Expressnews
Chennai, India – The prestigious Visionary Women Awards was successfully conducted in association with DG Vaishnav College MBA Department, honoring 100 exceptional women entrepreneurs from across India, alongside a select group of international awardees. The event was a grand celebration of women’s entrepreneurial excellence, recognizing achievers from diverse industries, ranging from startups to established business leaders.
The event was inaugurated by Dr Abdul ManaffChairman WEDO , VWC & She Finance , Ms . Kadambari Umapathy Founder CEO , WEDO , Prof Prabhat Ranjan , Vice Chancellor ( D Y PatilInternational University ) , Dr. Ashok Kumar Mundhra, Secretary – DDGDVC , Dr P. Uma Maheswari, CEO – TN _ Rise Women Startup Council , Dr S Santhosh Baboo, Principal – DDGDVC, Dr Amaleshwari Umapathy,Director – School Of Management , D G VaishnavCollege , Mr Sunil Sethia ,Executive Director Of BNI Chennai , setting the stage for an inspiring evening of recognition, networking, and empowerment. Distinguished dignitaries, including key representatives from government bodies, investment firms, and industry enablers, graced the occasion and were honored for their contributions to fostering women-led businesses.SMT A S Kumari ,Chairperson ,TN State Commission, Dr P Uma Maheswari , CEO – TN _ Rise Women Startup Council Sivarajah Ramanathan , Mission Director @ Leading StartupUp Growth & Entrepreneurship , were among the notable personalities awarded.
SHE Finance Initiative & Funding MOU
A landmark moment of the event was the announcement of a Funding MOU under the SHE Finance initiative by WEDO, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs with financial backing and strategic mentorship. This initiative will provide crucial support for women-led ventures, ensuring sustained business growth and economic participation.
Recognizing Women from All Business Stages & Enabling Growth
The Visionary Women Awards acknowledged entrepreneurs at every level—from early-stage startups to senior business leaders, highlighting their resilience, innovation, and impact. In addition, several women-led brands were officially launched during the event, further showcasing the power of collaboration and entrepreneurship among women. Various business enablers who have played a vital role in supporting women entrepreneurs were also recognized.
Launch of a Global Networking Portal for Women Entrepreneurs
A common website connecting women entrepreneurs across countries was launched, with India being the first to initiate the platform. This business portal aims to facilitate seamless connections, business sharing, and referral exchanges among women entrepreneurs. The platform is designed as a guided ecosystem that accelerates business growth by aggregating resources for knowledge, funding, and networking—all in one place. By providing access to a global network of women entrepreneurs, this portal ensures increased connectivity, fostering success and expansion for women-led businesses worldwide.
This year’s Visionary Women Awards stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of women entrepreneurs, fostering a dynamic and inclusive business ecosystem. As WEDO continues its mission to accelerate women-led businesses, this event marks another milestone in empowering women with the resources and recognition they deserve.
