Meet Divya Suryadevara, the First Female CFO of General Motors

October 13, 20212 Minutes Read
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Divya Suryadevara is one such woman achiever of India who is an inspiration for girls across.

We know that "Nothing great ever came that easy", which is why Divya knew that she has a tough road to cross ahead of her. The story of how Divya become the first female Chief Financial Officer of the 110-year-old company -- General Motors, America's No.1 automotive company is not only inspiring but also shows that strong determination of fulfilling a dream can turn things upside down.

Here is the inspiring story of Divya, one of the many women achievers of modern India…..

Divya lost her father when she was very young….

It was her mother's responsibility to raise her and her two sisters. Seeing her mother work through day and night to provide for the family, she decided to aim for something big and went to Harvard for her education at the age of 22.

The journey from Chennai to Harvard was again not easy because she did not have enough money and went on a student loan. Her sole purpose of education was centered around providing security to her family by getting a job. Unlike other students, she could not afford to take trips or enjoy, due to the pressure to pay back the loan.

The learnings of the university and her willpower to do something big in the field of finance made her secure a position in the male-dominant world of the corporate hierarchy. Securing a position after sincere determination is one thing, but she was also successful in improving the financial performance of the company through her understanding of the industry and numbers.

She was called a ‘Transformational Leader’ by the CEO of General Motors, who is also a female.

Guess what? Divya was no different than a regular girl. She knew that good education would help her achieve her dreams and that is what she did.

If you also wish to enter the field of finance and become a woman leader in the industry, you must begin to develop your skillset in the corporate finance field.

From Divya's story, two things are very clear -- one is her courage which is why she took a big step of going to Harvard to pursue her education on loans and the other is her ability to believe in her herself and her hard work through which she performed continuously and is now at the top.

So, what are you waiting for? Enroll for the corporate finance course and get geared up to gain immense knowledge and enter the field of finance.

If you are confused on how and from you should start, the best and easiest way is to join an online course in finance and understand the basic concepts. This will not only increase your knowledge of finance but will also help you understand if a career in this field is what you want.

All you have to do is register on this website to gain skills through free online corporate finance courses offered by reputed institutes like edx with highly trained instructors.

This course of Corporate Finance has gained high popularity amongst girls because of its insightful learnings and is also making them kickstart their careers in the field of finance. The learnings range from basic to specialize knowledge of different tools and models used for calculations and company projections.

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February 19, 20242 Minutes Read

Social Entrepreneurship: Women Driving Impactful Change in India

A powerful force is reshaping communities and driving positive change -- women-led social entrepreneurship . As the narrative of entrepreneurship evolves, so does the role of women who are not just creating businesses but building ventures with a profound impact on society. Let's explore the realm of women's entrepreneurship and the significant strides in social entrepreneurship .

Social entrepreneurship is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental challenges. In India, many women embrace this approach, positioning themselves as business leaders and catalysts for positive change. Their ventures aim not just for profit but also for meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India is growing, with female entrepreneurs actively participating in diverse sectors, including social entrepreneurship. This shift is breaking stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted roles women can play as business leaders with a mission beyond just financial gains.

One compelling aspect of this transformation is the variety of startup ideas for women in social entrepreneurship. From ventures addressing healthcare disparities to those focused on education, women are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront. These ventures are not just about economic empowerment but about creating sustainable change in the fabric of society.

Social entrepreneurship ideas are often born from a deep understanding of local challenges. As the architects of many of these initiatives, women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. Whether providing access to clean water, improving healthcare facilities, or promoting sustainable agriculture, these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of impactful change.

The intersection of entrepreneur ideas for women and social entrepreneurship creates a space where purpose-driven businesses thrive. Women are not just looking for financial success; they seek ways to contribute meaningfully to society. The spirit of collaboration and community building is embedded in their ventures, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

One notable example is Preeti Singh, a social entrepreneur who founded a venture focused on menstrual hygiene in rural India. Her initiative addresses a critical health issue and empowers women by providing them with sustainable and affordable solutions. Preeti's story represents the transformative potential of women's entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges.

The emphasis on social entrepreneurship among women is also generating a ripple effect regarding mentorship and support networks. Established female entrepreneurs are actively encouraging and guiding the next generation. This mentorship is crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among women venturing into social entrepreneurship.

The momentum of women entrepreneurship in social impact ventures is not just a trend; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses operate in India. Organisations and institutions recognise women's value in terms of empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The rise of social entrepreneurship driven by women in India is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven businesses. As more women explore and invest in entrepreneurial ideas for women that focus on social impact, the future promises a more equitable and sustainable society. These women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses but driving impactful change and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's socio-economic fabric.

At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other online courses to help them nurture their dream of driving social entrepreneurship in India.