-class experience for investors.”
P
admaja Chunduru is a seasoned banking professional with over 37 years of
experience. She currently serves as the MD & CEO of the National Securities
Depository Limited (NSDL). Under her leadership, NSDL implemented the
first-of-its-kind blockchain platform for securities and covenant monitoring that
is expected to bring much-needed transparency and benefits to the debt market
segments. She has also launched NSDL's flagship investor education program
"Market Ka Eklavya" for educating the student community and equipping them to
understand and manage their finances.
As MD & CEO of Indian Bank from September 2018 to August 2021, Ms
Chunduru successfully steered the merger of Allahabad Bank into Indian Bank
amid Covid challenges. The empathetic handling of the cultural integration of the
two diverse banks was the subject of a case study "Merger of Equals" by Harvard
Business School Publishing.

Prativa Mohapatra
Vice President & Managing Director, Adobe India
25
“Technological advancements have the power to bridge the gender
gap in the IT industry and create more opportunities for women in
traditionally male-dominated fields. With the availability of hybrid
work models, effective communication tools, and online education
and training programs, women are now managing their time
effectively and unlocking access to education that enables their
participation in the domain of technology. To sustain this progress,
we must eliminate role-based stereotypes, invest in programs that
provide scholarships, mentoring, and networking opportunities,
and create an inclusive environment that supports the education
and training of young, aspiring women. This will enable more
women to enter diverse professional roles and bring in their unique
perspectives and leadership to the tech industry."
P
rativa Mohapatra is Vice President and Managing Director for Adobe India.
In this role, she leads Adobe’s India business across Adobe Experience
Cloud, Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Document Cloud.
Adobe’s mission is to change the world through digital experiences, serving
a large customer base from students to business communicators to the world’s
largest enterprises. As the leader of Adobe’s India business, Prativa is responsible
for driving strategic planning, operations, customer interactions and shaping
growth in the market.
Priyanka Gill
Group Co-founder, Good Glamm Group | CEO, Good Media Co | Founder, POPxo & Plixxo
26
P
riyanka Gill is an entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of MyGlamm, a
leading beauty and wellness brand that offers high-quality beauty products
and services to women across India. In 2021, the company was valued at
over $100 million, making it the latest addition to India's unicorn club.
As the Group Co-founder of the Good Glamm Group, Gill holds the position of
CEO at the Good Media Co. Her journey commenced in 2013 with the creation of
eStylista, a fashion and lifestyle blog. In 2014, she went on to establish POPxo, a
widely embraced digital platform for Indian women.
Recognizing the potential of influencer marketing in India, Gill founded Plixxo
in 2017, which became an influential marketing platform with 150,000 registered
influencers. The successful merger of POPxo and Plixxo with MyGlamm, a
renowned makeup brand in August 2020, led to the formation of India's largest
content-to-commerce platform. In September 2021, she announced the formation
of the Good Glamm Group, raising an impressive $250 million and acquiring 11
companies spanning digital media, influencer marketing, analytics, beauty, and
personal care. Consequently, the Good Glamm Group achieved unicorn status
with a valuation of $1.2 billion in November 2021.
Pursuing her personal passion, Gill hosts an exclusive entrepreneurship
podcast "Dream Build Scale" on Spotify, engaging in conversations with inspiring
founders, creators, and investors. Under her leadership, MyGlamm has grown
rapidly and has become one of India's fastest-growing and most innovative
beauty and wellness brands. The company offers a range of beauty products and
services, including makeup, skincare, and personal care, both online and through
the company's network of retail stores.

