About us

Jaya Mehrotra

Founder, WLC

Jaya Mehrotra is an accomplished executive coach and the founder of Women Leadership Circle (WLC), a dynamic platform that connects women leaders and achievers. With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Jaya has successfully led global strategies and now focuses on guiding CEOs, CXOs, and entrepreneurs to navigate leadership challenges with clarity and confidence. Co-host of the podcast "Circle", Jaya amplifies the voices of women leaders, sharing insights that inspire change. With 2,000+ coaching hours and clients across sectors like technology, banking, and manufacturing, she combines strategic expertise with empathetic leadership to empower transformative growth.

Richa Thakker Desai

Governance Chair, WLC

Richa Thakker Desai’s career in law has been marked by commitment to excellence, strategic thinking, and a meticulous approach to complex legal matters. Her proficiency in navigating corporate landscapes has been instrumental in her success in various legal domains. In 2022, she ventured into the entrepreneurial realm by founding 'Benditaa', a distinctive fashion brand. As a Partner at Benditaa, Richa brings a wealth of legal acumen to the world of fashion and business.

Motivated by her daughter, the brand is dedicated to fostering positive thoughts in children through fashion. This initiative not only showcases Richa's creative vision but also reflects her dedication. Recognized as one of the top ten leaders in fashion startups by CEO Insights, Richa's contributions to the fashion and legal sectors have earned her well-deserved accolades.

Nidhi Karanraj Sahi

Events Chair, WLC

Nidhi found her love & passion for events during her college years where she started an Indian student group called Bharat at her University where she was completing her undergraduation. Bharat successfully raised grants from the University which made it possible for Nidhi to get hands on experience in curating Indian events such as Holi, Diwali for the University students. Coming from a background of jewellery and having worked in her family business with her mother Jewellery Designer, Varuna D. Jani for 2 years, she was constantly nudged into doing something different.

She then started her own company in Fashion Events. Together they formed an intellectual property called IRFW which included a Music Festival and Fashion Week in Goa. Nidhi believes in making fairytales come true which is why event management, specifically weddings is what she pursued. Its safe to say that nudge eventually guided Nidhi into doing what she ardently loves.

Sheetal Kapadia

Membership Chair, WLC

Sheetal is an industry leader with over 24 years of experience in the finance industry. She is currently the Director of Crest Finserv Ltd. and a board member of Crest Ventures Limited. With a strong educational background in finance, including an MBA and CFA, she possesses exceptional technical knowledge and business acumen. Her impact on the finance industry can be seen through her pivotal role in starting a Fixed Income and Currency Derivatives business in the OTC markets in 2002, introducing new products and services to the market, and building strong professional relationships within the industry. Sheetal is also known for her thought leadership and ability to connect with others

Anshu Dhanuka

Learning Chair, WLC

Anshu Dhanuka is the Co-founder and Co-CEO at Kiddopia. Along with her husband, Anupam Dhanuka, she launched Kiddopia in 2017 with a vision to create world-class edutainment apps for preschool kids that are both educational and engaging. Kiddopia has become an award-winning app, and Anshu is responsible for building Kiddopia's content, design, product features, innovations, and marketing strategy. Her first-hand experience of being a mother to a young child and her MA in Finance from Nottingham University Business School have been instrumental in driving her vision.

Rochelle Chhabra

Partnership Chair, WLC

Rochelle, with over 25 years of experience, has been instrumental in setting up the Streax Professional Division at HRI. She began her career as an R&D chemist, innovating brands like Vasmol Kali Mehndi and Streax Hair Colour. She launched a dynamic line of hair colours and care products under the Streax Professional range. In 2005, she shifted her portfolio from R&D to sales and marketing at the Streax Professional Division.

Her passion and dedication helped HRIPL become a 600 crore+ company, contributing over 100 crores, and earning Streax the 'Brand of the Year' in 2019. Rochelle trains technicians, creates education modules, and educates salon partners through workshops, seminars, and master classes. She is passionate about setting up a technical academy to expand HRI's influence in cosmetics and hair care, and supports social causes through the HRI Foundation.

