Havas India, the India operations of Paris-headquartered communications network Havas, has launched a one-of-a-kind incubation program for women entrepreneurs called EmpowHers, in collaboration with Her Entrepreneurial Network (H.E.N), a community for women entrepreneurs.
The inaugural 6-month program has been flagged off with 22 mentees and 11 mentors comprising senior leaders from across the Havas India network agencies. The program aims to propel these business leaders in the field of marketing, branding, and business development through effective training and mentorship.
The program also aligns with several key Havas ethos like championing women leaders, inculcating the spirit of entrepreneurship, DE&I, and making a meaningful difference to the larger community.
Havas India invited applications from H.E.N members to define their business challenges. These challenges were mapped with the expertise of Havas India and its agencies, and how its leaders could help these entrepreneurs in their business journey.
These 22 businesses represent a wide spectrum of sectors including retail, health and wellness, food, and beverage, advisory, fashion, and lifestyle. Interestingly, each business has an inspiring story behind its inception that demonstrates the resilience of these entrepreneurs.
Be it the 63-year-old Dr. Sarah, founder of Eevolve, a holistic healing center, or Shikha’s undertaking Shikha’s Kitchen that started during Covid to support her family, or the Shark Tank-famed Kirty Datar, founder of CaneBOT, make an eclectic first batch of EmpowHers.
Through this program, the mentors and mentees not only exchange technical knowledge but are also deeply invested in building these brands ground up.
EmpowHers is also offering Havas India invaluable insight into these sectors, businesses, and the challenges they pose, hence, giving the network an incredible opportunity to innovate and offer business solutions.
Vandana Tilwani, CHRO, Havas India, says, “As we embark on the inaugural EmpowHers mentorship program, we embrace the entrepreneurial spirit that defines us at Havas India. As a family-run business, we understand the transformative power of nurturing initiatives from their inception.
“EmpowHers embodies our commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and empowerment, reflecting our dedication to see the growth of women in business and in entrepreneurship.
“We are proud to partner with H.E.N, and work with our leadership team in this journey of providing meaningful solutions, guidance, and mentorship to aspiring women who want to propel their business to the next phase,” Tilwani added.
Priyanka Changia, Cofounder, Her Entrepreneurial Network, adds, “A shared vision to make an impact in the entrepreneurial journey of women brings Havas and HEN together. This collaboration brings the expertise of senior leaders to HEN members.
“The biggest challenge for any entrepreneur is marketing… the leadership of Havas brings immense experience and insight in marketing communication along with industry expertise.
“It has been a fabulous opportunity for 23 Hen members to get mentoring from such industry stalwarts. I am sure each of them will benefit greatly from their support and guidance,” Changia added.
MENTEES
- Veenus Katyal – Tierra Care
- Dr. Rekha Sachdev – Lifestyle Studio
- Medha Jalan – My FUNiture Story
- Shikha Verma – Shikha’s Kitchen
- Suman John – Diya Innovations Pvt. Ltd
- Sabari Chattaraj – Blue Lotus
- Dr. Saraah Chimthanwala – EEVOLVE
- Sumaiya Sultana – Eunoia International
- Ritu Jain – Solicitude Parenting
- Harmeet Kaur & Uma Arun – Fermata Consulting Pvt. Ltd
- Jinisha Bhatt – Healing Mind
- Ayesha Chandy – The Lazy Grasshopper Farm
- Swetha Ashok – The GutGuru
- Kirty Datar – CaneBOT
- Pushpalatha Sundaraj – House of Praniv
- Kavitha Dhamani – BWealthy
- Reena Krishnan- Reepeat
- Mansee Shah Thard – Lahe Lahe
- Priyanka Agarwal – Studio Chhavi
- Shruthi Jayaraman – Kornayas
- Shweta Bhardwaj – Thorny Affair
- Sridevi Sthanikam – Aarunya House of Sarees
MENTORS
- Mohit Joshi – CEO, Havas Media Network India
- Sangeeta Barde – CEO, Havas Life Sorento & Regional Head, HHY Middle East
- Vandana Tilwani – Chief HR Officer, Havas India
- Deepali Saini – CEO, Think Design
- Anirban Mozumdar – Chief Strategy Officer, Havas Worldwide India
- Arindam Sengupta – Managing Director, Havas People India
- Geet Nazir – Managing Partner, Conran Design Group
- Kundan Joshee – Managing Partner – Havas Worldwide India
- Prashant Tekwani – Managing Partner, Havas CX India
- Rajika Mittra – Managing Partner, Havas PLAY
- Mayuri Nikumbh – Head of Design, Conran Design Group