Radhika Ghai Aggarwal

Co-founder and CEO of ShopClues
27
R
adhika Ghai Aggarwal is the co-founder and CEO of ShopClues, an Indian
e-commerce marketplace and founder and CEO at kindlife – a beauty
and wellness ecosystem enabling commerce, community and brands.
She has been instrumental in pioneering the e-commerce industry in India and
transforming the way people shop online.
Prior to founding ShopClues in 2011, Radhika worked with several multinational
companies, including Nordstrom and Goldman Sachs. She co-founded ShopClues
with Sanjay Sethi and Sandeep Aggarwal, which started as a wholesale
marketplace and gradually shifted to retail.
Under her leadership, ShopClues has grown significantly, becoming one of the
top e-commerce marketplaces in India. The company has been able to raise funds
from leading investors like Tiger Global, GIC, and others.
She has been a vocal advocate for inclusive growth in the industry, aiming to
bridge the gap between Tier-1, Tier-2, and Tier-3 cities of India. She has played a
crucial role in bringing technology and a better shopping experience to people in
remote areas of the country.
Radhika has earned the prestigious “First Lady” award by the Ministry of
Women and Child Welfare and given by the President of India for being the first
woman to create a Unicorn ($1bn valuation) in India.
Radhika is also a strong advocate for women in entrepreneurship. She is a
prolific start-up investor and is involved with various mentoring and coaching
programs where she works with young entrepreneurs and women in business.
She has a keen interest in clean living and believes that every step, small or large,
is worth acknowledging.
Rekha M. Menon
Chairperson and Senior Managing Director, Accenture India
28
R
ekha M. Menon is a trailblazer in the field of technology, known for driving
innovation and development in one of the world's leading consulting firms,
Accenture. She serves as the Chairperson and Senior Managing Director
of Accenture India, where she oversees the company's operations and growth
strategy in one of its most important markets.
Rekha joined Accenture in 2004 as the Managing Director of Delivery for the
company's India operations. Over the years, she has held several leadership
positions with the company, including Managing Director for Asia-Pacific
Delivery Centers and the Global Delivery Centers for Technology.
In 2015, she took over as Accenture India's Chairperson and Senior Managing
Director, responsible for driving the company's growth and innovation efforts
in India.
She steps down on June 30. Under her leadership, Accenture India has evolved to
become a leading provider of technology services and solutions across the globe,
supporting clients across industries and domains. She has also been a driving
force behind Accenture's commitment to diversity and inclusion, promoting a
culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and risk-taking.
Rekha regularly features on lists of the most powerful women in business in
India and is recognized among the top 10 LGBT Ally Executives globally. Prior to
joining Accenture, Rekha was an entrepreneur – she co-founded two technology
companies and a not for profit. An active hiking and cycling enthusiast, Rekha is
also a voracious reader.

Richa Kar
Founder and former CEO of Zivame
29
R
icha Kar is a tech entrepreneur and the Founder and former CEO of Zivame,
an Indian online lingerie retailer. She is known for her innovative approach
to e-commerce and has revolutionized the lingerie industry in India.
Richa holds a BE in Civil Engineering from BITS Pilani and an MBA from NMIMS,
Mumbai. After working with several technology companies like SAP, i-flex, and
Spencers Retail, Richa founded Zivame in 2011 with the aim of providing women
in India with a more comfortable and personalized lingerie shopping experience.
Under her leadership, Zivame has grown to become one of India's leading online
lingerie brands, offering a range of products, including bras, panties, nightwear,
and swimwear. Richa's contributions to the lingerie industry and e-commerce in
India have been significant. She has brought a more personalized touch to the
lingerie shopping experience, with the Zivame Fit Code initiative, which offers
customers personalized fit recommendations based on an online quiz. She has
also led the development of Zivame's exclusive lingerie brands, including Penny,
Rosaline, and Coucou. In 2021, Richa stepped down as CEO of Zivame but continues
to be involved in the company as a board member and advisor.
In addition, Richa has been a vocal advocate for women's empowerment, with
initiatives like Zivame's "Fit for All" campaign, which celebrates all body types and
promotes body positivity. Richa has been recognized for her contributions to the
e-commerce and lingerie industry in India. She has received several awards and
honors, including the Economic Times 40 Under 40 Award, the Femina Women
Awards, and the NDTV Unicorn Start-Up Award.
Richa Kar's pioneering work in the Indian lingerie industry has been inspiring.
Her emphasis on personalization, inclusivity, and empowerment in the lingerie
shopping experience is a testament to her vision and leadership. She has helped
to revolutionize the e-commerce industry in India and has created a brand that
resonates with women across the country.
Dr. Rohini Srivathsa

National Technology Officer at Microsoft India
30
“As we navigate the evolving landscape of emerging technologies
and digital transformation, it is crucial to recognize the unique
perspectives that women bring to the table. As we look towards
building a more diverse and inclusive world, active pursuit of
STEM education and careers for women will play a pivotal role in
empowering the next generation. Much as we need a movement to
inspire women, we need engagement from parents, educators, and
industry organizations so that we can help more women embrace
STEM careers. We need deep commitment, and urgent action.”
D
r. Rohini Srivathsa is the National Technology Officer at Microsoft India.
In her role, she is responsible for driving innovation and growth through
‘tech-intensity’ – across industry and the government. Rohini began her
career in R&D at AT&T Bell Laboratories in the US, then pivoted to a career in
strategy consulting at the Boston Consulting Group and IBM Global Business
Services in India and emerging markets. Her R&D and strategy experiences
converged in the next phase of her career as the CTO of Janalakshmi Financial
Services (now Jana Small Finance Bank), where Rohini was responsible for
driving tech-driven business transformation towards financial inclusion among
the urban underserved.
Rohini is a thought-leader, advisor and contributor to several industry bodies,
government, and academia forums and publications.

