The Institution Innovation Council of PiMSR partnered with IWFCI- INDIA to host the IWFCI Women Entrepreneur Awards 2023 which was held virtually on Tuesday, 26th September 2023. The event was attended by the first year management students of PiMSR, faculty, IWFCI members across 14 chapters around the globe and members of various business networks. 75 students, 5 faculty members and 21 external members attended the event. The objective of the event was to encourage and motivate students to have role models by witnessing women who have shown exemplary courage in their entrepreneurial journey. In her opening remarks, Dr. Celina Joy, Director Administration and Chairperson of the IIC of PiMSR said that the past few years have seen a growth of women succeeding as entrepreneurs and nothing begets success like success. It is organisations like IWFCI and IICs of colleges, among others who encourage more and more people to pursue entrepreneurship.
In her welcome address Founder President of IWFCI India, Dr. Daphne Pillai said “It’s very important for society to recognise women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economic growth of the country. The IWFCI-INDIA Women Entrepreneur Awards celebrate women’s initiative, drive and determination to make their businesses successful and thus they become role models to other women who wish to enter the entrepreneurial space.” On this occasion, Ms. Diana Abruzzi, Founder and International Chair of IWFCI spoke on “The Building of the Entrepreneurial Mindset impacting Global Economies”. The Chief Guest, Mr. Rajesh Dembla, Founder of Zoozle while sharing his entrepreneurial journey said “Women will contribute over 60% of the growth that the industry will see in this decade. The world of entrepreneurship is about to change on its head. Any organisation that does not have about 45% women in their leadership, will cease to produce relevant products in the next few years.” Ms. Archana Shiroor, Chief Human Resources Officer of Yes Bank said that according to the Boston Consultancy Group (BCG) there will be a 90% growth in women led businesses in the next 5 years. And IWFCI INDIA is all poised to help women face the challenges of the changing world.
At the event, women entrepreneurs (one each from the business sector and from the social sector) from micro, small and medium size businesses were conferred with the IWFCI Women Entrepreneurship Awards. A special award ‘Women Entrepreneur Award 2023’ was conferred on Suhasini Sampath, Founder of Sprout Life Foods and formulator of the Yoga Bar for health and fitness. The ‘Women Social Entrepreneur Award 2023’ was bagged by Alina Alam, Founder and CEO of ‘Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation’. The ‘Women Business Entrepreneur Award 2023’ was bagged by Aruna Sampige of ‘Roots Reforms initiatives Pvt. Ltd’. The event ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rema Ramchandran, Director IWFCI.