Shilpa Bhagat

Co-Creator & TRIBE Chair, WLC

Shilpa Bhagat, is a distinguished professional with a proven track record of success. She holds a Gold Medal from JU and earned her MBA in Finance from SCMHRD, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence. With an initial background in banking, her career trajectory took a transformative turn when she achieved the prestigious title of Mrs. India World in 2013, highlighting her ability to excel in diverse domains. Complementing her accomplishments, Shilpa has undergone leadership training at Harvard Business School, underscoring her dedication to learning and professional development.

A fervent advocate of purpose-driven leadership, Shilpa Bhagat prioritizes societal impact over mere profit. Her unique perspective and dynamic approach have positioned her as a trailblazer in the industry. Beyond her professional endeavors, Shilpa's commitment to fitness is evident in her initiative, "Fitistan, Ek Fit Bharat," reflecting her dedication to a healthy lifestyle and community well-being.

Gayatri Rangachari Shah

Circle Chair, WLC

A Mumbai based journalist, columnist and author. She is co-author of Changemakers: 20 Women Transforming Bollywood Behind the Scene. Her writing has appeared in numerous national and international publications including The New York Times. She has been a contributing editor at VOGUE and Harper's Bazaar, and is currently a contributing editor at AD. She hosted a podcast, Uncommon Women, written a column for The Hindu, and has contributed essays for books. She works closely with Tina Brown, the celebrated New York based editor who edited Vanity Fair and The New Yorker who curates newsmaking conferences.

She has interviewed leading personalities from around the world. She regularly moderates panels and organizes conferences. Prior to being a journalist, she worked in finance in the US and the UK, as a management consultant, as a policy analyst for the UK government and as an equity analyst for a major global bank. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University.
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Payal Singhal

PR & Marketing Chair

Payal Singhal grew up in an environment steeped in fashion, films and art. She hails from a design family - her grandfather is renowned artist and photographer J.P. Singhal, and her father is designer and entrepreneur Dinesh Singhal of London Fashions. Creative thinking is not just in her DNA, but was also an essential component of her upbringing.

Asma Chimthanawala

Co-Chair Governance, WLC

Asma Chimthanawala is a Partner with H.Chimthanawala & Co., Chartered Accountants. She is a CA by education with a passion for constant learning which defines her as a professional. Her team works in close nexus to businesses and promoters helping them transform their systems and processes towards investor conducive environments, helping them raise capital andraise it right. Believing in synergies, she brings with her a network of investment bankers, councils, industry experts, and auditing firms. Asma's focal strength lies in her ability to work in harmony with multiple experts and drive capital market transactions with Promoters as a constant soundboard to create sustainable business value.
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Shveta Mehra

Co-Chair Partnership, WLC

Shveta Mehra is Vice President of Business Development and Revenue at Procam International Pvt. Ltd. She has more than 20 years of media sales, sponsorship sales and business head experience across companies like TOI, MTV, ESPN Star Sports and Future Group. Based in Mumbai and a mom to two children, Shveta has her own coming back to corporate work environment after a sabbatical story. Having successfully battled breast cancer, Shveta is on a mission to realize her full potential and help other women realize theirs too.

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Bhagyashree V Damera

Founding Member, WLC

A passionate nutritionist with a sharp focus on holistic and sports nutrition, Bhagyashree is a social entrepreneur at heart; where she counsels educational institutions, companies and labs on managing and improving the nutrition, health and well-being of their workforce. Taking her mission - to support initiatives that solve realworld problems and transform lives, a step further, the CoFounder of Damera Ventures, Bhagyashree, recently invested in Khelo More - a digital platform that brings together young athletes and coaches/academies online for an exceptional performance off-line; and Rhapsody - an initiative that takes music to children through an integrated approach within and outside their school curriculum to help them become a better learner across disciplines. Bhagyashree leads with empathy and deeply understands real-world challenges to decode and resolve them effervescently.

Aastha Chhabra

Co-Chair Marketing, WLC

Aastha Chhabra is a dynamic marketing professional and entrepreneur who graduated from Boston University before gaining valuable experience in Los Angeles and New York. She excelled in on-ground marketing operations for a leading healthcare tech company before returning to India to pioneer the digital journey for brands like Vasmol, Streax, and Streax Professional at Hygienic Research Institute (HRIPL) playing an instrumental role in laying the foundation for digital marketing department at HRIPL. Aastha's strategic approach helped amass a collective social media following of over 100k and expand the company’s digital footprint across various platforms.