Roshni Nadar Malhotra

Chairperson HCL Technologies
31
R
oshni Nadar Malhotra is a prominent business leader and the Chairperson
of HCL Technologies, an Indian multinational information technology (IT)
services company. She is one of India's leading women entrepreneurs and a
trailblazer in the technology industry, known for her innovative approach to business
and leadership. She is the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India.
Roshni holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Northwestern
University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
In July 2020, Malhotra succeeded her father as the chairperson of HCL. She
is a trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which is focused on education and
has established some of India's top colleges and schools. Roshni is credited with
transforming HCL Technologies into a global technology powerhouse. Under
her leadership, the company has expanded its services offerings, moved beyond
traditional IT services and solutions, and increased its global footprint.
Roshni has made significant contributions to the technology industry and
has been recognized by several reputable organizations. She was named
NDTV Young philanthropist of the Year 2014, in 2015 Conferred "The World's
Most Innovative People Award" for Philanthropic Innovation by The World
Summit on Innovation & Entrepreneurship (WSIE) and in 2017 the Vogue India
Philanthropist of the Year award.
She is a role model for many young women aspiring to lead and make a mark in
the technology industry. Her contributions to innovation, digital transformation,
and gender inclusion have helped to drive the technology industry forward,
benefitting society as a whole.
Ruchi Kalra
Cofounder and CFO, Ofbusiness
32
R
uchi Kalra is an entrepreneur, startup mentor, and angel investor who
is driving innovation and creating economic impact in India. She is the
Cofounder and CFO of OfBusiness, a B2B trade financing platform for
small businesses.
Kalra, an alumnus of IIT-Delhi and the Indian School of Business was a partner
at management consulting giant McKinsey before co-founding OfBusiness with
husband Asish Mohapatra and others. In addition to her formal qualifications,
she brings extensive experience as an early-stage investor and business mentor
to her current role at OfBusiness.
Ruchi's career began at Evalueserve and then as a partner at McKinsey
& Company. In 2016 she Co-founded Oxyzo Financial Services Pvt Ltd,
Cofounder and OfBusiness. At OfBusiness, she has leveraged her expertise
to create economic opportunities for thousands of small businesses through
technology-driven financial solutions such as vendor credit lines and invoice-
based financing products.
At OfBusiness, Ruchi has been instrumental in transforming the company
into an AI-driven enterprise that provides innovative financial solutions to
small businesses across India. Under her leadership, the company developed
OFBizConsult – an AI-enabled platform that helps businesses access financial
services with minimal paperwork – and OFBizInvest – a digital investment app
that enables investors to make informed decisions by providing data-driven
insights into stocks they wish to buy or sell. Her husband and she have become
the first couple in India to build two unicorns.

Sandhya Devanathan
Vice President & Head - India @ Meta
33
S
andhya Devanathan is the Vice President and Head of India at Meta, formerly
known as Facebook. She is a technologist and leader with experience
in building products and leading large teams across geographies. Her
contributions to the technology industry in India are invaluable.
Sandhya has two decades of experience working in the technology industry.
She worked at various financial institutes before joining Meta in 2020. In her
current role, she oversees the growth of the company's operations in India,
leading a team that focuses on India's business strategy and partnerships.
Sandhya has been instrumental in driving Meta's growth in India. She has been
leading the company's efforts to connect billions of people in India to the internet
and helping businesses leverage the power of the Facebook family of apps to
grow their business. She has been at the forefront of initiatives to empower
women entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses in India.
Under her leadership, Meta has focused on developing innovative products
such as the first-ever augmented reality filter to raise awareness about COVID-19
vaccination. Meta has also been collaborating with Indian startups to bring more
local innovations and solutions to the global market.
Global business leader with a track record of scaling businesses, building
exceptional teams and driving product innovation. Devanathan is a huge believer
in tech’s ability to drive value for businesses of all sizes, and the role it could play
in building strong communities that connect all of us. Strong advocate of women
in leadership and diversity in the workplace. Board Member at Pepper Financial
and Singapore's National Library Board.
Saritha Katikaneni
Co-founder, Zenoti
34
S
aritha Katikaneni, the Co-founder and former VP Marketing of Zenoti, is
known for her innovative approach to solving industry problems. She has
been at the forefront of technology-driven transformation, creating a user-
friendly and intelligent software solution that has revolutionized the beauty and
wellness industry. Katikaneni was the co-founder and vice president marketing
of Zenoti for almost a decade till November 2019. She has taken a sabbatical since
then. It was Katikaneni's experience in the beauty and wellness industry that led
to the creation of Zenoti. She identified the lack of technology-driven solutions
in this space and saw a clear opportunity to bring innovation to an industry that
was struggling to keep up with the changing times.
Zenoti is an all-in-one software platform that manages scheduling, billing,
inventory and customer relationship management (CRM) for beauty and wellness
businesses. It provides businesses with the ability to manage operations from a
single, user-friendly platform, streamlining business processes, improving the
customer experience, and driving growth and profitability.
Zenoti is a cloud-based solution that is available on both desktop and mobile
devices. It has been widely adopted by leading beauty and wellness brands,
including the likes of Toni & Guy, Massage Envy, and European Wax Center.
As the global pandemic impacted businesses worldwide, the need for touchless
solutions became imperative, and Zenoti's contactless payments and virtual
consultations features allowed salons and spas to operate in a safer and more
efficient manner.

