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Session
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Speakers / Guests
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Session 1 - Women Rising: Charting the Future of Global Leadership
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Chair: Ratna Prabha, President, UBUNTU
Email: ubuntuconsortia@gmail.com
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K. Ratna Prabha is a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. She retired as the Chief Secretary of Karnataka and later founded the UBUNTU Consortium, a global platform uniting women entrepreneurs’ association to foster collaboration and growth.
During her tenure as Additional Secretary in the Women & Child Department, she played a key role in drafting the action plan for the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" initiative. She also pioneered the concept of One-Stop Crisis Centres and revitalized the UJWALA Scheme to combat human trafficking.
Under her leadership, UBUNTU has forged strategic partnerships, such as with the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Association and Tide, to support thousands of women entrepreneurs in India. Additionally, she created the SHEFORHER platform to motivate and guide aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Her contributions have earned her several accolades, including the Karnataka Government Award for Devadasi Rehabilitation and the Manager of the Year award from the Rotary Club of Visakhapatnam. Fluent in multiple languages, she holds master's degrees in English, Sociology, and Public Administration. Her dedication to public service and economic empowerment continues to inspire women across India and beyond.
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Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir
Email: vcoffice@kashmiruniversity.ac.in
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Prof. Nilofer Khan is a distinguished academician and administrator, currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, one of India’s premier institutions of higher education. With a career spanning over three decades in academia, she is the first woman to hold this prestigious position, breaking barriers and setting an inspiring example for women in leadership roles.
Prof. Khan holds a PhD in Botany and has extensive expertise in the fields of plant physiology, environmental science, and biodiversity conservation. Her academic journey is marked by numerous research publications, contributions to scientific journals, and mentorship of students and researchers. She has played a pivotal role in advancing the University of Kashmir’s academic and research endeavors, fostering innovation and excellence.
As Vice Chancellor, Prof. Khan has been instrumental in driving initiatives to modernize the university’s infrastructure, enhance the quality of education, and promote interdisciplinary research. She has also prioritized student welfare, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for learning. Under her leadership, the university has strengthened its collaborations with national and international institutions, opening new avenues for academic exchange and global exposure.
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Parul Soni, Founder & Secretary General, Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI)
Email: parul.soni@abwci.org
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Parul Soni is a globally recognized leader in Impact Consulting, Entrepreneurship, International Cooperation, and Human Development. As the Founder and Global Managing Partner of Thinkthrough Consulting, a global consulting firm with offices in six countries, Parul has a wealth of experience working with Fortune 500 companies across 55 countries. His expertise includes cross-sectoral partnerships, institutional networks, women entrepreneurship, ed-tech, digital health and e-commerce businesses.
Parul’s passion for making a difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs led him to establish the world's largest global chamber, the Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI). This community of prominent women entrepreneurs, organizations, educational institutions, and companies investing in women, is a testament to his bold vision and dedication to empowering women in business.
Parul's reputation as a visionary with eloquent speaking skills, precedes him. Parul’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond his professional work. He is a Founding Board Member of Save the Children-Bal Raksha, Trustee and Board Member of SafeLIFE Foundation, Trustee and Board Member of Standing Tall-Handicap International, and Trustee of Ideas to Impact Foundation, a not-for-profit sister concern of Thinkthrough Consulting.
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Sara Abdullah, Founder, Centre for Equity and Inclusion (CEQUIN)
Email: saracequin@yahoo.com
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Sara Abdullah Pilot is an Indian social activist dedicated to gender equality, social empowerment, and education. Born into a prominent political family, she is the daughter of Farooq Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and the sister of Omar Abdullah. She pursued higher education in London, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and a Master’s in International Affairs.
Professionally, Sara has been deeply engaged in social initiatives. She interned with the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), focusing on gender issues. In 2009, she co-founded the Centre for Equity and Inclusion (CEQUIN) with Lora Prabhu, an organization dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, particularly women and girls. She has championed sports as a tool for social change, promoting football among adolescent girls to challenge gender norms.
