Our Lead with Equity: EquiLead Annual Conference 2024 was more than just a gathering; it was a convergence of ideas, passion, and commitment to driving equity in leadership. As we reflect on the moments that defined this year’s conference, it’s the voices of our participants that truly capture the essence of what we aimed to achieve.
Sona Mitra captured the essence of the She the Change Brunch, saying, "A great start by the powerful Nandita Baruah of The Asia Foundation brought to mind the memories that were points of discussion among peer groups, within friends and of course with my partner." She further reflected, "Women remain subject to judgments on how old they are, how they speak, what they wear, how they choose to carry themselves - all these come before what they can achieve and what are their professional expertise." Mitra's words highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by women in leadership and underscored the significance of the conversations initiated at the conference.
Priyanka Gupta expressed her gratitude for being part of the event, stating, "Was an absolute pleasure being on one of the panels, having enriching conversations throughout the day and meeting inspiring people! Thanks so much, EquiLead!" Her sentiments were echoed by many participants who found the conference to be a space for meaningful dialogue and connection.
Pia Desai and Anum Mulla on their experience leading a workshop at the conference, one of many that empowered attendees with practical tools and strategies to boost their personal brand presence. Pia said, "The best part about leading a workshop - the incredible participants that you get to interact with. At their first conference, EquiLead brought together some of the sharpest minds in impact. Our workshop was filled with insightful observations and thoughtful knowledge sharing."
Anum added, "Honoured to have had the opportunity to facilitate this workshop for a truly inspiring audience. Much gratitude to EquiLead for curating a profoundly insightful conference filled with deep wisdom and empowerment!"
Representatives from Goranbose Gram Bikash Kendra (GGBK) expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share their work, "Our team just came back from the EquiLead Conference! The 2-day conference was action-packed—loaded with insightful discussions, networking, and opportunities like never before! We were grateful to have shared the journey of transforming trafficking survivors into active leaders and further explored ways to fast-track and enhance this trajectory."
Sanjog India (KSI) emphasized the value of exploring different perspectives on gender-equitable leadership, "The highlight for us was exploring different perspectives on gender-equitable leadership and creating inclusive and collaborative spaces. Listening to nuanced perspectives on equitable leadership and creating collaborative platforms towards a global network of change-makers was so meaningful for us. We are proud to have experienced such a powerful and inspiring space, reinforcing our commitment to fostering equity and inclusion in all that we do at Sanjog."
Anandroop Bahadur also acknowledged the impact of the event, giving "a huge shoutout to the EquiLead team for their remarkable ability to bring together leaders from the social impact sector, providing us with platforms for meaningful dialogue and enhancing networking opportunities." She praised the team's dedication to fostering women's leadership and creating spaces for impactful connections.
Madhurima Sanyal, another attendee, shared a key takeaway from the panel discussions, "One of the most significant takeaways from the panel discussions for me was in the words of Poonam Muttreja and Julia Middleton: 'Leading as a verb or leader as a noun, which one do you resonate with?'
Priya Thuvassery, representing Chambal Media, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to showcase their work, stating, "Thank you to EquiLead for providing Chambal Media with the opportunity to showcase our work at your flagship annual conference 'Lead with Equity: Building Pathways for Women’s Leadership.'" Thuvassery’s words encapsulated the collaborative spirit of the conference, which brought together professionals from diverse sectors committed to advancing women's leadership.
Barsha Banerjee also shared her gratitude, saying, "Thank you EquiLead for inviting us to share about our work to promote equity in education. Together, we are committed to creating an equitable world where every child has the chance to succeed." Her words reflected the conference’s broader mission to create a more equitable world through collective action.
As the conference concluded, the sentiment shared by many was one of inspiration and a renewed commitment to the cause of gender equity. The conversations initiated at the conference will undoubtedly continue to ripple through the social impact sector, driving change and fostering a more inclusive future.
The EquiLead Annual Conference 2024 was not just an event; it was a movement—a powerful reminder that when we lead with equity, we build pathways for transformative leadership that benefits everyone.
Check out what others have to say about their experiences at EquiLead 2024, and join the conversation on how we can collectively advance women's leadership and workplace equity.
