On International Women’s Day, we take a moment to celebrate and spotlight the remarkable contributions of women leaders from diverse fields. This exclusive feature recognizes women whose work continues to inspire, challenge norms, and make a lasting impact in their respective industries. Each of these trailblazers showcases strength, resilience, and innovation, embodying the true spirit of leadership. Below are a few of the incredible women leading the way:

Divya Yachamaneni, CEO, Naandi Community Water Services Pvt. Ltd. (Naandi Water)

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As a woman leader in the social sector, Divya Yachamaneni is reshaping the future of water accessibility in India. Her vision and relentless drive have been the cornerstone of providing safe drinking water to millions, transforming lives and communities.

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet millions in India still lack it. After a decade in the corporate world, Divya Yachamaneni knew that she needed to create meaningful social impact. This drove her to Naandi Community Water Services, where she now serves as CEO.

Her mission? To ensure that underserved communities have sustainable access to clean water. Leading a social enterprise comes with its unique challenges—navigating a maze of regulatory hurdles, securing funding in a sector that’s still developing, and adapting to decentralized operations in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. But every obstacle has been an opportunity to build resilience and sharpen strategies. Under Divya’s leadership, Naandi Water has been able to expand its reach, providing safe water to over 880,000 people, including 30,000 schoolchildren. She believes that safe water should never be a privilege—it must be a universal right for all.

Hardi Oza Patel, Founder & Director, Velvet Escapes

A passionate traveler and entrepreneur, Hardi Oza Patel’s journey into the world of travel began at the age of four, when the sight of an airplane ignited a lifelong fascination with the world. This curiosity led her to found Velvet Escapes, a travel company that goes beyond traditional tourism to provide unique, immersive travel experiences.

For Hardi, travel is not just about sightseeing—it’s about connecting with a destination’s culture, cuisine, traditions, and people. Over the years, she has curated extraordinary travel itineraries, including dining with lions, having brunch with orangutans, and staying in mesmerizing glass houses. With a career spanning over 70 countries and every state of India, Hardi is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a speaker, columnist, and media personality. A TEDx speaker and a regular voice on All India Radio, Hardi continues to inspire countless people with her stories and insights. Featured in Forbes Digital in 2021, she has proven that travel is not just an escape, but a powerful tool for personal growth and connection.

Priyanka Jain, Co-founder & Director of Marketing, Snow World Entertainment – Formula Karting & The Game Palacio Noida

Priyanka Jain stands as a dynamic force in India’s entertainment and hospitality sectors. As the Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at Snow World Entertainment, Priyanka has redefined the industry by creating immersive, unforgettable experiences. Under her leadership, Snow World Entertainment, along with ventures like Formula Karting and The Game Palacio, has established itself as a pioneer in hospitality, gaming, and entertainment.

Priyanka is not just an entrepreneur but a visionary who has built a legacy by innovating the entertainment landscape. Her expertise in integrated marketing, brand development, and event planning has played a crucial role in the growth of her brands. Known for her people-centric leadership, Priyanka fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture where creativity thrives. Through her guidance, she has successfully created exceptional customer journeys while nurturing a team that thrives on autonomy and psychological safety. In a male-dominated industry, Priyanka continues to break barriers and inspire other women to lead boldly.

Saily Lad, Founder & Director, Volksara Techno Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Saily Lad is the Founder and Director of Volksara Techno Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a leader in technology-led security surveillance in India. With over a decade of expertise in the field, Saily has spearheaded the development of comprehensive security solutions, integrating state-of-the-art products, systems, and services. Under her leadership, Volksara earned the prestigious “Best Safe City” award for its exemplary security services at the Nasik Kumbh Mela.

Saily’s education, with degrees from Nottingham Trent University and Royal Holloway University of London, has laid a solid foundation for her strategic leadership in diverse sectors. Beyond her work with Volksara, Saily holds directorships in companies spanning facilities management, air charter services, and consulting for government infrastructure projects. Recognized as a visionary, she was awarded the Times 40 Under 40 – Emerging Female Entrepreneur in Tech Industry award.

Her relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in the tech industry not only makes her a leader in her field but also a role model for aspiring women in technology and entrepreneurship.

On this International Women’s Day, we honor these outstanding women who continue to break barriers, inspire change, and make a difference in their communities and industries. Their leadership is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and vision in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.