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Nicky P. Kaur, a successful entrepreneur with over 21 years of leadership experience, shifted her focus from business to a cause close to her heart: standing up for those who can't. This passion led her to start Chandigarh Spinal Rehab, where she serves as founder and CEO. Her journey of faith has resulted in a unique and holistic rehabilitation center in India dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Today, Chandigarh Spinal Rehab stands as a beacon of hope, providing comprehensive care and life-enhancing support under Nicky's visionary leadership.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Flowing Karma, Band on Wheels. Need for Meaning and Substance in life. Shifting Mindset from Pity to Recognizing Abilities. Handpicking the Team, Strength of the Organization. Paraplegia is a multi-disability, not a condition present from birth. The Camaraderie, Strength, and Positivity as a catalyst for change. Helping find a life of Dreams, Exposing to a World of Possibilities. Faith and Trust that inspired the journey and continue to sustain it. Sounding Boards in the journey: Daughters in the past, Team in the present. Daughters are an integral part of life, leaving a significant void when they move on. Laughter is very important; it bids goodbye to many woes without conscious effort. No need to seek validation or explain oneself to society; Judgments will always exist. Challenging for any woman to step out of her comfort zone and stand up for her vision. Unwavering support and encouragement from my father to become a woman of substance.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Sita Kapadia is Professor Emeritus of English, Asian Literature, and World Literature at the City University of New York. Born and raised in India, Sita grew up in a progressive and humanitarian family deeply rooted in Gandhian values, with her father's principles and her mother's extraordinary artistic talent shaping her worldview.
Sita's journey has taken her from India to Singapore and Malaysia and finally to the United States, where she has made significant contributions to education. She is the author of The Woman Beside Gandhi: A Biography of Kasturba, Wife of the Mahatma, a work deeply connected to her family's values and her childhood desire to meet Kasturba Gandhi.
In addition to her academic achievements, Sita is a self-trained artist, sculptor, and master gardener. Now almost 88 years old, she continues to embody resilience, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning. Her life and work are a testament to the enduring power of art, education, and storytelling.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Every day might bring something new to learn. The importance of having invincible faith and belief. Acknowledging the regret of not cultivating certain friendships. Resilience, humility, and quiet leadership learned from Kasturba. If the soul is eager and there is a desire, anything can be achieved. An unusually progressive upbringing where equality was at its core. My experience as a teacher in the prison was deeply humane and enlightening. The spark to write Kasturba's story came from a drive to seek more answers. Literature is a medium that cuts through life's busyness, revealing core truths. A feisty spirit from the mother and progressive Gandhian values from the father. If the soul is eager and there is a genuine desire to help, anything can be achieved. A true Vaishnava follower of the Lord is one who understands the pain of another. Patience and support from a partner enabled the pursuit of interests and ambitions.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode, Enma highlights Perseverance as the first key success factor to emerge from the stories of the Atalanta’s on the podcast. She reflects on how Perseverance has influenced her life and the journeys of the remarkable women she's interviewed, revisiting some of the impactful moments from past episodes.
Through the lens of Perseverance, the episode highlights the stories of four inspiring women from different fields:
Mridula Jain revolutionized India's shawl industry by breaking through Legal Barriers. (Episode 38) Vanessa Van Ameyde navigated imposter syndrome through Strategic Preparation.(Episode 79) Radha Kessar conquered self-doubt despite an exemplary Academic Career. (Episode 20) Abha Narain Lambah transformed fear into a driving force for Heritage Conservation.(Episode 32).This episode acts as a guide, offering a moment to reflect on the perseverance that has carried you through your own challenges. Through these stories, Enma provides an opportunity to pause, consider, and gather new insights that will help you continue to Persevere on your path.
Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Rina Singh's roots are in rural North India, where she was raised within a culture of family and community craftsmanship, which continues to influence her. She has experience researching and developing indigenous Indian textile techniques with NIFT Gandhinagar, where she worked as an assistant professor. She gained international fashion insight through her travels and work with an international design studio based in Prato, Italy, and with Wills Lifestyle, where she headed the women's wear category.
