Event Title:  IWN Chapter Inauguration & Panel Discussion

Date: 21/03/2025

Time: 02:00 pm

Venue: TRP Auditorium

Event Convenor: Dr. Saikumari.V

Event coordinator: Dr. Marisha Ani Das

No. Of Participants: 250

Resource Person:  Ar. Avanti Natarajan, Arun Mani, Vidya Senthil Nathan, Rachana
Mittal and Dilshad Azim

Guest Profile:

Ar. Avanti Natarajan

Director – Student Affairs, PAAVAI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Co Founder, THE ART BREW (Design, Consulting & Technology)

Co Founder, LIL TRAILS

Avanti
Natarajan is the Director – Student A airs at Paavai Educational Institutions, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu. She has been
instrumental in shaping student-centric initiatives that foster holistic development, empowering young minds to
navigate an ever-evolving world with confidence and creativity.

An architect by profession, Avanti holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the School

of Architecture and Planning, Anna University, Chennai, and a Master’s from Pratt School of Architecture and Design, New
York. Her multidisciplinary expertise extends beyond

architecture into the realms of education, technology, and creative expression.

Avanti is a co-founder of The Art Brew, a design and technology firm that delivers cutting-edge design, technology, and
consulting solutions. The firm specializes in digital transformation, experiential branding, and immersive brand
experiences, enabling businesses to craft unique, future-forward customer interactions. She also co-founded Lil Trails,
an organization dedicated to enhancing early childhood learning and development, bridging the gap between children,
parents, and educators.

Vidya Senthil Nathan, Director HR- Severn Global Valves

Current Roles:

Vidya Senthil Nathan is a distinguished HR leader with over 20 years of experience in human resources, talent
management, and organizational development. Currently serving as the Director HR – India Hub at Severn Glocon Valves Pvt
Ltd in Chennai, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in various industries including manufacturing, IT, telecom,
and specialty chemicals.

Vidya’s career is marked by her strategic vision and ability to drive business transformation through effective HR
practices. She has successfully managed large teams and complex projects across different geographies, contributing
significantly to organizational growth and employee engagement. Her notable achievements include leading Severn India to
achieve a 92% employee engagement score, securing Great Place to Work certification, and contributing to the company’s
recognition with the CII EFQM – Gold Plus award.

Rachana Mittal: Empowering Lives through Leadership, Mentoring, and Counselling

Rachana Mittal is a seasoned Human Resource professional with over 20 + years of experience, currently serving as the
Head of Human Resources at Sett and Lucas. However, her contributions and impact go far beyond her designation.

With a dynamic corporate portfolio spanning Operations, Project Management, Training, Behavioral Assessment, Performance
and Talent Management, and Business Management, Rachana has consistently proven her versatility and leadership. Amid
these roles, she discovered a profound need among working professionals—a safe space for sharing concerns, addressing
mental health, and receiving guidance. This realization inspired her to pursue counselling, supported by a Master of
Science in Psychology

Arun Mani,

With over 23 years of experience in Human Resources, Training and Consulting, Arun Mani is a Strategic thinker and
thought leader who influences & advice leaders as a business partner, fueling positive organizational development
and a high-performance work culture.

His expertise in HR Management for large companies and high-growth start-up spreads across IT, ITES,

Banking, Manufacturing, EdTech, and Consulting having PAN India and Global operations.

Track record of building HR Functions and teams from the ground up, leading HR organization with global presence, and
bolstering key employee retention, engagement and performance, he has developed strategies that motivates teams to
exceed the corporate objectives.

Summary Of The Event :

CII-IWN Chapter Inauguration & Panel Discussion

The CII-IWN Chapter Inauguration & Panel Discussion was successfully held on March 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the TRP
Auditorium, Easwari Engineering College. The event was organized by the Department of Management Studies in
collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Indian Women Network (CII-IWN).

