BURLINGTON, MA – Renu Gupta, a philanthropist with a deep commitment to social causes and a key figure behind her husband’s successful business, GT Solar, has been named the 2025 Woman of the Year. An independent panel of seven distinguished judges awarded Ms. Gupta this honor for her exemplary leadership in philanthropy, business, and her unwavering courage to champion both causes and entrepreneurship. (Photos: Studio Art & Memories)
“I am deeply honored and, honestly, a little shocked by this recognition,” Ms. Gupta shared with INDIA New England News. “This award strengthens my resolve to continue my philanthropic efforts and inspire others to join me in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.”
Ms. Gupta’s philanthropic legacy is solidified through the Gupta Family Foundation, which she founded with the goal of creating transformative change in education and healthcare for underprivileged children. She has spearheaded initiatives such as the establishment of a Boys & Girls Club kitchen in Nashua, NH, and has made significant contributions to the development of Bihar’s first Akshaya Patra kitchen, which provides meals to children in need. Her efforts have left a lasting impact, both locally and globally.
In addition to her charitable work, Ms. Gupta plays an instrumental role in RKS Ventures, an investment firm that she leads, which supports and mentors innovative startups across various sectors, fostering economic growth and job creation. Alongside her husband, Kedar Gupta, she has been a strong supporter of over 20 organizations, including Pratham, Vision-Aid, and numerous local charities, helping to uplift communities through education, healthcare, and empowerment.
Ms. Gupta’s business acumen came to the forefront when GT Solar faced significant financial challenges. Stepping into a critical leadership role, she successfully navigated the company through a turbulent period, ensuring its recovery and global expansion. Her leadership not only revitalized the company but also helped accelerate the adoption of solar energy, a cause she is deeply passionate about.
“She is a woman of quiet influence, someone who doesn’t seek the spotlight, yet has had an enormous impact through strategic decisions and bold, visionary leadership,” said Meena Subramanyam, chair of the judging panel. “Her ability to recognize disruptive technologies and her unwavering support for them is a testament to her foresight and dedication. She embodies the qualities of a true leader—grit, courage, and a genuine commitment to bettering the world.”
Subramanyam added that Ms. Gupta’s life journey is one of perseverance and selflessness, and she has used her platform to build a legacy of hope for underprivileged communities in both her native India and her adopted home in the United States.
The seven-member judging panel included notable figures such as Deepa Jacob, co-founder of Cocoon Media; Yasmin Padamsee Forbes, Executive Director of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission in Massachusetts; Alka Kotak, a seasoned banking professional; Geeta Pradhan, Woman of the Year 2024 and President of the Cambridge Community Foundation; Priyanka Ranjith, President of the New England Malayalee Association; Nithya Iyer Singh, co-founder of 2123 Frontiers, a primary research firm; and Meena Subramanyam, Vice President of Oncology Clinical Development at Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
The evening was graced by Anantha P. Chandrakasan, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at MIT and Dean of the MIT School of Engineering, who served as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. The 22nd Annual Woman of the Year Awards Gala also recognized Gouri Banerjee, co-founder of Saheli, with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Held on March 8, 2025, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA, the annual awards gala, organized by INDIA New England News and produced by the Mishra Group, honored ten outstanding women in various categories. These honorees included:
- Mary Aggarwal, Managing Director, Private & Institutional Client Advisor, Bank of America
Mary Aggarwal - Dr. Pragya Dang, Chief of Breast Radiology, Mass General Brigham
Pragya Dang - Renu Gupta, Founder, Gupta Family Foundation
Renu Gupta - Menka Hariani, Founder, TEDxAndover
Menka Hariani - Sneh Jaisingh, Director, Hindi Manch; Founder, NutriAge
Sneh Jaisingh - Monica Kachru, President, Anaya Scholars
Monica Kachru - Purnima Kapur, Chief of University Planning and Design, Harvard University
Purnima Kapur - Mukta Munjal, Actor, SETU; Senior Architect, Slalom Build
Mukta Munjal - Ammara Nawaz Khan, President, Pakistan Association of Greater Boston
Ammara Nawaz Khan - Suraja M. Roychowdhury, Alternative Medicine Expert; Founder, Crossing Point Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Suraja M. Roychowdhury
Dr. Manju Sheth, director of the Woman of the Year Awards Gala, served as the evening’s host.
Mandy Pant and Sheetal Acharya served as the Masters of Ceremonies for the evening’s award presentations.
“This year’s gala marked several historic milestones,” said Dr. Sheth. “For the first time in 22 years, we celebrated the event on International Women’s Day. Additionally, we had an all-female panel of judges and were joined by women leaders from across New England’s community and professional organizations.”
The gala was proudly sponsored by Merrill Lynch/The Sharma Group and Raj Sharma, The Boston Group USA and Subu Kota, Gourmet India, Dr. Manju Sheth, and INE MultiMedia, with supporting sponsors including Boston Sound & Light Company, Sraveo, and Dyuti Majumdar Photography.