In 2011, Rina Singh launched "ekà," primarily working with textile craftspeople in rural Western and Eastern India to develop natural and sustainable fabrics in modern yet enduring silhouettes.
Eka` means one in Sanskrit and describes a one-of-a-kind product for women who wear their hearts on their sleeves and attitude in their clothes.
Rina Singh made history as the first designer from India to collaborate with the global apparel conglomerate Uniqlo for the launch of its first-ever Kurta collection, available across stores globally, for the AW19 and SS20 seasons.
She received the Chairman's Scholarship from Wigan & Leigh College to study fashion in the UK in 1998. In 2015, she was awarded the Elle India Graduates Award. In 2016, she was a runner-up at the Vogue India Fashion Fund and a regional finalist from India for the prestigious International Woolmark Prize. In 2019, Rina Singh was awarded the Vogue Power List - Minimalist Designer of the Year and featured as Harper Bazaar's Women of the Year.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Education was not a right, and she had to earn it. Creating the Eka Tribe and building the community. Rina's relationship with her different mentors, her confidant. Strong women are often silenced more than empowered. Discover how Rina's scholarship paved the path to where she stands today. How reading served as a refuge during challenging times, an escape. She recognized her place in the world of fashion and that everyone rises together. Fashion is not just an attire but a means of expressing one's personality and individuality. Values of simple village life, rural surroundings, and elements like earth, water, air, and nature and their influence on Rina's work and perspective. Highly skilled and dexterous craft should not merely survive but thrive and become a form of art.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Vinita Gursahani Singh is the Founder and Managing Trustee of We, The People Abhiyan, and she has dedicated over 28 years to advancing social development in India, with a focus on livelihoods, human rights, and active citizenship. Her work is grounded in the belief that empowering individuals with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to address their own challenges is crucial for societal progress.
Vinita naturally excels in exploring issues and solutions through active dialogue and consultation, striving to build meaningful engagements with stakeholders at all levels—from grassroots communities to government agencies, corporations, and civil society organizations. Over the past 25 years, she has worked tirelessly to educate and inspire citizens to understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities, fostering a deep pride in democratic values.
With a management degree from SP Jain Institute in Mumbai and an MSc in Social Policy from the London School of Economics, Vinita blends academic knowledge with hands-on experience to drive impactful change in India through the Constitution.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Social cohesion and solidarity. Feeling fear, holding on to faith. Celebrating success, even the smallest wins. Navigating risks when challenging the machinery. Discrimination against women remains a real issue. Constitution is a long word and an incredibly powerful word. The State is a duty holder; citizens need to challenge for access. Believing in the goodness of people is an important state of mind. With the right information and mindset, transformation is possible. Challenge ourselves to take ownership and bring our voices forward. When one's back is to the wall, there's only one way, and that's forward. Demonstrating, to inspire Gen Z to consider a career in the social sector. Professional commitments and personal life, not trying to strike a balance. Lack of access is a barrier; even with the desire to make a change, possibilities remain unknown. Independence provided us with political democracy, but social democracy requires people to change for themselves and others. The Constitution empowers us to make a difference and bring our own voices to the table. Once you open someone's mind, you have to accept their perspective.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Monica has been a technology entrepreneur since 1999 and a social entrepreneur since 2015. As a founding board member of Nisum Latam, she played a crucial role in its growth and international expansion, transforming it from a Chilean startup into a global firm with 100 employees from over 25 countries, specializing in complex software development for the U.S. market.
Currently, Monica serves as the Executive Director of Kodea Nonprofit, which focuses on digitally empowering Latin Americans. Kodea promotes inclusive tech development, female digital empowerment, early innovation, and the integration of Computer Science in classrooms to foster digital talent.
