EmpowerFest: In a world where diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, the role of women leaders across all sectors—including technology, media, sports, healthcare, education, and beyond—cannot be overstated. These leaders are not just important; they are essential in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the board. Their contributions are crucial not only in shaping the present but also in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all industries.
That is why Tech Observer Magazine, with Deloitte as a Knowledge Partner, is organising EmpowerFest on the theme of “Celebrating Women’s Leadership in Viksit, Gatisheel, Atmanirbhar Bharat.” The summit celebrates these trailblazers by recognising their achievements and inspiring a new generation. The summit aims to recognise and felicitate women leaders who have carved a niche for themselves and set a benchmark for future generations to emulate with the Samarthya Samman.
The summit, all set to take place on May 3 in New Delhi, will feature engaging and informative sessions designed to foster dialogue, share insights, and celebrate achievements, and also spotlight the groundbreaking contributions of women in technology and other fields, fostering an ecosystem that supports and amplifies female leadership and innovation.
Opening Session
The event will start with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. The session will feature several speakers including Mohd Ujaley, editor of Tech Observer Magazine, and Deepti Sagar, Partner and Chief Talent and Experience Officer at Deloitte South Asia. Other speakers such as Dr. Dinesh Tyagi, former MD & CEO of the Common Service Center under the Ministry of IT, and Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman of Startup Odisha, will address the gathering. The keynote speech will be delivered by Justice B.N. Srikrishna, former judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Panel Discussions
The event will include several panel discussions focused on the role of women leaders as CIOs, CISOs, CHROs, and CFOs. The first panel, moderated by Viral Thakker of Deloitte South Asia, will focus on how diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and environmental, social, governance (ESG) principles can promote sustainable growth. Speakers such as Dr. Neena Pahuja of NCVET, Lily Prasad from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and Lt Cdr Payal Gupta, NM (Retd), Indian Navy will participate.
Other panels throughout the day will cover topics including the impact of artificial intelligence on governance, the importance of inclusive work cultures, and the challenges of cybersecurity from a leadership perspective. These discussions will feature a variety of experts from different sectors, including Deepa Kaul, CIO of Sopra Steria India; Dr. Charru Malhotra, Professor at the Indian Institute of Public Administration; and Kirti Kama, Senior Vice President, Technology, Mastercard, among others.
Networking and Samarthya Samman
The afternoon will include the #Samarthya Samman Felicitation, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, with guests such as Justice B.N. Srikrishna, Arvind Kumar, Director General of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and Madhumita Mohapatra, Partner, Deloitte India.
EmpowerFest 2024 aims to provide a platform for dialogue and connection among leaders and professionals interested in the advancement of women in leadership roles within India’s evolving socio-economic landscape.
The summit is supported by Deloitte, Startup Odisha, Department of Culture & Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), GoGlossier by Iram, and the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship Centre of Excellence (AIIDE-COE) of IIT Kanpur.