The program began with the traditional lighting of the Kuthuvilakku, followed by a badging ceremony marking the official
launch of the IWN Chapter. Dr. P. Deiva Sundari, Principal of Easwari Engineering College, felicitated the esteemed
guests, and Dr. Sai Kumari V., HOD of the Department of Management Studies, addressed the gathering.

The event featured a highly engaging panel discussion on “Breaking Barriers: Women in STEM Leadership and Innovation.”
The distinguished panelists included:

• Avanti Natarajan, Convener, CII IWN Chennai Zone; Director, Paavai Educational Institutions & Co-Founder,
  The Art Brew
• Geetha Ramamoorthi, Co-Convener, CII IWN Chennai Zone; Vice President & Managing Director, KBR India
• Dilshad Azim, Lead, Campus to Career Vertical, CII IWN Chennai Zone; Diversity Hub Lead – India, Grundfos Pumps
  India Ltd.
• Vidya Senthil Nathan, Director – HR (India Hub), Severn Glocon Valves Pvt Ltd
• Arun Mani, Vice President & CHRO, Ideassion Technology Solutions
• Rachana Mittal, Lead, Mentorship Vertical, CII IWN Chennai Zone; Chief People Officer, Sett & Lucas

The panelists shared valuable insights on women’s leadership, overcoming gender barriers, career advancement, and the
role of mentorship in professional growth. Their perspectives encouraged students to embrace leadership, innovation, and
resilience in their career paths.

The event concluded with a certificate distribution to achievers, followed by the National Anthem, leaving the audience
with an insightful and thought-provoking experience.

Student Engagement

With an interactive Q&A, MBA students gained valuable industry insights. The event strengthened the
industry-academia collaboration, preparing students for the AI-driven workplace.

Outcomes Of The Program :

Outcomes of the CII-IWN Chapter Inauguration & Panel Discussion

The CII-IWN Chapter Inauguration & Panel Discussion at Easwari Engineering College resulted in several key
takeaways:

1. Launch of the CII-IWN Chapter:

• The formal establishment of the CII-Indian Women Network (IWN) Chapter at Easwari Engineering College provides
  students, especially women, with access to mentorship, industry exposure, and career-building opportunities.

2. Empowerment & Leadership Awareness:

• The event highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in STEM fields and encouraged students to break
  barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
• Students gained valuable insights from industry leaders on overcoming challenges in professional growth.

3. Industry-Academia Collaboration:

• Strengthened ties between Easwari Engineering College and CII-IWN Chennai Zone, paving the way for future
  collaborative initiatives, such as internships, industry visits, and skill development programs.

4. Professional Networking Opportunities:

• Students and faculty had the opportunity to interact with top industry professionals, helping them expand their
  professional networks and gain career guidance.

5. Encouragement for Women in STEM & Business:

• The panel discussion on “Breaking Barriers: Women in STEM Leadership and Innovation” inspired students to pursue
  leadership roles and contribute to innovation in their respective fields.

6. Motivation for Personal & Career Growth:

• The guest speakers shared real-life experiences, motivating students to embrace challenges, build confidence,
  and develop a strong professional identity.

7. Recognition of Achievers:

• The certification and appreciation ceremony celebrated students’ achievements, boosting their confidence and
  motivation to excel.

8. Commitment to Continuous Learning & Development:

• The event reinforced the importance of mentorship, skill enhancement, and continuous learning for career
  success.
• It set the foundation for future workshops, leadership programs, and networking events under the CII-IWN
  Chapter.

Overall, the event was a resounding success, leaving participants with inspiration, industry insights, and a strong
drive to achieve their professional aspirations.

Outcome of HR Conclave ’25

• Industry Insights: MBA students gained valuable knowledge on AI-driven HR transformations, talent acquisition
  strategies, and leadership challenges.
• Bridging the Gap: The discussions helped connect academic learning with real-world industry expectations.
• Skill Development: Students developed a deeper understanding of the skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered
  workplace.
• Industry-Academia Collaboration: Strengthened partnerships with industry leaders, creating opportunities for
  mentorship and internships.
• Career Readiness: Equipped students with insights to navigate the evolving corporate landscape effectively.