BURLINGTON, MA—Renu Gupta, a philanthropist renowned for her unwavering commitment to social causes, has been named Woman of the Year 2025 by an independent committee of seven distinguished judges.
“She is a woman of quiet influence, someone who doesn’t seek the spotlight, yet has had a profound impact through strategic decisions and visionary leadership,” said Meena Subramanyam, chair of the judging panel. “Her ability to recognize disruptive technologies and her steadfast support for them demonstrate her foresight and dedication. She embodies the qualities of a true leader—grit, courage, and a genuine commitment to making the world a better place.”
Independent Panel of Judges Select Renu Gupta as the 2025 Woman of the Year
Subramanyam also praised Ms. Gupta’s journey, describing it as one of perseverance and selflessness. “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,” Subramanyam added.
The seven-member judging panel was composed of influential 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.
Meet the Judges:
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Deepa Jacob
A photographer based in New England, Ms. Jacob is the co-founder of Cocoon Media, which offers high-quality video production for both corporate and personal use. Specializing in lifestyle and fashion photography, her visual works often celebrate her Indian heritage and have been featured in renowned publications such as Vogue India. -
Yasmin Padamsee Forbes
With a career spanning global development, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy, Ms. Padamsee Forbes is the Executive Director of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission (AAPIC) in Massachusetts. Her leadership has advanced initiatives supporting community empowerment, governance, and youth leadership, particularly for AANHPI residents. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. -
Alka Kotak
A seasoned banking professional, Ms. Kotak has built a successful career spanning several prestigious banks, moving from her native India to the U.S. in 1986. A passionate advocate for empowering others, she inspires people to pursue their aspirations through resilience and self-confidence. -
Geeta Pradhan
The 2024 Woman of the Year, Ms. Pradhan is the President of the Cambridge Community Foundation. She has played a pivotal role in transforming the foundation into a data-driven leader addressing Cambridge’s most pressing issues. She co-authored the Foundation’s Equity & Innovation Cities report and helped launch the $22 million Rise Up Cambridge program, one of the first non-lottery cash assistance programs in the country. -
Priyanka Ranjith
Ms. Ranjith serves as the President of the New England Malayalee Association (NEMA) for the 2024-2025 term. She is an advocate for cultural exchange, sustainability, and community engagement. Professionally, she has held leadership roles in fashion design and retail, while also contributing to corporate social responsibility discussions. -
Nithya Iyer Singh
A co-founder of 2123 Frontiers, a firm focused on disruptive technologies, Ms. Iyer Singh is also a seasoned professional in Clinical Development. Her career spans biotech/pharma, where she has contributed to innovative therapies in Immuno-Oncology and Infectious Diseases. She is also dedicated to philanthropy, serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations. -
Meena Subramanyam
Ms. Subramanyam is a Vice President at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, leading oncology clinical development efforts. Her career has seen her lead the development of critical therapies for cancer and neurological diseases. Outside of her professional work, she serves on several nonprofit boards and is an accomplished Bharatanatyam artist and the founder of the dance school Natya Vidyalaya.