In addition to social work, Sara founded MakookyWorld, an interactive children's app producing original Arabic-language content. Her diverse efforts in gender equity, education, and cultural preservation continue to leave a lasting impact on society.
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Supriya Badve, CEO, Belrise Pvt Ltd
Email: supriyabadve@belriseindustries.com
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Supriya Badve is the Executive Director of Belrise Industries, a leading automotive components manufacturer known for its innovation and excellence. With a strong leadership vision, she has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth, fostering technological advancements, and expanding its global footprint.
With extensive experience in the automotive sector, Supriya Badve has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge manufacturing practices and sustainability initiatives. Under her leadership, Belrise Industries has strengthened its position as a key player in the industry, catering to top automobile manufacturers worldwide.
Beyond her corporate achievements, she is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and skill development in the manufacturing sector. She actively promotes initiatives that encourage young professionals, especially women, to take up leadership roles in the industry.
Supriya Badve’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth continues to shape the future of the automotive sector, making her a trailblazer in the industry.
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Shalini S Sharma, Assistant Secretary General, PHDCCI
Email: shalini.sharma@phdcci.in
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Shalini S Sharma is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in policy advocacy, strategic planning, and industry engagement. Currently serving as Assistant Secretary General at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), she plays a pivotal role in driving policy dialogue, enhancing industry collaboration, and promoting economic growth across diverse sectors.
Shalini specializes in organizing high-impact conferences, seminars, and forums that foster dialogue between industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. With a keen focus on business facilitation, she actively contributes to policy recommendations that address critical issues facing the Indian economy, including MSME growth, trade facilitation, skill development, and infrastructure advancement.
Her strategic leadership at PHDCCI is instrumental in forging partnerships with governmental bodies, international organizations, and industry associations to advocate for robust, business-friendly policies. She is known for her ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and create collaborative platforms that drive positive change.
Driven by a passion for inclusive growth, Shalini continues to work towards creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes to thrive in a rapidly evolving economic environment. Her commitment to excellence and her strategic vision make her a valuable asset to the PHDCCI leadership team.
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Session 2 – Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Women Leading the Way in STEM
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Chair: Prof Shakil Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology
Email: vc@iust.ac.in
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Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, born on April 13, 1964, is the Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) in Kashmir. He possesses a multidisciplinary academic and research background, having earned a Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Tokyo, Japan, and an M.S. in Remote Sensing and GIS from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand.
With over three decades of research and academic experience, Prof. Romshoo has served in various esteemed positions, including Scientist at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Fellow at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi.
Throughout his career, he has contributed significantly to academia, authoring more than 165 publications. His expertise has led to his involvement in numerous policy-making committees and working groups related to environment, water, climate change, and disaster management at state, national, and international levels. His contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the National Geoscience Award (2013) conferred by the President of India, the ISG President’s Appreciation Medal (2015) for promoting geomatics in India, and the Satish Dhawan Award (2019).
Prof. Romshoo's dedication to research, education, and policy development continues to make a significant impact on environmental science and technology in the region and beyond.
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Dr Suphla Gupta, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Jammu
Email: sgupta@iiim.res.in
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Dr. Suphla Gupta is a Senior Principal Scientist at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu, India, specializing in plant molecular biology, DNA fingerprinting, tissue culture, and plant proteomics. Her research primarily focuses on secondary metabolite biosynthesis in medicinal plants, contributing to the development of conservation strategies and biotechnological applications.
At IIIM, Dr. Gupta leads studies on Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), investigating glycyrrhizin, an anticancer terpenoid, and its biosynthesis and stress responses. She also explores the role of endophytes in plant metabolism and studies stress-related genes in Rhodiola imbricata, a high-altitude medicinal plant. Her work extends to the genetic characterization of ginger germplasm and DNA barcoding of medicinal plants from Leh and Ladakh, aiding in biodiversity conservation.