Monica has represented Chile on the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) since 2022 and has been a Business Director and columnist for Economy and Business at El Mercurio since 2019. Her accolades include the Chiletec Women in Technology Award (2015) and the Service Export Award (2016). She has been honored as one of Chile's 100 Women Leaders and, in 2021, received the Woman in Tech Lifetime Achievement Award and the Women that Build Awards from Globant. Additionally, she served as an ambassador for the Chile Brand and, with her Kodea team, won the JK Visionaries award in 2020.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Operating as a Pleaser From Chile to New York A Round Peg in a Square Hole All the Limits Are in Our Mind A Lonely Journey and Naysayers Focus on Excellence, Money Follows Unpacking Pain and Self-Acceptance Sharing Your Problems, Your Fragility Resolving Conflict, Creating Safe Spaces Promoting Chile and Breaking Stereotypes Understanding Why We Act the Way We Do From Tech Entrepreneur to Founder of Kodea Risks of Poor Planning, Leading to Desperation Finding Your tribe, People with the Same MindsetConnect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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With over 20 years of international experience spanning Asia, North America, and Europe, Simran has been at the forefront of delivering transformative technology solutions across various industry verticals, including Education, Non-Profits, Retail, Real Estate, Media, and Shipping & Logistics. Her career has been dedicated to driving business operations towards a "digital first" approach, harnessing the power of technology to innovate and optimize.
Simran attributes her personal competitive advantage to a blend of pragmatism, ambition, intuition, trust in people, and an appreciation for data. Her commitment to closing the loop on any challenge that comes her way has been a key factor in her success.
Recognized by LinkedIn as a "Top Leadership Voice," Simran has made significant contributions through her insightful writing and engagement on the platform.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Simran is a passionate advocate for financial inclusion for women, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and literacy. She actively supports women-led businesses as an angel investor and serves as a Limited Partner (LP) in private equity firms focusing on Climate Tech, Healthcare, the Future of Work, and Retail Reinvention.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Control is an illusion. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Finding joy in work helps you endure difficult days. Growth comes from stepping out of comfort zones. Clearing the mind is a superpower for a long, sustained career. Meditation and yoga have the power to rewire the brain and thoughts. Introverts make great leaders, which is important to mastering extroverted skills. Choosing risky options over safe choices where there is potential for growth. Conveying understanding is more important than accents in language learning. Don't second-guess why you have a seat at the table. Focus on preparing for that role. Money is a tool; especially women should focus not just on earning but also on investing. Having an independent mind allows one to have different opinions and still move forward together.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Vennesa Van Ameyde serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Kasasa, an award-winning fintech and marketing services company that provides reward checking accounts people love, the first-ever loan with Take-Backs™, and ongoing expert consulting services to more than 600 community financial institutions nationwide.
As COO, Vennesa manages the day-to-day operations, marketing, creative services, client implementation & support services, internal application infrastructure, operating standards, people programs, and culture at Kasasa.
She is a senior operating executive with demonstrated talent for transforming and scaling organizations by developing the operational infrastructure, systems, processes, reporting, and organizational strategies to foster rapid growth. Vennesa is a people's champion, passionate about creating a best-place-to-work culture via the development of innovative programs that focus on talent attraction, development, leadership training, engagement, reward and recognition, community outreach, and DE&I.
She holds an MA in Diplomacy from Norwich University and a BS in Political Science and Anthropology from Vanderbilt University. Vennesa received Lean Six Sigma training from the University of Michigan College of Engineering and studied Theory of Constraints for Operations at The Goldratt Institute. She has been honored to receive recognition by the Austin Business Journal as a “Profiles In Power & Woman Of Influence” Finalist in 2015.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Leadership lessons from team sports. Knowing your value, knowing your worth. Not letting perfect get in the way of progress. Emotional leadership and business leadership. Advocating for other women, providing allyship . Imposter syndrome, to be worthy of sitting at the table. Communication tools, emailing vs meeting, when and why. Leaning in, leveraging an opportunity before it passes you by. Being human, being vulnerable and being willing to talk about what you're capable of and being able to ask for help.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli’s website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Diane Schwarz is Johnson Controls' chief information officer and the global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. She is responsible for leading a global, business-aligned information technology organization. Schwarz develops and executes enterprise-wide I.T. strategy to ensure a strong digital core for Johnson Controls to scale and achieve its global growth objectives.
