On a rainy Tuesday evening, the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall in Panjim was filled with determination and drive as the Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) hostedLeadHERShip 2025.
This inspirational event, held on August 18, 2025, was not just a seminar—it was a powerful platform dedicated to empowering women to rise as leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs in the Goan community and beyond.
Welcoming attendees to the program, Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, described LeadHERShip as more than a leadership initiative—it’s a movement. Applauding the audience for showing up despite the monsoon rains, she highlighted the collective commitment to advancing women’s roles in business, leadership, and society.
The event’s Chief Guest, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, emphasized the importance of women exploring leadership and entrepreneurship as viable, fulfilling career paths—encouraging them to look beyond conventional government roles and envision a future of impact and innovation.
The program featured engaging and practical sessions led by industry professionals and mentors:
“How to Start a Business” – Mr. Tushar Sawant from FiiRE offered practical insights into launching a startup in today’s market.
“Entrepreneurship & Its Benefits” – Delivered by Ms. Pallavi Salgaocar, Mentor of the GCCI Women’s Wing, this session inspired attendees with stories of successful women entrepreneurs and the long-term impact of self-driven ventures.
Mock Interview Session – Led by Ms. Simran Dhond, this interactive session helped participants improve their job-readiness and interview skills.
Mentorship Insights – Ms. Gouri Joshi guided attendees on the value of mentorship, both as mentors and mentees, in personal and professional growth.
The event ran smoothly thanks to the dedication of the Women’s Wing Committee and the GCCI team. It was beautifully compered by Ms. Nandita Dayal, with speaker introductions by Ms. Swatee Rane, Ms. Adbrona Valadares, and Ms. Clare De Souza.
Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson of the Women’s Wing, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, while the entire event was coordinated efficiently by Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.
LeadHERShip 2025 wasn’t just a day of talks—it was a celebration of women’s ambition, resilience, and leadership. It gave attendees the tools, motivation, and community support needed to take their next steps—whether into entrepreneurship, leadership, or mentorship.
As Goa continues to shape a more inclusive and dynamic business ecosystem, events like LeadHERShip play a critical role in bridging the gap between aspiration and action.
The 6th Edition of The Business Diva competition, organized by the Women’s Wing of GCCI (Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry), recently concluded with a grand celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship among women in Goa. The event, aimed at supporting and spotlighting women entrepreneurs, successfully brought together aspiring and established women business owners from all corners of the state.
The Business Diva competition is more than just an event—it’s a platform created with the vision to celebrate and uplift women entrepreneurs, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talent, innovation, and leadership. The event was held in collaboration with FiiRE (Forum for Innovation, Incubation, Research, and Entrepreneurship), a renowned organization committed to empowering entrepreneurs, and received invaluable support from Mr. Tushar Sawant, Enterprise Development Manager at FiiRE.
The competition spanned over three months, starting with the announcement and culminating in an intense day-long finale. The entire process was meticulously organized, and the program saw a whopping 100+ nominations from women entrepreneurs across Goa. This overwhelming response showcased the growing entrepreneurial spirit among women in the state and the need for such platforms.
Categories and Rounds: Startup, Scaleup, and Rural Woman Enterprise
The competition was divided into three key categories:
Startup: For new ventures that have innovative ideas and the potential to scale.
Scaleup: For businesses that have already started and are looking to expand.
Rural Woman Enterprise: Specifically for women entrepreneurs in rural areas who are making a significant impact with their businesses.
After a careful review of the nominations, the first round of selection narrowed down the entries to 30 nominations. These candidates were then invited for the second round, a pitching session where they presented their business models, strategies, and visions. Ultimately, 5 finalists in each category were chosen to proceed to the finale.
The Business Diva platform was created by the Women’s Wing of GCCI with the aim of bringing forward the untold stories of innovation and impact by women entrepreneurs. It also serves as a space to create a supportive community of like-minded women, offering them opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. This platform is not just about competition but also about celebrating the achievements and challenges of women in business, promoting an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish.
The competition was open to all women entrepreneurs across Goa, both aspiring and established, providing them with an opportunity to pitch their ideas, gain valuable feedback, and receive recognition for their entrepreneurial journey.
