Top 10 Inspiring Indian Women Making an Impact in 2025 – To Watch Out for This International Women’s Day

New Delhi: As the world moves forward, women continue to break barriers, redefine success, and create meaningful change across industries. From entrepreneurs and innovators to activists and leaders, these inspiring women are not just making a mark in their respective fields but also empowering others through their journeys. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we recognize these women who are shaping the future, driving impact, and championing women’s empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, and social change. Their stories of resilience, passion, and vision serve as powerful reminders of the limitless potential women hold in transforming industries and communities.

Here are the 10 women to watch out for in 2025, each making a significant impact in their own unique way.

⦁    Dr. Shleshma Kapadia

Dr. Shleshma Kapadia is a distinguished expert in cosmetology and trichology, dedicated to helping individuals embrace their natural beauty with confidence. Her philosophy revolves around the idea that self-care is the foundation of confidence, and she believes that everyone deserves access to high-quality skincare and aesthetic solutions. With this vision, Dr. Kapadia established a premium cosmetic clinic that seamlessly blends advanced treatments with a scientific approach, all while maintaining affordability. Her practice is rooted in personalized care, utilizing cutting-edge techniques to achieve natural-looking, effective results. Over the years, she has transformed the lives of numerous clients, empowering them to look and feel their best. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Kapadia has expanded her expertise into education with the launch of Elite Aesthetics Institute. This institution offers specialized training in skin treatments, makeup, permanent makeup, hair treatments, and diet courses, equipping aspiring professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in the field. Through this initiative, she strives to elevate industry standards and nurture the next generation of beauty and wellness experts.

⦁    Pooja Janrao 
Pooja is a Pune-based content creator and influencer with a whopping 1 million+ followers on her Instagram @pooja_janrao_official. After getting a degree in architecture, she carved her niche in the digital world as a fashion, lifestyle, and travel influencer, inspiring thousands with her impeccable style and global adventures. With a keen eye for design and aesthetics, she brings a unique perspective to her fashion choices, and now as the founder of Saacha Clothing, she curates timeless fashion pieces that celebrate individuality and elegance. Beyond style, her love for travel takes her to breathtaking destinations, inspiring her audience with stunning visuals and cultural insights. Balancing architecture, fashion, and business, Pooja redefines modern influence, inspiring thousands with her elegance and adventurous spirit. A true trendsetter, she continues to curate the latest fashion trends, and aspirations, proving that passion and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.

⦁    Shreya Gautam

This Women’s Day, Shreya Gautam, a mother and a content creator @shreyagautamofficial, challenges the “superwoman” stereotype. For years, she tried to be everything — the perfect partner, friend, and mother — while hiding her struggles. But she has learned that strength isn’t perfection; it’s embracing vulnerability, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental health. Success is about balance, asking for help, and acknowledging when rest is needed. Shreya is a renowned name in the creator industry with many accolades to her name including the prestigious 35 under 35 award. By sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire women to reject the pressures of being flawless and to redefine success on their terms. Let’s honor women who achieve, while taking care of themselves and embracing their true, imperfect strength.

4. Harshada Topale
A visionary leader with two decades of diverse global experience in Strategy, Operations Management, Program & Project Management, Harshada Topale has successfully executed initiatives across 80+ countries, working with Fortune 500 companies such as Unilever, Shell, Siemens, and Walmart across industries including IT, FMCG, FinTech, Civil Infrastructure, Oil & Gas, and EdTech. Currently, she serves as the Director of Cloud Counselage Pvt. Ltd., a social enterprise committed to eradicating unemployability among youth by bridging the gap between industry and academia. Through IndustryAcademiaCommunity.com (IAC), she is leading the development of a global ecosystem connecting 100M+ college students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, 1M+ companies, and 1L+ colleges across 100+ countries. She is working towards achieving this vision through their initiative 'IAC Vision 2030' which in turn would bring global job opportunities and billion-dollar business potential to India by 2030.

