The rise of South Asian female leaders in America has been a remarkable journey across various sectors such as the C-suite, entertainment, academia, and entrepreneurship. Not long ago, South Asian women were underrepresented in corporate boardrooms and creative industries, particularly in the United States. However, over the last decade, and especially in the previous five years, South Asian women have emerged as some of the most influential leaders in society today, reshaping business and culture, and using their powerful voices to drive change.
Maneet Ahuja, Editor-at-Large at Forbes, highlighted the significant impact of South Asian women in the founder scene, emphasizing the need for recognition of their invaluable contributions as CEOs, innovators, visionaries, and creatives. Organizations like Gold House, Female Founders Fund, and The Asian Pacific American Taskforce have played a crucial role in supporting and empowering South Asian American entrepreneurs, leaders, and culture makers through funding, research, platforms, and legislation.
Some of the top female South Asian American entrepreneurs, executives, entertainers, and government officials include:
Leena Nair, who transitioned from engineering and human resources at Unilever to become the first South Asian CEO of CHANEL, blending technical expertise and creative leadership in a groundbreaking manner.
Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, who led the company for 12 years, emphasizing sustainability and health-conscious products, and continues to inspire women as a board member at Amazon.
Revathi Advaithi, the CEO of Flex, who has been instrumental in fostering U.S.-India partnerships under the Biden administration, particularly in electric vehicle adoption and climate technology.
Anjula Acharia, the founder and CEO of A-Series Investments and Management, known for her brand strategy and mentorship of leaders, as well as her successful investments in companies like ClassPass and Bumble.
Payal Kadakia, the founder of ClassPass, the first billion-dollar company by a South Asian woman, revolutionizing the wellness industry with flexible fitness options globally.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who transitioned from Bollywood to Hollywood, establishing herself as an international leading lady in film and television, as well as a successful producer and brand ambassador for major companies.
Mindy Kaling, a multi-talented Hollywood icon known for her work in acting, writing, directing, and producing, championing Indian women on-screen and introducing new stars through her popular shows.
Bela Bajaria, the Chief Content Officer at Netflix, responsible for developing binge-worthy content like Bridgerton and Stranger Things, and consistently recognized as a powerful player in the industry.
Anjali Sud, the CEO of Tubi TV, who became the CEO of Vimeo at a young age and turned the company profitable, showcasing the excellence of South Asian women in leadership roles.
Padma Lakshmi, a TV host and author who introduced immigrant foods to Western cuisine through shows like Top Chef and Taste the Nation, inspiring others to explore new flavors and experiences.
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, an Academy Award-winning director known for her impactful documentaries on critical global issues, such as A Girl in the River and Saving Face, and her upcoming work on the newest Star Wars film.
These remarkable women exemplify the power, creativity, and influence of South Asian female leaders in America, paving the way for future generations and reshaping industries with their innovative ideas and unwavering determination.