The finale of the Business Diva competition took place on 27th May 2025 at the GCCI Hall in Panjim. The event was a celebration of entrepreneurship, with each finalist presenting her business and journey to a panel of esteemed judges. The panel of judges included:
Dr. R. Nirmala, Professor at Goa Business School, Goa University
Mr. Yogesh Mittal, CFO at Hughes Precision Ltd, Verna
Mrs. Ekta Agarwal, CEO of SS Technologies, Margao
The day-long program was packed with insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and a deep dive into the businesses and ideas that the women brought forward. The grand award ceremony took place later in the evening and was graced by several dignitaries, including:
Padma Shri Smt. Shashi Soni, the Chief Guest
Mr. Shrinivas Dempo, President of GCCI, as the Guest of Honour
Smt. Pratima Dhond, Vice President of GCCI, also as the Guest of Honour
The winners of the 6th edition of The Business Diva competition were as follows:
Category: Startup
Winner: Yasha Jain – Charmify
Runner Up: Isha Kher – Meraki Enterprises
Category: Scaleup
Winner: Shruti Mascarenhas – Ceracotta
Runner Up: Sunetra Pai Fondekar – Kalanetra
Category: Rural Woman Enterprise
Winner: Dr. Chetna Parab – Soulart Gift Store
Runner Up: Poonam Naik – Super Taste Papad
Each winner and runner-up was awarded a prestigious title that recognized their dedication, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence. The awards were a testament to their hard work and resilience in the competitive world of business.
The event was efficiently hosted by Rahila Khan and Gauri Borkar, both committee members of the Women’s Wing, whose efforts ensured the smooth execution of the program. The Women’s Wing also expressed their gratitude to FiiRE for offering mentoring, funding, and growth opportunities to all the participants, enabling them to enhance their businesses and take them to the next level.
A heartfelt congratulations was extended to all the winners, finalists, and participants for their courage and determination to come forward and showcase their entrepreneurial journeys. The Women’s Wing is proud to have hosted such an impactful event and is committed to continuing its mission to inspire and support women entrepreneurs across Goa.
With the success of the 6th edition of The Business Diva, the Women’s Wing of GCCI is already looking forward to the next edition of the competition in 2025. The event serves as a stepping stone for more women to venture into the world of entrepreneurship without limitations, and it is hoped that the winners will inspire other women to chase their dreams fearlessly.
Maria Murena Miranda, Headmistress of Government High School Morpirla, has spent 36 years dedicating her life to education. Her passion for teaching and commitment to her students has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Award for Teachers.
The National Award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, is a testament to Miranda’s innovative approaches to teaching and her tireless efforts to provide quality education to her students. This recognition has not only honored her but also motivated her to continue striving for excellence.
Miranda’s teaching methods are centered around making learning engaging and interactive. Some of her notable initiatives include:
Project-Based Learning: Encouraging students to explore real-world problems and develop practical solutions.
Experiential Learning: Fostering hands-on experiences that help students learn by doing.
3D Printing: Introducing students to cutting-edge technology that enhances their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Miranda’s efforts have had a profound impact on her students and the community. Some notable achievements include:
100% SSC Results: Her school has achieved 100% SSC results ten times, a remarkable feat for a tribal government school.
National-Level Competitions: Her students have excelled in national-level competitions, showcasing their talents and skills.
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025: One of her students was selected for Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, a prestigious program that recognizes outstanding students.
Miranda’s National Award has positioned her as a leader and mentor in education. She is now selected as a mentor to train teachers, sharing her expertise and experience with others. Her leadership and mentorship have inspired a new generation of educators.
Miranda’s approach to education is centered around understanding each child’s unique needs and abilities. She believes in being a supportive and caring teacher who can mold any student. Her legacy is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and passion in education.
Maria Murena Miranda’s story is an inspiration to educators and students alike. Her commitment to education and her students has made a lasting impact on her community. As a leader and mentor, she continues to shape the future of education, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Happy Birthday, Maria Murena Miranda!
On this special day, we celebrate your life, dedication, and passion for education. Your tireless efforts to provide quality education to your students, especially those from tribal backgrounds, have made a profound impact.
May your birthday be filled with joy, love, and appreciation from your students, colleagues, and community. May your legacy continue to inspire and empower future generations.
Here’s to another year of making a difference in the lives of your students and beyond!