Recognizing the growing demand for digital solutions, Aastha founded Cove Collective, a dynamic agency tailored to the needs of small and mid-sized businesses seeking to elevate their online presence. Her entrepreneurial drive also led her to join her family office, MAARC Ventures, where she's actively working with consumer brands, scaling marketing and the products division while focusing on developing BPC brands from the ground up.

Nainy Tanna

Executive Member, WLC

With a profound dedication to excellence and a rich tapestry of experience spanning over 20 years, Nainy Tanna stands at the helm of Operations at Rexnord Electronics & Controls Ltd., a prestigious stock-listed organisation. Her leadership is characterized by an unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency and superior quality standar Nainy’s academic journey is adorned with accolades. She earned both her Bachelors and Master’s degree in Commerce from the esteemed Mithibai College. She further distinguished herself by completing her Master’s degree in Marketing and Sales Management from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, where she excelled academically and graduated at the top of her class. Additionally she holds a Diploma in Export Import Management from IITC and has completed various professional development programs in operations management and leadership.

Shivani Jobanputra

Executive Member, WLC

Shivani Jobanputra is a visionary third-genera5on Indo-African entrepreneur at Joban Group, a conglomerate with a rich legacy and diverse interests spanning manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, shipping, technology, and trading across Africa. With a decade of leadership within the group, Shivani has been instrumental in steering the Joban Group's interna5onal expansion and diversifica5on, leveraging her unique upbringing between Africa and the United Kingdom to navigate and bridge diverse business cultures. Under her stewardship, the Joban Group Family Office has made significant strides in venture capital investments, targe5ng strategic opportuni5es in India, East Africa, and the Middle East. Shivani's keen insight into strategic business angles and her innova5ve approach to leveraging technology for solving local challenges in Africa have been pivotal in the group's success. Her commitment to automa5on and innova5on reflects her forward-thinking mindset, aiming to redefine tradi5onal business prac5ces within the conglomerate. Shivani's passion for emerging technologies and their impact on societal progress is evident in her extensive work with e-governance solu5ons, aiming to introduce digital innova5ons across Africa. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish an educa5on technology venture, which has successfully forged partnerships with various Ministries of Educa5on to revolu5onize the educa5on systems. Currently, she is involved in two significant government projects in Edu-tech, poised to impact over a million future leaders by enhancing educa5onal access and quality.

Vibha Jhunjhunwala

Executive Member, WLC

Vibha is a passionate chocolatier and pioneer in bringing artisanal chocolate in India. She transitioned from homemaker to entrepreneur and chef without a culinary school degree. Her journey reflects a deep love for chocolate and a commitment to quality and innovation. Alongside her professional achievements, Vibha is a mother of two grown-up kids, balancing family life with a thriving career. As an avid leadership learner, she continually seek to enhance her skills and inspire others in the industry, combining artistry and leadership to elevate the chocolate experience.

Jasmine Gorimar

Executive Member, WLC

Jasmine is an innovative leader spearheading digital transformation and strategy initiatives with dedication to revolutionizing business units through digital means. Currently serving as the Regional Director/Head for Digital Transformation and Innovation at Nissan Motors, she orchestrates comprehensive strategies to drive organizational growth and agility in the digital landscape.

With a proven track record of orchestrating and executing global transformation programs, Jasmine possesses a wealth of experience in mobilizing resources across financial, technological, and human domains. Her adept management of stakeholders ensures alignment with the company's overarching digital transformation objectives.

Prior roles include spearheading Digital Transformation and Strategy at Mahindra Group, pioneering eCommerce and digital marketing solutions at GSK, and overseeing digital projects and IT operations at Boehringer Ingelheim.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Jasmine is a creative soul who finds joy in painting, sketching, photography, and embarking on adventures. Her multifaceted skills and passion for innovation define her leadership approach, making her a valuable asset in driving organizational growth and agility in the digital age.