5. Dr. Rishvee Prateek

Dr. Rishvee Prateek is transforming the landscape of beauty and wellness in Hazaribagh with her expertise in maxillofacial prosthodontics, facial aesthetics, and non-surgical hair restoration. A Gold Medalist in her postgraduate studies and further, she did her Master’s in Facial Aesthetics and a Master’s in Micropigmentation. She is also a trained stem cell therapist, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in regenerative treatments. As the co-founder of the Centre for Dental and Aesthetic Innovation and Rejuvina, Dr. Prateek has established a hub for holistic facial rejuvenation and dental excellence. She also launched Hazaribagh’s First AI Skin Clinic, offering advanced solutions for hair transplant, pigmentation, and IV drips, catering to over 500 happy clients. Additionally, as the COO of Beaubio Skincare, she champions the development of high-performance sunscreens designed for Indian skin. With two published books and six research papers to her name, Dr. Prateek seamlessly merges science with artistry, empowering individuals through personalized aesthetic care. Her unwavering dedication to redefining beauty standards and promoting self-care has made her a beacon of inspiration in the field.

6. Rashida Khilawala

Rashida is an inspiring blend of resilience, wisdom, and vision. Her work in brand-building and GTM strategy goes beyond business—it’s about creating sustainable impact. As the author of Thriving Entrepreneur and Seeding Mantras for Success, she merges strategy with spirituality, guiding entrepreneurs toward growth. She navigates life with deep self-awareness, balancing ambition with inner peace. Her choices, like prioritizing her son’s future with love, reflect profound strength. Spiritually inclined yet highly practical, she bridges material success with deeper purpose. She doesn’t just chase goals; she creates pathways for others to thrive, leading with clarity, courage, and faith.

7. Ria Kiplani

Ria is a fashion and lifestyle influencer  from Nagpur and she has captivated audiences with her effortless style, trendsetting choices, and passion for self-expression. Through her social media presence, she inspires modern women to embrace their individuality, blending contemporary fashion with timeless elegance. Her keen eye for aesthetics and ability to curate sophisticated yet wearable looks have made her a go-to voice in the industry. Beyond influencing trends, Ria Kriplani turned her passion for jewellery into a brand of her own. She is the founder of Rish Jewellery, a label specializing in waterproof jewellery designed for the modern muse. With a focus on durability and elegance, Rish Jewellery offers everyday sparkle, ensuring that beauty and sophistication go hand in hand.

8. Nidhi Dembla

Nidhi Dembla, a visionary Creative Director, has been redefining the art of gifting with creativity and purpose since 2009. Her passion and innovation shape every exquisite design, making Nikosh a leader in bespoke gifting. Rooted in personalization, sustainability, and meaningful connections, the company curates exceptional experiences for social and corporate events alike. Committed to empowering local women artisans, she has built an all-women team that nurtures craftsmanship and collaboration. With a distinguished presence in New Delhi and Gurgaon and seamless pan-India shipping, Nikosh continues to transform gestures into timeless expressions of thoughtfulness.

9. Archana Jain

Archana Jain, the mastermind behind Florian Foundation, is a true champion of women's empowerment, education, and social welfare. Her journey is one of resilience and compassion, dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities, especially women and children. Through her foundation, she has spearheaded initiatives in education, skill development, and healthcare, enabling countless individuals to lead better lives. On this Women’s Day, Archana stands as an inspiration, proving that one woman’s vision can transform society. Her relentless efforts in advocating for gender equality and social change continue to impact lives. By empowering women with education and opportunities, she reaffirms the belief that empowered women empower the world. Archana Jain is not just a leader—she is a force of transformation.

10.  Megha Singh 

Megha Singh, General Manager at Eduplor, has been instrumental in the company’s rapid rise as one of India’s fastest-growing ed-tech firms. Her leadership has not only expanded Eduplor’s presence but also cultivated an inclusive and empowering work culture, with over 70% of the workforce comprising women. With a strategic vision and a passion for innovation, Megha has played a key role in revolutionizing education technology, ensuring access to cutting-edge learning solutions. Her dedication to excellence and diversity has positioned Eduplor as a leader in the ed-tech industry, inspiring future generations and championing women’s empowerment in the corporate world.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let’s recognize and support the incredible contributions of women across all fields. Their success stories remind us that when women uplift each other, they don’t just break barriers—they build new possibilities. Here’s to a future where every woman is empowered to lead, create, and thrive.