Those who continue to influence the future by creativity, empowerment, and commitment are honoured on this list of India's top ten female leaders
We salute the indomitable power of women who are redefining success in a variety of fields on March 8, International Women's Day 2025. These women are not only thriving in their industries—from technology and business to education, the arts, and social impact—but they are also igniting change, shattering stereotypes, and improving communities. Those who continue to influence the future by creativity, empowerment, and commitment are honoured on this list of India's top ten female leaders.
1. Saily Lad, Founder and Director of Volksara Techno Solutions
Saily Lad is the Founder and Director of Volksara Techno Solutions and a distinguished name in technology-led security surveillance in India. With over a decade of expertise, she leads Volksara in delivering comprehensive security solutions, integrating products, systems, and services backed by a highly skilled R&D team. Under her leadership, Volksara was awarded the “Best Safe City” in India for its security surveillance services at Nasik Kumbh Mela. Beyond Volksara, she holds directorship in diversified sectors, Her ventures span catering for institutions and hospitals, consulting for government infrastructure projects, and air charter services for luxury and corporate travel. Recognized for her contributions, she received the Times 40 Under 40 - Emerging Female Entrepreneur in Tech Industry award.
2. Christine Samandari, Co founder L’opera
Christine Samandari is a co-founder and Director of L’Opéra, the most prominent French Bakery and Pastry operation in India. L’Opéra is an authentic Pastry & Bakery House, Salon de Thé and Café Restaurant, specializing in French products in India. Christine Samandari Says L’opera distinct Frenchness and highest standards of quality from the décor and furniture to the products offered and the personnel who serves it makes it the most unique and authentic French place of the town. L’Opéra is the brainchild of Laurent Samandari, who envisioned the demand for authentic, high-quality French bakery & pastry products while on an internship in India early 2008. Later, Laurent’s parents, Kazem and Christine also joined him to help make his vision a reality. The family is actively involved in running the business & maintaining the high standards of service and excellence that it has set itself.
3. Priyanka Goswami , Founder WOORAY
Wooray, the most luxurious and premium kids indoor play area is a one stop solution for kids who are looking for the best entertainment. Priyanka Goswami started her journey in 2022 with their boutique play area in Gurugram (Delhi NCR), but today WooRay is expanding through both company-owned centers and franchises. After 15 years in the corporate world, Priyanka Goswami recognized a pivotal gap in the children’s entertainment industry. Fueled by her vision to raise the standards of kids’ play in India, she embarked on a global journey, curating the finest experiences from around the world to bring home. With Wooray steeping and penetrating in the Delhi-NCR markets, She is eyeing on expansion to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well. With much expected on the way, Wooray is all set to open in the heart of Punjab- Ludhiana in less time than expected.
4. Himanshi Tandon, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Ember Cookware
Himanshi Tandon is a strategic marketer with 14 years of experience driving 0–1 brand journeys and scaling digital-first businesses. After repositioning Reebok as India’s leading fitness brand and building Flipkart’s travel brand, Cleartrip, she now channels her passion into Ember—your step zero for clean, toxin-free cooking in modern Indian kitchens. For Himanshi, step zero means starting every meal with cookware that’s thoughtfully designed to empower healthier choices. Her mission is deeply personal: to make conscious, non-toxic cooking accessible to every home. At Ember, every pan is more than just a tool—it’s the first step toward a healthier, happier lifestyle, inspiring change one kitchen at a time.
5. Harliin Sachdeva, founder of House of Makeup
With over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, Harliin has been a trailblazer in redefining what clean, high-performance makeup should be. From her journey at Fab Bags and Nykaa to creating a 100% clean, vegan, and high-impact brand, she has always focused on empowering women with makeup that enhances beauty while being safe and nourishing. Harliin’s philosophy is simple: makeup should not only make you feel good but also be good for you, offering multi-benefit solutions that save time, money, and prioritize skin health. She proves that beauty can be effective, protective, and clean—empowering women in every way.