Fatima Punjaabi

Executive Member, WLC

Fatima K. Punjaabi is the mindful founder of Mati, a PETA-approved vegan brand established in 2016. Beginning her career as a copywriter at Lowe Lintas, she later earned a Dress Design and Manufacturing diploma from Sophia College. Collaborating with the handloom industry, Fatima's brand has gained recognition in publications like British Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Condenast Traveller, Grazia, Elle, Femina and more. Her designs, worn by celebrities such as Sonam Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Shradhha Kapoor, reflect her vision of creating ethically made, culturally rooted, and modern clothing. The brand's commitment to cruelty-free practices emphasizes meaningful and conscious fashion.

Shalini Sekhri

Executive Member, WLC

Shalini has over 22 years of work experience in Asset Management, Private Wealth Management and Banking, across organisations such as Standard Chartered Bank, ICICI Prudential, Kotak AMC, Cosmos Capital and Infinity Asset Advisors. She has been primarily responsible for Business and Product Strategy, Business Development and Relationship Management for clients and distribution channels. Over the past decade Shalini has served in various CxO & CEO level positions, driving new businesses across domestic and international geographies while leading Pan India teams. Her passions include travel, music and films as well as spending time with family and friends!

Vratika Aggrawal

Executive Member, WLC

Vratika’s journey began in Saharanpur, post which she graduated from NIFT and completed her post-graduation at Pearl Academy of Fashion, Delhi. Right after her education, she worked with fashion labels like Manish Malhotra, Anju Modi, Renu Tandon, etc, and always aspired to launch her own label. She finally did so in 2012 and ran it successfully for six years. While working on the interiors of her new residence, Vratika had her moment of truth when she was smitten by the world of interior design and decided to shift her career and started an interior design & development firm in partnership with her brother. During the pandemic, she joined hands with some of the most coveted & creative brands from across the world and brought them to Indian homeowners with her new retail company, Maison Sia. With a mission to solve the problem of accessibility of fine home accessories and luxury decor.

Anupama Sharma

Founding Member, WLC

An alumnus of the University of Madras, Anupama Sharma, is currently one of the key members of 360 ONE Wealth spearheading their growth strategy and propelling the company's wealth operations, especially in the West.

With over 22 years of experience managing wealth, Anupama has worked at Kotak Mahindra Bank as an Executive Director and Regional Business Manager at Citibank for over a decade, respectively.

If that wasn’t enough, she is also a Chartered Accountant and holds an all-India rank in both her intermediate and finals.

Mansi Zaveri

Executive Member, WLC

A powerhouse of a driving force, Kidsstoppress’ founder knows exactly what she wants. Based out of Mumbai, Mansi, a mom of 2, can be seen constantly looking at things and visualizing how she can make that work for the company. When not working on Kidsstoppress she can be seen contorting her body into the most difficult of yoga poses or cooking healthy in her kitchen!

Meghna Shah

Executive Member, WLC

Meghna Shah is co-founder of Tandem, communications firm to luxury and Lifestyle brands across India. With the who's who of fashion, beauty, design and hospitality on her roster - Meghna is on her feet till the wee hours, working, planning and managing - and always looking like she stepped out of the fashion pages of a magazine.

Noorein Kapoor

Executive Member, WLC

Noorein Kapoor, is a psychology and interior design graduate from Rachana Sansad School of Design in Mumbai, India. Her previous work experience has spanned across well-known names in the industry. Her deep, passionate understanding of her clients needs and meticulous attention to detail, shine through in her commitment to a project. She loves to explore various dimensions of design and artistically creates her masterpieces through endless endeavours to reach high quality expectations and customer satisfaction. She draws inspiration from the latest global techniques, photography, art and travel. Her designs are a sensitive juxtaposition of complex simplicity and serene sophistication. And her passionate team works tirelessly alongside her to create a niche in the industry, through a studio that believes that details define the depth of design.

