Kashipur, 10th March 2025: IIM Kashipur proudly hosted Advika 2025, its Annual Women’s Day Conclave, bringing together thought leaders and industry pioneers for an insightful discussion on gender inclusivity and leadership. With the theme “From Bias to Breakthroughs: Empower, Elevate, Excel,” the event served as a platform to address systemic biases, share experiences, and inspire the next generation of women leaders.

The conclave featured an esteemed panel of speakers—Ms. Ananda Shalini, Chief Financial Officer, CavinKare; Ms. Mitali Nikore, Chief Economist, Nikore Associates; Ms. Monika Garg, Global HR Operations Support, Fresenius Medical Care; and Ms. Preeti Ahuja, People and Cultural Leader, Atlas Copco Group. These accomplished professionals shared their insights on overcoming workplace challenges and fostering an inclusive corporate environment.

Ms. Monika Garg set the tone with a powerful call to action—“Show up. Speak up. Step up.” She emphasized that workplaces must evolve beyond outdated biases through top-down and ground-up policy reforms. With conviction, she urged women to negotiate, demand, and take accountability for their professional growth. “You are the author of your own journey,” she stated, encouraging attendees to rewrite their own narratives, ask for help when needed, and take calculated risks.

Ms. Preeti Ahuja highlighted the importance of inclusive corporate policies that ensure travel safety, flexible work environments, and leadership opportunities for women. She stressed that diversity and inclusion (DEI) is not just an HR initiative but a collective responsibility. She also emphasized the need for male allies in supporting women’s professional growth and shifting leadership mindsets to foster lasting change. “When we trust our people and respect their opinions, we build an organization where everyone thrives,” she remarked.

Ms. Ananda Shalini shared her personal journey of navigating a corporate world traditionally designed for men. She discussed overcoming credibility challenges in investment circles, mastering smart negotiation techniques, and leveraging data-driven decision-making to build a strong leadership presence. “We are not here just to prove ourselves; we are here to create impact. Build trust, be firm, and let recognition follow naturally,” she advised.

As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that leadership is not just about breaking barriers—it’s about building bridges. The panelists encouraged the audience to take ownership of their aspirations, embrace continuous learning, and fearlessly step into leadership roles.

The conclave concluded with a reaffirmation of IIM Kashipur’s commitment to gender diversity and leadership empowerment. The insights shared at Advika 2025 will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of women leaders to elevate, excel, and redefine success on their own terms.