Sindhu Gangadharan
SVP & MD, SAP Labs India
35
S
indhu Gangadharan is a global technology leader and a strong advocate
of leveraging technology for the benefit of society. She is widely known
as the "Technology Humanist" for her deep-rooted belief in the power of
technology to drive positive social impact.
With 22 years of experience at SAP, Sindhu has risen through the ranks to
become the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of SAP Labs India. In
this leadership role, she is responsible for product development, innovation and
user enablement for SAP's R&D facilities in India. Known for her deep technical
expertise, Sindhu played a critical role in bringing to life SAP's vision of the
Intelligent Enterprise while working at the company's headquarters in Germany.
Sindhu's leadership has extended beyond SAP with multiple roles and
responsibilities in various organizations. She is a board member of multiple
organizations, including US-based Qualtrics, Siemens India, Titan Company,
and EverLoop. As an Executive Council Member at NASSCOM, India's apex
technology and industry trade body, Sindhu is instrumental in shaping India's
digital economy and establishing the country as a technology hub for the world.
Sindhu's contributions to the technology industry and her people leadership
style have earned her several prestigious awards and recognition. In 2021, Fortune
Magazine named her among the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Business for
her critical contribution in saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sindhu is
also an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, and a Member of SAP's Autism at Work
Executive Advisory Committee
Sindhu Gangadharan is an inspiring technology leader who has dedicated her
career to driving positive social impact.
Smita Deorah
Co-founder and Co-CEO of LEAD
36
“Diversity is the most natural thing, because all of us are unique
individuals. It is important for us to make this the most normal
thing right from childhood. That’s why LEAD School we are very
deliberate about including respect for all people and celebrating
diversity in our core school curriculum.”
S
mita Deorah is a visionary leader and entrepreneur, dedicated to
empowering women through innovative technology solutions. She is the
Co-founder and Co-CEO of LEAD, a technology-based social enterprise
that provides digital learning solutions for women and girls in India.
She is the founder of Sparsh, a non-profit organization that works in the field of
education, primarily by running K-12 schools in rural & taluka areas and providing
access to high-quality education. In 2012, she co-founded LEAD, with the mission
to provide excellent school education at affordable fee structures to students in
small towns, villages and talukas in India.
Under her leadership, LEAD has reached over 300,000 women and girls,
providing them with opportunities to learn and grow. The company has also
partnered with various organizations to promote women's entrepreneurship,
including the United Nations Development Programme and Indian School
of Business.
Her innovative approach to bridging the gender gap in access to education
and skills development has set an example for other social enterprises to follow.
LEAD is India’s first school edtech Unicorn with a female founder.