A senior I.T. executive with experience in building and leading best-in-class I.T. teams, Schwarz most recently served as chief digital and information officer for Hunt Consolidated and previously worked at Textron, Bell and Honeywell. With a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, her scope covers digital transformations, cybersecurity, data analytics, infrastructure and cloud operations, ERP/SAP applications and I.T. supplier management.
Schwarz holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is a board member of NPower, a non-profit that creates pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities and of T200, a non-profit that elevates women in technology.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Work Hard, Party Harder. Addressing issues one at a time. Moment of humility, don't know it at all. Having diverse experiences, trying everything. Startups don't align with everyone's risk tolerance. Recognizing traits that will stop you from scaling as a leader. Vulnerability and Empathy are essential skills for becoming a better leader. Make the right choice for the family while having a sustainable career. You will not be able to do your job well if you don't care for yourself. Identifying and addressing behaviours to evolve as a leader. Helping others succeed creates opportunities for your own success. Self-awareness to become better as humans, as parents, and as professionals. She who wants to go fast goes alone; she who wants to go far goes together. Mentors can come from different backgrounds, not just the business world.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Alina Alam, founder of Mitti Cafe at the age of 23, embarked on a mission to showcase the magic of abilities to the world. She believes that compassion and courage are powerful tools in tackling global challenges, advocating strongly for inclusive development and empowering vulnerable communities. Mitti Cafe, initiated during her university years, provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for adults with physical, intellectual, and psychiatric disabilities.
Alina, a three-time TEDx speaker, is celebrated on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list and has received numerous accolades, including the Commonwealth Youth Award, Niti Aayog-Women Transforming India Award, Helen Keller Award, United Nations Intercultural Innovation Award, Times of India-She Unlimited Award, Rotary Exemplar Award, and Tiecon Young Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Emphasizing participatory management, Alina is passionate about her journey alongside the extraordinary team at Mitti, composed of individuals with disabilities who have collectively served over 11 million meals and beverages across 40-plus MITTI CAFE locations. Their work not only provides economic independence and dignity but also promotes awareness about inclusion and disability rights globally.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Money is not the only thing that enables it. Faith and her mother were her biggest cheerleaders. Scarcity is the best resource for any entrepreneur. You don't have to be in sales mode with everyone. The transformative power of community kindness. Economic independence and dignity are not privileges but rights. Anything nice you do for anyone is a favour you're doing to yourself. Strength in faith and the belief that after every hardship comes ease. Not having enough helps us learn to value other important things in life. You need to know when to listen to your heart, which is your best friend. The CEO is also the Chief Pitching Officer and has to bring the stories alive. Change can only happen when people overcome uncomfortable moments. How Mitti Cafe was inspired by the documentary on Emperor Nero's abuse of power. When you're passionate, you're your strongest, most leech-like, and most shameless. 70 million people with disabilities in India, and over 1 billion people with disabilities across the world. Silence or inaction supports oppression, the moral imperative to stand up for what is right.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/ -
Anoushka Jolly is the 15-year-old founder of Kavach who embarked on her journey as a response to distressing childhood experiences with bullying.
Her mission began at just nine years old when she founded the Anti-Bullying Squad (www.antibullyingsquad.com), an impact enterprise that worked on creating awareness against bullying amongst children; she's since impacted over 2 million people in 20,000 schools.
After collaborating with a few NGOs and doing some more groundwork on bullying, she observed that the main reason bullying is such a big issue is that it isn't reported. Based on this ideology and the current education infrastructure, she created an app called Kavach, which is a bullying reporting mechanism.
At the age of 13, Anoushka became the youngest entrepreneur to receive funding for Shark Tank India. In 2023, she won the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (the highest civilian honour for a child) from the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in the field of social service. As a social entrepreneur and changemaker, she strongly believes in the power of technology for the betterment of mental health, as evident in her work.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Defining Bullying.