As a nodal scientist for the CSIR Aroma Mission, Dr. Gupta has completed 11 research projects and is currently engaged in three major studies. She has authored over 80 peer-reviewed papers, delivered 21 invited lectures, and participated in more than 60 national and international conferences.
Her pioneering contributions in plant biotechnology and medicinal plant research continue to shape scientific advancements, ensuring the preservation and sustainable utilization of India’s rich plant diversity.
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Anuradha Abrol, Chief Program Officer, SOS Children's Villages of India
Email: Anuradha.Abrol@soscvindia.org
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Anuradha Abrol is a dedicated professional in the fields of child welfare, program management, and human resources. She currently serves as the Chief Program Officer at SOS Children's Villages of India, where she leads initiatives to provide family-like care for children without parental support and strengthen vulnerable families. Her work ensures children's holistic development, focusing on education, healthcare, and emotional well-being.
Previously, Anuradha held the position of Deputy National Director – HR at SOS Children's Villages of India, where she played a pivotal role in talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering an inclusive organizational culture. Her expertise in HR strategy has helped align the organization's mission with impactful, people-centric policies.
With extensive experience in social development, Anuradha has been instrumental in designing and implementing programs that create nurturing environments for children. She believes in empowering young minds to become self-reliant and responsible members of society.
Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring that child welfare remains at the core of every initiative. Through her relentless efforts, Anuradha continues to transform lives, making a profound difference in the lives of countless children and families across India.
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Manisha Ahlawat, Politician, Social activist, and Entrepreneur
Email: Ahlawat.manisha@gmail.com
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Manisha Ahlawat is a politician, social activist, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in business management and health entrepreneurship. She founded and managed a women’s health and fitness venture for a decade before dedicating herself full-time to the social sector. Passionate about women's rights and sustainable living, she has been a strong advocate for gender equality and empowerment.
In 2022, Manisha contested the Vidhan Sabha elections as a candidate of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Her commitment to women's issues was soon recognized, leading to her appointment as the National President of the RLD Women’s Wing. In 2024, she was further entrusted with the role of a member of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission, where she continues to work on policies and initiatives that promote justice and equal opportunities for women.
An influential speaker, Manisha regularly addresses women's forums and has been a TEDx speaker, inspiring change through her insights and experiences. She is also an active partner in Kunzum Books, a platform promoting literature and intellectual discourse. Currently, she is working on her book, which narrates the struggles of women facing injustice and her efforts in ensuring they receive their legal rights.
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Runki Goswami, Global Marketing Head—Newgen Software
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Runki Goswami is the Global Marketing Head of Newgen Software, a leading provider of unified digital transformation platform with native process automation, content services, and communication management capabilities. Powered with an incisive mind coupled with rich business acumen, she handles the Global Marketing portfolio of Newgen. Being a marketer in the IT B2B space for long illustrious 22 years, she has virtually touched all the tenets of marketing. She leads all marketing functions across the global business, including corporate marketing, vertical and horizontal marketing, and corporate communications.
Runki has the proven ability to take on fast-paced, highly dynamic market environments, with a focus on thought to execution leadership, delivering results and creating high performing teams.
Her career trajectory speaks of a rich experience with global IT giants including Microsoft, IBM, Accenture, Wipro, Xebia and Coforge. Prior to joining Newgen, she was the Chief Marketing Officer in Xebia and Head of Global Marketing/CMO in Coforge. She also had a stint at Wipro where she handled the portfolio of Global Head—Marketing, Customer Acquisition and Branding. She started her career from Microsoft and then joined IBM.
Runki has a staunch belief that marketing for IT Products allows her to hop in-and- out of the thin line between B2B and B2C. She has a Master’s in Mass Communications and Journalism and an Executive Management from ISB, Hyderabad.