Radhika Zingade

Executive Member, WLC

A Marketing and Segment specialist, Radhika brings 20+ years of diverse experience in Banking, Wealth Management and Technology, with a penchant for managing high-value customer segments (UHNI / HNI). She brings global experience having worked in Singapore with OCBC Bank and in the UK with TechMahindra (erstwhile Mahindra British Telecom). She currently works with InCred, as the Group Head of Marketing & also heads their Wealth Programme. Prior to InCred she led the ‘Preferred Banking’ programme at HDFC Bank for 6 years. She also bootstrapped Indigo Mustard Art Project - a niche venture to promote art and artists. Radhika thrives when asked to create a new customer proposition or revitalise a brand or manage the strategy for an entire value segment. She is adept at finding order in chaos, leading teams through turbulent times with equanimity, and calling a spade a spade. Rich academic credentials with an MBA from NUS Business School, Singapore and a specialisation in Marketing from HEC Paris, the mecca of luxury goods marketing!

Namrata Arora

Executive Member, WLC

Namrata is the Co-Founder of True North Education Advisory, a global educational advisory firm that works with leading global universities around strategic international initiatives and college counselling. Her firm has team members across all of India, Singapore and the United States. Founded in 2021, her firm has worked with close to a thousand students and some of the best educational institutions in the worldShe has professional experience that spans close to 25 years, working for some of the best names in education. She also currently serves as Senior Global Advisor for the Harvard Business School, where she work with senior administrators around research and training initiatives. Prior to this, she has served as the Director of the University of Chicago India Center, Board Member of the Chicago Policy Review, Director of the Harvard Business School India Research Center, Associate Director of the Harvard South Asia Institute, and a faculty member at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School. Namrata has a BA in Political Science and Economics from Wellesley College, and a Masters in Education from Harvard University. Namrata and her family reside on Pali Hill, Bandra West and have a weekend home in Aamby Valley Lonavala. They have twin daughters (Shreya and Tarini) who are in the 11th grade at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School.

Ameesha Dalmia

Executive Member, WLC

With a degree in Economics and years of experience in the travel industry, she finally found her calling with TAD. Her creativity, sense of style along with a keen eye for detail made her the natural choice to Head the Design Team at TAD. Her leadership has seen TAD use various metals and semi precious Stones to create bold, sophisticated and vibrant masterpieces.

Pooja Gangwal Sheth

Executive Member, WLC

With over 16 years of experience in management consulting, business strategy, merger integrations, people operations, and investment management, Pooja brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the family office. She has held leadership roles in internal business operations and human capital at Booz & Company India, a global management consulting firm, and has also worked with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India in human capital consulting.Pooja has deep experience in optimizing business operations, developing cost-saving strategies, and streamlining work processes. She has successfully led stakeholder management and cross-cultural teams across Asia, ANZ, the Middle East, and the US, particularly in post-merger integrations during acquisitions. She holds an MBA from NMIMS, is a Certified Business Coach and is an applied behavioral science specialist.

Avani Agasti

Executive Member, WLC

Avani Agasti is a philanthropist, businesswoman, and artist she is working towards Women & child development, and is the founder member of ASK Foundation24, she aims to empower and educate many Indians through awareness programmes.
She has been working on various projects since 2019 in fields of Education, Health & Sports she has been recognised by Lokmat times, Maharashtra times, Saamna News, Mumbai Police for her work towards Menstrual Hygiene Programmes, BMC Infrastructure, Health Benefits Plan, Educational Programmes, Sports Development , Youth empowerment and more. Avani’s unwavering determination inspired others and she soon had the support of a growing community of like-minded people.

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Jaya Mehrotra

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Shilpa Bhagat

Sheetal Kapadia

Anshu Dhanuka

Richa Thakker Desai

Nidhi Karanraj Sahi

Shveta Mehra

Aastha Chhabra

Gayatri Rangachari Shah

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Jaya Mehrotra

Richa Thakker Desai

Nidhi Karanraj Sahi

Sheetal Kapadia

Anshu Dhanuka

Rochelle Chhabra

Shilpa Bhagat

Gayatri Rangachari Shah

Payal Singhal

Asma Chimthanawala

Shveta Mehra

Bhagyashree V Damera

Aastha Chhabra

Nainy Tanna

Shivani Jobanputra

Vibha Jhunjhunwala

Jasmine Gorimar

Fatima Punjaabi

Shalini Sekhri

Vratika Aggrawal

Anupama Sharma

Mansi Zaveri

Meghna Shah

Noorein Kapoor

Radhika Zingade

Namrata Arora

Ameesha Dalmia

Pooja Gangwal Sheth

Avani Agasti