CASMB & Amway India celebrate Women Entrepreneurs at 'She Shines' Conclave

The Chamber for Advancement of Small & Medium Businesses (CASMB) with Amway India successfully organized "She Shines: From Aspiration to Inspiration – Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment", a conclave dedicated to celebrating and strengthening women-led enterprises, at Hotel Center Point, Nagpur. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, entrepreneurs, and professionals to deliberate on creating an inclusive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.

The conclave commenced with lamp lighting and welcome address by Dr Prakash Kondekar, Advisor CASMB, and launch of the latest edition of Purnabrahma Magazine. The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Shefali Kumar and graced by distinguished dignitaries including Mr. Ashish Vaidya, Regional Corporate Affairs Manager (West & East), Amway India; Dr. Vartika Patil, Director, Dr. Patil's Lab and Diagnostic; and Chief Guest Mr. (Retd.) Abhay Deshpande, Former Joint Commissioner (Food), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nagpur Division. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Umesh Kamble, Hon. Secretary, CASMB.

Addressing the gathering, the speakers emphasized that empowering women entrepreneurs is not merely a social responsibility but an economic necessity. They highlighted the importance of innovation, skill development, financial inclusion, market access, and mentorship in enabling women to become successful business leaders and contributors to India's economic growth.

The first panel discussion on "Shaping the Ecosystem to Promote Women Entrepreneurship" focused on futuristic policy frameworks, institutional support, incubation, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration required for nurturing women-led enterprises. The session was moderated by Ms. Renuka Mainde, with eminent panellists Mr. Rohan Shah, Assistant Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nagpur Division, Dr. Janvi Rathi, Dean Academics, Euro American Institute, Malta, Ms. Pragati Gokhale, Founder, MarketMirchi.com and Chief Coordinator, Mission MarketMirchi, IIT Bombay Rural Technology Action Group under the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Dr. Sneha Karadbhajane, Head, Department of Food Technology, LIT University, Nagpur, Ms. Snehal Shinde, Founder, CTPL and Anyloid Consulting Services, Motivational Speaker and Personality Development Coach, Dr. Prakash R. Itankar, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Director, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages, RTM Nagpur Universitysharing valuable insights on strengthening entrepreneurial opportunities for women.

The second panel discussion titled "Wonder Women: The Game Changer" showcased inspiring journeys of successful women entrepreneurs who shared their experiences of overcoming challenges, building sustainable businesses, and leading with innovation and resilience. The session was moderated by Dr. Kavita Bakshi, Faculty of Dietetics, WTERI, Nagpur with eminent panellists Dr. Pankhuri Multani, Owner, Fitmom Wellness, Ms. Shila Mondal, Amway Business Owner, Ms. Jyoti Tagade, Founder, SRG Print Pack Solution, Ms. Kalyani Hingnekar, Director, Raghav Jewels, Ms. Rita Bansode, Director, VR Nutrition, Ms. Leena Dixit, Director, Nativ Chef.

The conclave witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 120 women, including entrepreneurs, MSME owners, startup founders, professionals, academicians, students, and representatives from industry and government. The program concluded with closing remarks by CASMB followed by a networking lunch.