Besides making waves in the corporate arena, Runki is also a renowned Indian classical singer and composer, who can sing in 17 different languages.
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Session 3 - Revolutionizing Change: Women at the Helm of Sustainability and Social Impact
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Chair: Meera Khanna, Founder, Guild of Service
Email: khanna.meera.1@gmail.com
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Meera Khanna is a distinguished writer, poet, and social activist committed to women's empowerment and social justice in India. She serves as the Trustee and Executive Vice President of the Guild of Service, a leading NGO dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities, particularly women and children affected by conflict and displacement.
With a background in English Literature from Delhi University, Meera has spent over two decades advocating for gender equity and capacity building. Her work extends to conflict-affected regions like Kashmir, where she has established shelter homes, counseling centers, and educational programs for women and children impacted by violence. She co-founded the Women’s Initiative for Peace in South Asia and leads "The Last Woman First," a global alliance focused on empowering underprivileged women. She also serves on the Global Steering Committee working on a treaty to combat violence against women.
An accomplished author, Meera has penned "If There Be a Paradise" and "In a State of Violent Peace," exploring the human cost of conflict. Her contributions to literature and activism have earned her accolades, including the Women Achievers Award. Through her relentless efforts, she continues to shape policies and initiatives for gender justice and peacebuilding.
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Safina Baig, eminent Politician
Email: muzaffarhbaig@gmail.com
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Safina Baig is a prominent political figure from Jammu and Kashmir, known for her dedication to public service and women's empowerment. She holds a law degree from Aligarh Muslim University and began her career as a practicing lawyer in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, representing key government departments during the PDP-Congress coalition government.
In April 2018, Safina was appointed as the President of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Women's Wing, reflecting her commitment to grassroots political engagement. Demonstrating her political acumen, she contested the District Development Council (DDC) elections in November 2020 as an independent candidate and was subsequently elected Chairperson of the Baramulla DDC in February 2021.
In September 2021, Safina joined the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC) and was appointed President of its Women's Wing, furthering her advocacy for greater women's participation in politics. Her leadership roles underscore her dedication to addressing women's issues and fostering inclusive governance in the region.
Through her various roles, Safina Baig continues to influence the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for development, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
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Gita Shroff, Founder, A.Ni.S
Email: gloveindia@gmail.com
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Gita Shroff is a distinguished social activist in southern Gujarat, India, known for her unwavering dedication to societal betterment and women’s rights. Her journey began after completing her graduation and the first year of LL.B. at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, two decades into her marriage. Since 1990, she has been a relentless volunteer, social initiator, and whistleblower, driving impactful change for over three decades.
As the founding member and President of A.Ni.S. (Apmrutyu Nivaran Sahay) foundation, she has led extensive social outreach initiatives. She also served as a Judge Panel Member of the Surat Consumer Court for a decade and held advisory roles at Children University Gandhinagar, the Lajpore Jail Committee, and Vanita Vishram. Additionally, she has been actively involved in Sarvajanik Society, SVNIT, the Income Tax Office, and the District Court Surat’s Women Cell.
Her contributions extend to the State Supervisory Board of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy under the Gujarat government. In 2021, she launched the ‘Beti Santulan Yatra’ to combat gender imbalance at birth nationwide. Recognizing her expertise, the Gujarat government has now appointed her as a Member of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Committee.
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Prof Parvez Ahmad Mir, IUST
Email: parvez.mir@islamicuniversity.edu.in; Parvez.mir@iust.ac.in
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Prof Parvez Ahmad Mir is currently working as Dean, School of Business Studies, Head Department of Management Studies, CEO of Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED IUST Foundation) in Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST)-Jammu & Kashmir-India, which is a section 8 Company. He was also associated with TEQIP-III (Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme) project sponsored by World Bank and Ministry of Education, Government of India and has authored many research papers in the field of Agri-business, Human Resource Development (HRD), and Entrepreneurship Development.