How one can empower oneself.
Significant role of grandparents.
Inspiration drawn from Shark Tank.
Inspiration behind the anti-bullying journey.
The dynamic with parents as business partners.
Standing up for oneself without disrespecting others.
How can the family empower rather than solve problems.
The role of the school counsellor is to help build empathy and forgiveness.
Balancing entrepreneurial pursuit, academic commitment, and personal life.
Expressing emotions in a safe space has the therapeutic effect of releasing pent-up anger.
Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/ -
NASA’s first South Asian female flight director, Pooja Jesrani has a unique lens on building inclusive environments in high stakes circumstances.
As one of the 24 NASA Flight Directors, apart from guiding mission control Pooja is responsible for managing operations for all human spaceflight programs including the International Space Station (ISS), a habitable artificial satellite and microgravity laboratory that is maintained as a multinational collaborative project.
Pooja has managed life support and motion control systems on the ISS and has also been a capsule communicator (CAPCOM), speaking directly with the astronauts in space.
Recently, Pooja has been working to integrate mission operations for the upcoming commercial crew flights.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Bringing authenticity and vulnerability to leadership.
Importance of building relationships as Individuals vs team members.
Finding the balance, you can't have it all.
Mentoring and Supporting other women.
Setting your reputation at get go.
Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/ -
Vedika Bhandarkar, Chief Operating Officer for Water.org, is responsible for the operating efficiency and effectiveness of Water.org and for the attainment of strategic objectives and annual organizational goals. She works closely with the CEO, the executive team, and the President of WaterEquity to support the mission and vision of Water.org. She previously served as Water.org's Chief Global Impact Officer and the Managing Director of India.
Vedika has more than 25 years of experience building teams and businesses with Indian and international financial institutions. Prior to joining Water.org in January 2016, she served as Vice Chairman and Managing Director at Credit Suisse Securities (India) Private Limited from 2010-2015. Previously, she served as the Managing Director and head of Investment Banking at J.P. Morgan, where she worked for over 10 years. She started her career with ICICI Limited in Mumbai.
Vedika serves as an Independent Director on the boards of several companies. She also serves as a board member of the Jai Vakeel Foundation, an institution focused on children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Attitude and Competence.
Seeing change as an adventure.
Joy as a leader is the definition of success.
Recognizing that you don't have all the answers.
Fostering Allyship, building a network of cheerleaders.
Trusting Your Gut by listening to your intuition and instincts.
Embracing Humility, leaving behind preconceived notions and biases.
Managing Imposter Syndrome: it doesn't go away, but learning how to manage it.
Not Fearing Mistakes: considering the worst-case scenario when fearing mistakes.
Embracing Setbacks, viewing them as opportunities. Learning from mistakes and taking ownership of them.
Learning from the Past, you can't change it, so not obsessing over it. Prioritizing the present and future.
Prioritizing Ruthlessly by being decisive. Making conscious choices instead of compromising.
Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Brenda Soya is the Public Affairs Officer at the Consulate General in Mumbai. She directs public diplomacy and outreach efforts to reach 400 million people in western India, further U.S. policy, and strengthen people-to-people relations. She leads Consulate General Mumbai's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility organization and is committed to the aspirational goal of women's economic empowerment. Her State Department career includes working in Sierra Leone, the Holy See (Vatican), Togo, and Burkina Faso.
Brenda received a master's degree in security studies at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, and used that degree to teach International Relations at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Brenda has a B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Colorado at Boulder, was a Presidents Leadership Class and a Boettcher scholar.
