Tag: Sandra Fernandes

Business

GCCI Women’s Wing Hosts TechShe Digital Transformation Training in Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

The Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in association with the Ubuntu Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs Association, organised the TechShe Program – “Basic and Advanced Digital Transformation Training” on February 17, 2026, at the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall.

Chairperson Sandra Fernandes welcomed the participants, while GCCI President Pratima Dhond addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of equipping women entrepreneurs with digital skills to remain competitive in an evolving business landscape.

The programme was graced by Chief Guest Ranjita Pai, Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Women, and Guest of Honour K. Ratna Prabha, IAS (Retd.), Founder President of the Ubuntu Consortium. Jyoti Balakrishna, Founder and Honorary Secretary of the Ubuntu Consortium, was also present.

The training session was conducted by Resource Person Deepali Gotadke, who shared practical insights on building a strong digital presence, effectively using social media platforms and adopting digital payment systems to support business growth. The session was interactive and well received by participants.

Gouri R. Joshi, Vice Chairperson, introduced the Guest of Honour, while Clare D’Souza introduced the Chief Guest. The programme was compered by Adv. Adbrona Vaz e Valadares. Women’s Wing members Pallavi Salgaocar, Deepali Naik and Simran Dhond were also present. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Co-Chairperson Adv. Poonam Ajgaonkar.

The programme was generously sponsored by Dr. Celso Fernandes of Nave Marg Financial Services, who also addressed the gathering on financial discipline and the importance of long-term savings. Certificates were distributed to participants at the conclusion of the event. The programme was coordinated by Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.

Events in Goa

GCCI Women’s Wing Hosts ‘Diwali Dil Se’ Festive Bazaar at Mall de Goa

allycaralgoa

Porvorim, October 14, 2025 — The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Women’s Wing, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, has brought festive cheer to Goa with the “Diwali Dil Se” Festive Bazaar, inaugurated at Mall de Goa, Porvorim. The vibrant three-day event, running from October 14 to 16, 2025, showcases the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Goan women.

The festive bazaar was inaugurated by Ms. Deepali Naik, Project Director, District Rural Development Agency (South), who lauded the initiative as a meaningful platform for women to display and sell their handmade and locally crafted products.

Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, warmly welcomed the stall owners and participants, expressing gratitude to Ms. Lavanya Shet, GCCI WW Committee Member, for leading the initiative to provide free stalls for women entrepreneurs.

“This event is more than a marketplace — it’s a celebration of creativity, empowerment, and community,” said Ms. Fernandes. “We are proud to offer women a platform to grow their businesses and connect directly with customers during the festive season.”

Rtn Jeet Tolani, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera, commended the collaboration and applauded the commitment of the GCCI Women’s Wing in fostering inclusive growth.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Deepali Naik, encouraged the entrepreneurs to continue innovating and expanding their ventures, wishing them success and resilience.

The event also saw active participation from Co-Chairperson Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, who proposed the Vote of Thanks, and Ms. Gouri Joshi, who compered the programme with warmth and enthusiasm.

Committee members present included Ms. Simran Dhond, Ms. Swatee Rane, Ms. Adbrona Valadares, Ms. Clare Marchon, and Ms. Melane Rodrigues, along with Rtn Rosevelt Valadares.

“Diwali Dil Se” continues through the weekend, offering visitors a delightful festive shopping experience featuring home décor, traditional crafts, jewelry, sweets, and artisanal Diwali gifts — all crafted by Goan women entrepreneurs.

As the lights of Diwali illuminate Goa, this bazaar stands as a shining example of women-led enterprise and community collaboration — truly, Diwali Dil Se.

Social

GCCI Women’s Wing and DRDA South Host ‘Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila’ Program Focused on Mental Wellness

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant stride toward holistic women’s empowerment, the GCCI Women’s Wing, in association with DRDA South, organized a powerful program titled “Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila – Mental Health and Well-being for Women” on September 26, 2025, at the Mathany Saldanha Complex in Margao. The initiative brought together over 130 women from across South Goa to focus on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of empowerment: mental health.

The program commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of an enlightening evening. Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, Mrs. Sandra Fernandes, welcomed the participants with a compelling message on the importance of emotional and mental wellness in a woman’s journey. She aptly stated, “When women are mentally strong and emotionally balanced, they can truly flourish in every role they play.”

Mrs. Deepali Naik, Project Director of DRDA, addressed the gathering and praised the Women’s Wing for continuously leading meaningful initiatives that cater to the real needs of women in the community. She emphasized how collaborative efforts like this can leave a lasting impact.

The heart of the program was a keynote session by well-known psychologist Ms. Neha Khaunte, who took the audience through a practical and reflective journey on stress management, emotional balance, and mindfulness. Using relatable examples and interactive exercises, Ms. Khaunte encouraged participants to acknowledge their mental health challenges while equipping them with everyday strategies to manage them. Her session was a refreshing blend of awareness, empowerment, and connection.

The event was compered with grace and clarity by Mrs. Gouri Joshi, a member of the GCCI Women’s Wing, who ensured a smooth and welcoming flow throughout the program. Mementos were distributed to the speakers and contributors, acknowledging their role in making the event a success.

The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mrs. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing. She expressed deep gratitude to all the dignitaries, the enthusiastic participants, and especially to the resource person for facilitating such a vital conversation. Special recognition was also given to Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director at GCCI, for her behind-the-scenes coordination that ensured the event’s seamless execution.

“Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila” was not just an event—it was a movement in itself, a reminder that true empowerment stems from nurturing not just skills and careers, but also the emotional and mental well-being of women. By offering this safe, inclusive, and engaging platform, GCCI and DRDA South reinforced their shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities—one empowered woman at a time.