Dr Mir has participated in many international and national seminars and is a business consultant to many local industries in Jammu & Kashmir; Moreover, mentor to more than 150 start-ups and funded 45 start-ups, so far in J&K. Dr Mir was awarded young Global Researcher Award by AGBA-US in 2019 and is also chairman of AGBA-Kashmir Chapter.
He has passion for developing innovation and entrepreneurship culture among the students and has designed institutional value system based on “DISHI” means ‘path with peace and struggle’ and stands for Diversity, Integrity, Sustainability, Humanity and Inclusiveness for his organization.
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Pratibha Singh, Secretary, Akanksha Samiti
Email: Pratibha06031970@gmail.com
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Pratibha Singh is a seasoned social entrepreneur and former government officer with over 24 years of experience in public service. Currently serving as Secretary, Aakansha (November 2024 – Present), she is dedicated to empowering marginalized women and children through grassroots initiatives, leveraging her extensive administrative expertise to drive sustainable change.
In 2022, Pratibha founded Herit Indica, a B2B educational consulting firm focused on creating employment opportunities for underprivileged women and students. Through Herit Indica, she has trained over 650 educators, enhancing leadership, subject-matter expertise, and vendor management skills. She also leads training programs in natural farming, packaging, and marketing for rural women’s groups.
During her tenure as Deputy Commissioner, MGNREGA, 2013–2022), Pratibha played a key role in implementing innovative monitoring systems (MIS-DBT) to enhance transparency, curb corruption, and ensure timely wage payments. As Deputy Director, Social Audit, she ensured accountability in fund utilization through rigorous training and record verification.
From 2008 to 2013, she served as Assistant Commissioner, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna & Other Projects, where she worked to expand healthcare coverage for low-income families and streamline enrollment and claims processes. Earlier, as Assistant Project Director (1998–2007), she collaborated with UNICEF to implement welfare programs for women and children and executed key rural development initiatives under Uttar Pradesh government's schemes
With a deep-rooted commitment to social impact, Pratibha continues to work towards systemic reforms, economic inclusion, and community-driven development.
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Dr Vanitha Datla, Vice Chairperson, Elico Group
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As the current Vice-Chairperson and Managing Director of Elico Ld., Vanitha has been driving Operations, Sales, Finance and Human Resources to strengthen the company’s presence across the globe. She comes with a rich and diverse experience spanning multi industries from the manufacturing and services domain over the last 28 years, with stints in sectors such as Cement, Security Printing and Financial Services.
A proponent for continual learning, she is currently pursuing a doctoral-level program at the Indian School of Business, researching the role of women in family businesses, in addition to holding a Chartered Financial Analyst Charter (CFA)and a Degree in Business Management (PGDBA) from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India and the ICFAI Business School respectively.
She has been actively contributing to various industry forums on policy advocacy, especially on economic eco-systems for the SME sector as well as initiatives related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and has held numerous leadership positions in professional organizations. A True Multi-tasker, Vanitha has won numerous awards & recognitions for her capabilities and contributions.
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Archana Aggarwal, Founder, Gems and Jewels
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Archana Aggarwal is a celebrated entrepreneur and jewelry designer, best known as the Founder of Gems and Jewels, a distinguished brand renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs. With a passion for creativity and a keen eye for detail, Archana has established her brand as a trusted name in the luxury jewelry market.
Under her visionary leadership, Gems and Jewels has flourished, offering a wide array of meticulously crafted pieces that blend traditional artistry with contemporary aesthetics. Her commitment to quality and originality has attracted a loyal clientele, making her brand synonymous with elegance and sophistication.
Archana’s dedication extends beyond design; she actively mentors emerging designers and promotes sustainable practices within the jewelry industry. As a strong advocate for women's empowerment, she strives to create opportunities for women artisans and entrepreneurs.
Her journey reflects a perfect blend of creativity, resilience, and strategic acumen, positioning her as a trailblazer in the world of fine jewelry.
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