Several Indian-origin women have been honored at the 2025 Global Changemaker Awards for their significant contributions to leadership, health, innovation, education, and social change.
In a celebration of impactful leadership, several Indian-origin women have been recognized among the winners of the 2025 Global Changemaker Awards. This international program honors women who are making significant strides in various fields, including leadership, health, innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and social change. The awards aim to spotlight women who are driving transformational progress across industries and regions.
Among the standout honorees are Inika Mehra and Jyothi Vemu, both of whom have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields. Inika Mehra, the reigning Miss San Francisco and founder of the PCOS Alliance, received an honorable mention in the ‘Emerging Leader of the Year’ category. A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, Mehra holds certifications in Ayurveda and energy kinesiology. She has developed transformative programs that have helped over 100 patients and is currently working on an eBook that addresses stress, anxiety, and self-healing.
Mehra’s journey in pageantry is equally impressive; she won the Miss San Francisco title in her very first competition after just a month of preparation. As a prominent advocate for women’s health, she has participated in key panels, raised funds through handmade cosmetics and Bollywood dance events for underserved communities, and campaigned for the inclusion of PCOS education in school curriculums. Her long-term vision is to elevate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) from a misunderstood condition to a global public health priority.
Jyothi Vemu, the founder and CEO of Futurebytes, was also celebrated for her significant contributions. Recognized among Success Magazine’s 2024 Top 25 Change Makers, Vemu leads Futurebytes in providing hands-on STEM education programs in robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence across California. Her organization has launched a $50,000 scholarship aimed at supporting girls from underserved communities who are pursuing STEM education.
With a rich background in teaching, research, and entrepreneurship that spans both India and the United States, Vemu is a vocal advocate for equitable access to technology education. She actively partners with schools and organizations to foster this cause, ensuring that young girls have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in STEM fields.
In addition to Mehra and Vemu, other Indian-origin women were recognized across various award categories, highlighting the extensive impact of this community. Notable mentions include Romaa Rajadhyaksha, who secured third place in the Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year category; Vani K Nades, awarded third place for Emerging Leader of the Year and first place for Tech Leader of the Year; Anjlee Prakash, who received third place in Global Impact; and Farzia Khan (CISSP), who was honored with second place for Tech Leader of the Year.
Other honorees include Geeta Sidhu-Robb, who took second place for Woman of the Year; Ruby Sibal, recognized with third place in Women in Health; and Manasi Murthy Mittinty, who received an honorable mention in Wellness & Wellbeing Services. These awards collectively underscore the breadth of impact made by Indian-origin women in various sectors.
The Women Changing the World Awards aim to elevate, celebrate, connect, and support women leaders in their journeys as changemakers, trailblazers, and pioneers. This global recognition program aligns with the United Nations’ emphasis on gender equality as a crucial pillar for achieving sustainable development goals worldwide. Winners of regional awards will have the opportunity to represent their areas at the global ceremony scheduled for April 2026 in Paris.
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