In this conversation, Brenda is sharing her personal ideas and not as a representative of any organization or of the U.S. Department of State.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Mind is Your Worst Enemy. The Many Layers of Culture. Recognizing and Managing Self-Doubt. Creativity as a Tool for Problem-Solving. Seeking Out Advice, When Ready for Feedback. Shadowing Adults to Broaden One's Perspective. Work-Life Integration: to Achieve Holistic Well-being. Living in a Diverse Community, Adapting to a Mountain Lifestyle. Making choices, serving one's Country, and sharing one's own Culture. Embracing Change: Focusing on the Potential for New Experiences. Navigating Cultural Differences, Cultural Faux Pas, or Cultural Shock. Being Open to Seizing Opportunities, Even if They Entail Uncertainty. Connection Between Language and the History and Culture of a Country.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/ -
Judy Vaughan, CSJ, is the Founding Director of Alexandria House, a transitional residence and neighborhood center supporting women and children in need since its establishment in 1996 in LA.
Before returning to Los Angeles, Judy served as Project Coordinator for Women for Guatemala, a solidarity organization committed to raising awareness about human rights abuses in Guatemala.
Judy also served as the National Coordinator for the National Assembly of Religious Women, a Catholic feminist organization dedicated to advocating for justice in church and society and has co-facilitated over 100 "Multicultural Look at Racism" workshops across the United States.
Judy holds a Ph.D. in Religious Social Ethics and an M.A. in Religious Studies and Sociology from the University of Chicago. She also earned an M.A. in Sociology from San Diego State University. Judy holds a B.A. in Sociology (Magna Cum Laude) from Mount St. Mary's College.
Judy is a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Los Angeles and co-parents her 25-year-old daughter.
Judy has received numerous awards, including recognition as a "Woman of Justice" by NETWORK, as an "Outstanding Founder" at the National Philanthropy Day, and as a "Woman of the Year" by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Who gets to write the narrative. DNA does not make a family love us. Co-parenting Renisha: A Miracle for Sister Judy. Those who have the least deserve the very best. The work at Alexandria house is really justice work. Witnessing miracles and seeing radical changes in individual lives. The housing crisis in LA, 84,000 homeless people and 11,000 shelter beds. Ensuring a sense of community support, home, friendship, and respect. Colonization of the mind, how societal structures legitimize unjust behaviours. Blaming those who are struggling to survive, obscuring the systemic obstacles. Being more than just t-shirt activists, finding issues that stick in your throat like a washcloth. Challenging the dichotomy between liberalism and radicalism, embracing the radical path. The transformative impact of engaging with an international community, juxtaposing experiential learning with formal academic education.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Claudia is a lecturer and Deputy Programme Lead at the University of York in London, where she contributes her expertise to the MSc in International Humanitarian Affairs (MIHA). Her research endeavors focus on critically examining learning approaches that empower girls and women from marginalized and rural backgrounds across South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. She engages with ancient wisdom from the Global South, seeking innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, particularly in the realm of climate change.
Central to Claudia's work is the exploration of non-mainstream pedagogical approaches within contexts marked by disasters, conflict, and uneven development. Her efforts extend beyond academia, as she has actively engaged with grassroots initiatives, primarily in Uganda and Colombia, since 2016.
Claudia holds a PhD from the University of York, where her research focused on the role of education (formal, informal, and non-formal) in empowering women from the Global South. She has also completed an MSc in International Humanitarian Affairs and an LLB (Hons) Law Degree. Claudia's multifaceted background underscores her commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development, informed by both academic rigor and practical engagement.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Challenging the status quo. Impact of domestic violence. Education isn't always granted. Empowerment is an internal quality. Education can lead to arrogance about knowing more. Colombia's class disparities and the Medellin Cartel's influence. Human flourishing and creativity are essential components of education. African philosophy of Ubuntu and South American philosophy of Ainí. Adapting personal experiences to shape one's narrative and perspective. Equal humanitarian platform rather than a missionary approach to charity. We often focus on differences rather than connecting through shared experiences. Need for collaborative education, where learners co-create their learning experiences. The importance of education in emergencies is sometimes prioritized over food and shelter. PhD fosters critical thinking, personal development, and intellectual growth beyond academia. Displacement encompasses physical relocation and a loss of cultural connection and belonging.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Shaheen was born in Mumbai, grew up in five countries around the world and at the age of eighteen, returned to Mumbai to do something about the unequal opportunities that children have in India. Shaheen founded the first Akanksha (“aspiration” in Sanskrit) centre in 1989 with 15 children. The Akanksha Foundation today runs 26 Akanksha Schools across Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur impacting over 14,000 students and 4,000 student alumni.
