Registration and Networking

10:30 AM

Welcome Address‍

The Future is Female-Led ‍

Setting the stage for a day of inspiration, innovation, and impact.

Rekha Balakrishnan

Lead Editor, HerStory
& SocialStory, YourStory

Sangeeta Bavi

COO,
YourStory

10:40 AM

Keynote

Ladies Who Launch: Women Founders Shaping the Future

Stories of resilience and success from women entrepreneurs redefining leadership.

Chetna Gala Sinha

Founder & Chairperson, Mann Deshi Bank
and Mann Deshi Foundation

10:55 AM

Fireside Chat

Doodling My Way to the Bank: Turning Passion into a Profitable Business

The real, messy, and fun story behind growing a business without losing yourself

Alicia Souza

Founder,
Alicia Souza Studio

Rekha Balakrishnan

Lead Editor, HerStory
& SocialStory, YourStory

11:20 AM

Keynote

AI & Innovation: The Founder's Advantage

In the age of AI, technical fluency is no longer optional for founders. This presentation empowers leaders and their teams to leverage AI, cloud computing, and data analytics for strategic growth. Learn how to make informed decisions, foster innovation, attract top talent, and build a thriving, tech-forward business. Discover practical strategies and resources to 'level up' your tech and AI skills, and unlock your team's full potential.

Teena Bhasin

Director - Google Cloud Consulting,
Google Cloud India

11:35 AM

Panel Discussion

Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Women in Tech

Addressing barriers and creating mentorship, funding, and leadership opportunities in tech.

Anjana Chiramel

HR Director & DEI leader,
Schneider Electric

Ramya Parashar

Chief Operating Officer,
MiQ Digital India

Dr. Saundarya Rajesh

Founder,
Avtar Group

Ipsita Basu

Director Creative Content,
YourStory

12:05 PM

Panel Discussion

Women Monetising Their Voice & Influence Online

Insights on leveraging digital platforms to build brands, businesses, and financial independence.

Simran Balar Jain

Women Hygiene
& Lifestyle Content Creator

Sonika Khurana Sethi

Interior Designer,
Educator & Influencer

Shubhangi Mishra

Content Strategist,
YourStory

12:35 PM

TransformHERs Talk

From Rejection to Revolution: A Transwoman’s Role in Social Change

Renowned transgender activist and founder of Ondende, Dr Akkai Padmashali will reflect on her journey as a transwoman and the importance of allyship in gender justice movements.

Dr. Akkai Padmashali

Social Activist,
Founder, Ondede

12:50 PM

Masterclass

The Leader Playbook: Leading, Negotiating & Making Bold Decisions

Equipping women with critical leadership, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

Monica Pirgal

MD, ex- NMG, ex- Lowe's,
ex- Goldman Sachs

1:15 PM

Lunch

2:00 PM

Panel Discussion

Women’s Health, Women’s Voices: On the Pulse of Health Equity for Women

Women's health is more than just medicine—it's about access, awareness, and advocacy. This session by women, for women explores the latest innovations and policy shifts shaping equitable healthcare for women. From cutting-edge research to real-world impact, join experts as they discuss how we can bridge the care gap and ensure every woman receives the healthcare she deserves.

Dr. Janhavi Nilekani

Founder & Chairperson,
Aastrika Foundation
& Aastrika Midwifery Centre

Mehak Malik

Founder & CEO,
Uvi Health

Nidhi Panchmal

Founder,
Arva Health

Rekha Balakrishnan

Lead Editor, HerStory
& SocialStory, YourStory

2:30 PM

Fireside ChaT

A Leader’s Canvas: Shaping the Future of Design and Storytelling

As Canva’s first employee in India, Chandrika Deb is driving the platform’s remarkable growth in its fourth largest market globally. She will share her insights on building the brand from the ground up, breaking barriers through tech and her leadership philosophy.

Chandrika Deb

Country Manager - India,
Canva

Sangeeta Bavi

COO,
YourStory

2:55 PM

TransformHERs Talk

A Lifetime in Advocacy: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What’s Next?

A deep dive into Dr Ranjana Kumari's decades of experience in advocating for women’s rights and social change in India, highlighting the successes, challenges, and future directions in gender advocacy.

Dr. Ranjana Kumari

Director,
Centre for Social Research

3:10 PM

Panel Discussion

Superwomen in Supercomputing: Women Shaping the Future of AI

Showcasing women leading advancements in AI, machine learning, and supercomputing

Aditi Nanda

Director, Ecosystem & Industry,
Intel India

Anindita Veluri

Director Marketing,
Adobe

Geetha Adinarayan

CTO, IBM - Consulting,
India and South Asia

Sangeetha Yanamandra

Vice President,
Software Engineering
& Site Leader for Hyderabad,
OpenText

Sangeeta Bavi

COO,
YourStory

3:50 PM

Tea Break

4:15 PM

Keynote

Ladies Who Launch: Women Founders Shaping the Future

Stories of resilience and success from women entrepreneurs redefining leadership.

Hardika Shah

Founder & CEO,
Kinara Capital

4:30 PM

TransformHERs Talk

Dancing Through Barriers: Taking Yakshagana to the Global Stage

Yakshagana—a vibrant, powerful, and deeply rooted art form—has long been dominated by men. But what happens when a woman steps onto this stage, not just as a performer, but as a force of change? Priyanka Mohan’s journey in Yakshagana has been one of passion, resilience and the will to take this vibrant art form forward.

Priyanka K Mohan

Yakshagana Artist,
Teacher & Cultural Ambassador

4:50 PM

Keynote

Ladies Who Launch: Women Founders Shaping the Future

Stories of resilience and success from women entrepreneurs redefining leadership.

Dr. Geetha Manjunath

Founder & CEO,
NIRAMAI Health Analytix

5:05 PM

FIRESIDE CHAT

Innovating for Impact: Bridging Gender Gaps in Health, Nutrition and Livelihoods

From better healthcare access to economic opportunities, learn how Bayer’s bold initiatives are closing gender gaps and creating lasting impact for women.

Rachana Panda

VP & Cluster Comms Head – Bayer ASEAN,
ANZ & South Asia and Director,
Bayer Foundation India

Shradha Sharma

Founder & CEO,
YourStory

6:15 PM

Masterclass

Money Mastery: A Woman’s Guide to Wealth, Freedom & Success

Essential financial strategies to build wealth, independence, and security.

Priya Sunder

Co-founder & Director,
PeakAlpha Investments

6:45 PM

FIRESIDE CHAT

Overcoming Barriers: Lessons from a Woman in Governance

Sharing personal anecdotes and lessons learned, Dr. Caur can inspire attendees by highlighting how she navigated and overcame barriers in her career, offering actionable advice for aspiring women leaders.

Dr. Ekroop Caur

Secretary, Department of Electronics,
Information Technology,
Biotechnology and Science & Technology,
Government of Karnataka

Shradha Sharma

Founder & CEO,
YourStory

7:15 PM

AWARDs

Future Shapers: She Leads Change Awards 2025

With the Future Shapers: She Leads Change Awards 2025, YourStory, together with HerStory, aims to honour exceptional women who are driving inclusive growth, fostering innovation, breaking barriers, and creating a more equal world for all.