Vani Kola
Managing Director at Kalaari Capital
37
“What inspires me the most is creating impact, and making a
difference, through innovation and entrepreneurship. I am proud
of the values that Kalaari stands for and our commitment to
entrepreneurs. It is a privilege to be part of rethinking the future,
alongside our entrepreneurs.”
V
ani Kola is the Founder and Managing Director of Kalaari Capital, a
prominent early-stage venture capital firm in India. With a background
as a two-time entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, she champions India's
digital potential to create globally scalable, next-generation companies. Vani's
investment philosophy draws from her entrepreneurial successes, focusing on
identifying passionate, resilient young entrepreneurs and emphasizing integrity
in building strong relationships. Having led over 30 investments in diverse
sectors such as e-commerce, gaming, healthcare, and digital content, she has
achieved notable successes with companies like Dream11, Myntra, Cure.fit, and
Snapdeal. Vani is a respected figure in India's startup ecosystem, she practices
Heartfulness meditation, enjoys Ashtanga yoga, and promotes sustainable
living through organic gardening.
Vanitha Narayana
Independent Director, Former Chairman & Managing Director IBM India
38
V
anitha Narayana is an independent Director and was the Former Chairman
and Managing Director of IBM India, a leading technology company
providing end-to-end technology solutions to clients across various
industries. She is a visionary leader with extensive experience in technology,
business, and innovation.
Vanitha Narayanan has a Masters in Business Administration in Marketing
from the University of Madras and a Masters in Business Administration in
Information Systems from University of Houston - Magna Cum Laude. Besides,
she has a major in liberal arts from Stella Maris College, Chennai.
In 2009, she joined IBM, where she has held various leadership positions. In
2013, she was appointed as the Managing Director of IBM India.
Vanitha's leadership has been pivotal in IBM India's growth, driving
innovative technology solutions across sectors such as banking, healthcare,
and telecommunications. Her focus on building strategic partnerships and
leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and
cloud computing has helped IBM India stay ahead of the curve.
Under her leadership, IBM India has been at the forefront of launching
innovative solutions, including IBM Watson, IBM's AI-powered cognitive
computing platform, and IBM Garage, a design thinking-based framework
for innovation.

Upasana Taku
Co-founder, MobiKwik
39
U
pasana Taku is the Co-founder of MobiKwik, a leading digital wallet and
payment solution provider in India. She is a visionary leader with extensive
experience in the technology and finance industries.
Upasana is the recipient of the first female Fintech founder award
from the President of India and is listed amongst Forbes Asia's 25 Power
Businesswomen.
Upasana's professional journey began with the Payment Solutions Group at
PayPal and subsequently worked at various technology and finance companies
before co-founding MobiKwik with her husband in 2009. In her current role, she
oversees the company's product development, marketing, and communication
strategies.
Upasana's leadership has been pivotal in MobiKwik's growth, driving innovation
in digital payments and revolutionizing the way people transact in India.
MobiKwik's platform enables users to pay bills, transfer money, and make online
and offline purchases seamlessly.
Under her leadership, MobiKwik has launched various innovative products,
including MobiKwik Blue American Express Card, a digital credit card powered
by American Express, and MobiKwik Magic, a digital payments option for small
and medium businesses.
Upasana Taku's extensive experience in technology and finance has been
instrumental in driving MobiKwik's success and growth. Her vision for MobiKwik
has propelled the company's innovation and leadership, making it a leading player
in the digital payments space in India.
Dr. Virginia Sharma

India Marketing Head, Google Cloud
40
D
r. Virginia Sharma is an experienced marketing professional with a
strong background in consumer technology companies such as JioSaavn,
LinkedIn, and 15 years of Enterprise Tech at IBM. Currently, she holds a
leadership position in Google Cloud marketing for India. Additionally, she serves
as a non-executive independent Board Director at Pennar Industries, a prominent
engineering and design company based in Hyderabad.
In February 2022, she successfully defended her doctoral thesis on crisis
leadership and gender identity and is working alongside her academic mentors
from ISB to publish her research findings in the upcoming year. Her expertise
has led to industry leadership roles, including Chair of the IAMAI Digital
Transformation Council and membership on the Global Advisory Board for UVA's
McIntire School of Commerce.
She holds the distinction of being a Marketing Society “Fellow” and a DMAI
“Knight.” Additionally, she had the privilege of becoming a Marketing Academy
Fellow, a recognition awarded by McKinsey and Co. to high-performing marketing
leaders on the CEO or Board track. An active LinkedIn Influencer with a substantial
following, Sharma uses the platform to address issues surrounding women in
leadership, advertising, and technology.
As an industry expert, she has conducted leadership workshops based on her
research and has had the honor of delivering the Commencement Speech at the
University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce.
Dr. Sharma has a proven track record of success, such as achieving exceptional
sales leadership performance at LinkedIn and driving significant growth in the
JioSaavn Brand Solutions business during the pandemic.

Learning Partner
2047
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https://bit.ly/3Y6fmnI for the Next 25 Years of Indian ICT Industry
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