In 2008, searching for a way to impact more children and inspired by the Teach For America model, Shaheen founded Teach For India with the audacious vision of providing an excellent education to all children across India by building a movement of leaders. Today, Teach For India impacts 34,000 children through the direct work of over 1000 Fellows. Additionally, the Teach For India Alumni community is 4200+ members strong, impacting 1 million children directly and reaching 50 million children indirectly.
Shaheen is an advocate for student voice and partnership, and has created high-impact initiatives like the Maya Musical, the Kids Education Revolution, and The Greatest Show on Earth which explore student leadership.
Driven by the need to reach the last child in India, Shaheen started TFIx, which is an incubator for passionate education entrepreneurs who are willing to adapt Teach For India’s model to their context and region in rural areas.
She is the author of the book, Redrawing India and the Miss Muglee children’s books.
Shaheen serves on the boards of The Akanksha Foundation and the Advisory Board of Museum of Solutions. She has been an Ashoka Fellow, a Global Leader for Tomorrow at the World Economic Forum, and an Asia Society 21 Leader. Among many accolades, she has been a recipient of the Jamnalal Bajaj Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children in 2019 and the Beyond Business - ET Prime Women Leadership Award for 2020, Niti Aayaog’s Women Transforming India Award.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Defining Education. How Letting go was a Gift. Love being Central to every Action. Upholding Values and Pursuing Excellence. Understanding that as Humans we are all Flawed. Caring for people, not only as Professionals, but as People. It's the little things that matter, getting Inspired by tiny steps. Understanding the needs of the Beneficiaries and Growing from there. Everybody wants to do Good, often people just don't have that Platform. Building culture, Hiring the people who share those core values and beliefs.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli’s website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/ -
Katherine has over 30 years of diverse leadership experience across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors and a strong track record of developing leaders and connecting them across sectors to achieve collective impact.
Katherine is a graduate of Leadership Victoria's flagship Williamson Community Leadership Program, which she celebrates as a pivotal point in her life.
Katherine comes to Leadership Victoria from Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic), where, as CEO, she forged a stronger youth sector and led innovative growth against the challenging backdrop of the pandemic and climate disasters. She previously worked in London as Director of Youth Affairs at the Commonwealth of Nations, where she focused on youth empowerment and leadership policy and programs across 53 countries.
Earlier, Katherine spent over a decade in the private sector, working both in Australia and internationally in a variety of analysis, strategy, and corporate social responsibility roles.
Katherine holds a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, a Master in e-Business, a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Diploma of Youth Work.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Putting your hand up. Being an adaptive leader. Fair compensation in the social sector. It's good to know what you're not good at. Vulnerability is both an art and a science. Sharing your ambitions and hopes with others. Tough experiences build resilience and gratitude Intangible rewards of working in the social sector. Recognizing when you are plateauing and losing your freshness. Leaders tend to support people who remind them of themselves. Recognizing one's strength and understanding others' expectations. People who bully often have underlying deficits they're grappling with. Transferring skills from the private sector while preserving its essence. Recognizing the tendency for leaders to favor individuals who resemble them. Finding like-minded individuals provides a sense of permission to be authentic. Strong moral compass instilled by parents, values of social justice and integrity. Engaging with young people creates a safe environment to appreciate their uniqueness.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/ -
Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger are James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chefs, cookbook authors, media personalities, and entrepreneurs.Trailblazers from the get-go, the culinary grads (Susan from Culinary Institute of America in New York and Mary Sue from Washburne Culinary Institute in Chicago) met in 1978 at Le Perroquet, one of Chicago's best French restaurants as the first women to break into the all-male kitchen. In 1981, they teamed up to open City Café and changed the culinary landscape of Los Angeles forever by introducing eclectic dishes from around the world. With a partnership of over four decades, they are best known for SOCALO, Alice B., BBQ Mexicana, Pacha Mamas, and Border Grill restaurants, catering, and food trucks in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Together, Feniger and Milliken brought their innovative approaches to The Food Network with nearly 400 episodes of the Too Hot Tamales and Tamales World Tour series. They were invited to cook with Julia Child, in her PBS series Cooking with Master Chefs, successfully competed on Bravo's Top Chef Masters, and featured in an episode of the Netflix series The Chef Show.