6. Sanhita Baruah, Author and Trauma-informed Life and Business Coach
Sanhita Baruah is the author of the bestselling book of poetry The Art of Letting Go and 3 other titles. Her literary works have been part of more than 15 anthologies and her articles and articles have been published across media platforms internationally. "I work with my clients from a Trauma-Informed lens for resolving their emotions and helping them recover from past hurts while ultimately creating mindset shifts that result in financial abundance and career growth for them with improved interpersonal relationships.
When I work with women, I help them nurture their uniqueness instead of trying to be like everybody else or comparing herself with a man. I believe every woman deserves to shine. Every woman deserves to experience the mental and emotional freedom to be unabashedly themselves and pursue their goals whether in career or relationship, all while loving themselves to the core, and loving their womanhood, their feminity,” said Sanhita Baruah on International Women's Day.
7. Sonalika Bansal, co-founder of Dennison
Sonalika Bansal, co-founder of Dennison, is revolutionizing the fashion industry with a strong focus on sustainability. With an MBA in Marketing and HR and a Kathak professional, she blends business expertise with creativity to shape the brand. Her understanding of market trends and social media has helped Dennison cater to eco-conscious professionals while remaining affordable. Her goal is to make Dennison India’s most sustainable fashion brand. Beyond her professional achievements, Sonalika is a devoted mother of two, skillfully managing both her business and family. She embodies the balance between work and home, proving women can lead industries and nurture families with grace.
8. Mouli Roy, the founder of Maverick Communication
Mouli Roy, the founder of Maverick Communication, is a dynamic entrepreneur reshaping the PR and marketing landscape with innovation and strategic excellence. With a background in journalism and digital media, she started her career in fashion journalism before discovering her passion for brand storytelling. Recognizing the evolving media landscape early on, she transitioned from freelancing to building a full-scale agency, establishing Maverick Communication as a trusted name in the industry. She has spearheaded impactful campaigns for renowned brands like Libas, Jim Beam, Nike, Pernod Ricard, and Almond House, setting industry benchmarks in influencer marketing, celebrity outreach, and event strategy. Mouli’s ability to navigate challenges and push creative boundaries has made her a trailblazer in PR. As a woman entrepreneur, she inspires others to embrace bold decisions, proving that passion and perseverance can drive long-term success in a competitive industry.
9. Dr. Priyamvada Bhasin is the Medical Director, Ratan Jyoti Netralaya
Dr. Priyamvada Bhasin is a highly experienced ophthalmologist with over 35 years of expertise in eye care. She is an MBBS and MS in Ophthalmology from G.R. Medical College, Gwalior. She is further specialized in Retina & Vitreous Surgery and General Ophthalmology through fellowships at the renowned Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. Dr. Bhasin is the Founder and Medical Director of the Ratan Jyoti Group of Hospitals, Gwalior, which includes Ratan Jyoti Netralaya, RJN Apollo Spectra Hospitals, and Ratan Jyoti Dalmia Heart Institute, among others. She has dedicated her career to providing high-quality eye care and has successfully performed over 35,000 retina surgeries and nearly 6,500 complex retina procedures.
10. Anupama Dalmia is Beyond the Box Founder and Chief Mentor
Anupama Dalmia is a writer, serial entrepreneur, digital content creator, sociopreneur, and writing mentor who has won several awards and accolades. With her innovative approach that prioritises individual expression and creativity, Dalmia, the Founder and Chief Mentor of Beyond the Box, has revolutionised the field of children's education. It is a movement that encourages young students to take charge of their own ideas and thoughts, not merely a literary endeavour. "As we commemorate International Women's Day, I consider the limitless potential of women to influence cultures and promote constructive change. Globally, women have continuously shown remarkable tenacity in overcoming obstacles that have limited their prospects, particularly in leadership positions." says Anupama Dalmia.
These Women leaders are leading with purpose and driving a global movement toward equality, empowerment, and change. Let's celebrate these extraordinary changemakers who are paving the way for a more inclusive, dynamic, and empowered world!
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