Most Inspiring Women Leaders 2025
In a world still debating whether women can “have it all,” these remarkable leaders confidently affirmed they can and then redefined what power, purpose, and potential mean. Ranging from tech innovators and climate advocates to cultural icons and billionaire entrepreneurs, the 2025 list highlights women who lead bravely, innovate unapologetically, and elevate others as they ascend. This isn’t just another ranking; it’s a testament to the female leadership and legacy making a difference, and it’s already evident.
Portfolio’s exclusive edition, Most Inspiring Women Leaders 2025, celebrates women selected for their significant impact, bold vision, and ability to inspire others. They actively challenge stereotypes and offer innovative perspectives. These women defy the notion that they are not specialised in their fields, aiming instead to break boundaries and drive change. Portfolio, with its new edition, is commemorating the spirit of inspiring women leaders.
Shraddha Shringarpure
CEO
Diganta Swaraj Foundation
A social reform leader and humanitarian, Shraddha Shringarpure excels in turning challenges into successes. As CEO of Diganta Swaraj Foundation, she empowered villages with water solutions, planted over 500,000 trees, supported farmers, and reintegrated thousands of school dropouts.
Kavitha Vijeyavelan
Director - Education, South Asia
A global education marketing expert with over 15 years of experience promotes forward-looking strategies that boost confidence and global opportunities. An alumnus of Kellogg, Rutgers, and UWA Global MBA, Kavitha Vijeyavelan leads COVID-era initiatives, advocates authentic branding, and inspires students toward international study.
Padmini Rajan
Vice President, Projects
DAPL IT Services Sdn Bhd
By leveraging 30 years of global technology expertise, managing an $80 million P&L, boosting revenue by 19% annually, and supporting over 900,000 users in 170 countries, Padmini Rajan pioneered India’s first GIS and telemedicine solutions, improved cyber response times with AI, and promotes diversity through empathetic leadership.
Anupriya Awasthi
Head of Human Resources
An XLRI alumnus transforming HR at SpiceJet, ONICRA, Capgemini, and aerospace firms. Anupriya Awasthi drives cultural change focused on people, turning challenges into legacies through empathy, inclusion, and purpose. An advocate for potential-based hiring and mentoring women and Tier II/III talent, she builds successful teams for long-term success.
Ruchi Santoshwar
Director, Data & Analytics
Randstad Global Capability Center
Ruchi Santoshwar, Director of Data & Analytics at Randstad GCC, drives an AI-powered, agent-based analytics transformation. With 20+ years across ING, DBS, Cetera & Randstad, she builds enterprise data strategies, champions women in STEM, and blends mindfulness with analytics to deliver purposeful, resilient business impact.
Aru Mehrotra
India Business Head
inFeedo Tech Pvt Ltd
A trailblazer in employee experience within SaaS for Fortune 500 companies, Aru Mehrotra boasts over 10 years of closing complex enterprise deals. She transforms distrust into partnership, advocates for empathetic leadership, and leads cultural change where technology ensures people feel genuinely heard and valued.
Shruti Sisodia
Group Human Resources Manager
Arbore Group
From building HR from scratch, growing a 15-person team to 250+, and fearlessly leading through closures with empathy, Shruti Sisodia bridges generations, motivates commission-only agents, and champions mental wellness. Resilient and heart-led, Shruti turns challenges into connections, proving true leadership inspires greatness.