Community, connection, and giving back have always been at the core of the chefs' values, and that passion is felt throughout the company. Susan is a founding member of the Scleroderma Research Foundation Board of Directors, sits on the L.A. Tourism & Convention Board, co-chairs the board of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, and provides visionary leadership for the Center's Culinary Arts Program, a three-month training program launched in 2019 to prepare LGBTQ youth and seniors from the Center for meaningful employment in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Mary Sue also serves on the Board of Trustees for the James Beard Foundation, the U.S. State Department's American Chef Corps, and is a founding member of Regarding Her, a national non-profit on a mission to advance women-identifying and nonbinary food and beverage entrepreneurs and leaders by way of innovative programs that UpliftHER Business, SupportHER Community, and AdvocateHER Industry.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Yin and Yang in partnership. The stronger everybody is, the better. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Support for one another's passions. Loyalty and Trust are pillars of the partnership. Navigating Rifts, sometimes compromising. Finding strength in uncomfortable moments. Allowing opportunities to shape the trajectory. Partnerships: Long-term relationships of any kind are tricky. Making decisions together and sharing equal responsibility. Drawing inspiration from Ayn Rand and other powerful women. Building a Strong Culture across stakeholders, honoring family recipes. Supporting the community and giving back brings rewards beyond measure.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/
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Lulu Raghavan serves as the Vice President for APAC and Managing Director for India at Landor. With over 23 years of experience at Landor, spanning offices in San Francisco, New York, London, and Mumbai, Lulu has held various roles within the company. Under her leadership, Landor India received prestigious accolades, such as the Campaign South Asia Brand Design Agency of the Year 2023 and the Great Place to Work Award 2023.
Her notable awards and achievements include Campaign India Mentor of the Year 2023, Campaign India Woman Shaping Change 2023, IMPACT Top 50 Women in Media, Marketing, and Advertising (2023, 2019, 2015), and serving as a Cannes Lions Design Jury member in 2018. She has also co-authored five business school case studies on branding, which enjoy global circulation, and conceptualized and hosted "Beyond Logo," a TV show for Bloomberg that highlighted the transformative impact of branding on businesses.
As a staunch advocate for women in leadership, Lulu played a pivotal role in establishing WPP Stella in India in 2018 and now guides its scaling up as a member of the Super Council. She frequently teaches branding at various business schools and curated a two-week course on personal branding for second-year MBA students at BITSoM in Mumbai last year. Lulu is also a Trustee for Dignity Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the well-being of senior citizens in India.
She holds a BA in Economics and Applied Math from Davidson College in the US and an MBA in International Business and Marketing from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research in India. Fluent in five languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, French, and Spanish, Lulu's diverse background and expertise contribute significantly to her success in the industry.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
Discipline and daily rhythm. The value of Personal Branding. Importance of formal education. Balancing left and right brain skills. Creating a cohesive team environment. Fostering a positive and high-performance culture. Fostering deeper connections with linguistic proficiency. Choosing an industry that isn't a rat race, finding the right fit. Influence of mentors, the importance of having a support system. Stepping back and allowing others to take leadership roles, not dominating the room. Being passionate about the company and the work is a key driver of motivation and success.Connect with Enma Popli on Linkedin:
>> https://www.linkedin.com/in/enmapopli/
Visit Enma Popli's website
>> http://www.enmapopli.com/ - Visa fler
