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)
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.
