INKWomen Speaker Section showcases powerful voices of female leaders, innovators, and change-makers. From diverse backgrounds and fields, they inspire, educate, and catalyze action, fostering a more inclusive and equitable world through their insights and stories.
INK Fellow Neha Bagaria is the Founder & CEO of HerKey, a platform dedicated to helping women re-skill and re-enter the workforce after taking career breaks for reasons such as marriage, motherhood, or elderly care. Inspired by her own journey of stepping away from her career to focus on her family, Neha recognized the challenges faced by educated women seeking to return to work. This personal experience led her to launch HerKey on International Women’s Day in 2015, with the goal of reversing the female brain drain in India.
HerKey provides women with access to resources, training, and opportunities to restart their careers, while also helping companies recruit experienced female talent. Neha’s vision is not only about supporting women in their return to the workforce but also about empowering them to rediscover their identity and make meaningful contributions to society.
Through her leadership, Neha has created a vibrant community of women who are confidently navigating the transition back to work, proving that it is possible to balance personal fulfillment with professional growth.
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Rohini Nilekani is a prominent Indian philanthropist and social activist known for her impactful contributions in various fields. As the founder and chairperson of Arghyam, a foundation dedicated to sustainable water management in India, she has spearheaded initiatives to address the country’s water crisis. Nilekani’s commitment to social causes extends to education, where she founded Pratham Books, a charitable trust aimed at providing children with access to literature.
Through the Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, she supports a wide range of initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and social development. Nilekani’s philanthropic efforts have earned her recognition both nationally and internationally, and she continues to be a driving force for positive change in India.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Nilekani is an accomplished author, with publications that delve into social issues and Indian mythology. Her writings serve as a platform to raise awareness and spark dialogue on important issues facing society.
Nilekani’s dedication to improving the lives of others is evident in her multifaceted approach to philanthropy, which encompasses not only financial support but also active involvement in various projects and initiatives. She remains a steadfast advocate for social justice and equality, inspiring others to join her in making a difference.
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Alayna Van Dervort, the visionary founder of The Big Wild, is at the forefront of merging technology and environmental stewardship to drive sustainability within global climate initiatives. Armed with a Harvard education and a background as a Marine Mammal Medic, Alayna brings a unique blend of expertise to her role as an Amazon AWS professional, where she pioneers collaborative technological solutions aimed at addressing critical issues in climate, environment, and society.
With a deep commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Alayna empowers individuals and organizations on the front lines of environmental advocacy and Indigenous community support. Through her innovative approach, she facilitates access to cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, and GIS tools, enabling stakeholders to tackle global challenges effectively.
Alayna’s transformative work extends beyond mere advocacy; she actively propels the missions of organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. Her holistic approach underscores her dedication to fostering meaningful change and driving progress towards a more sustainable future.
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