WEDO Founder Wendy Diamond Honored by India’s Prime Minister Modi-appointed Chief Minister of Women & Child Development, Annapurna Devi, for Empowering Women Globally.
New York, NY — March 2025 — In a powerful celebration of women’s leadership, Wendy Diamond, founder of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO), was honored during a special event hosted by the Federation of Indian Associations, the Consulate General of India, and the Chief Minister of Women & Child Development, Annapurna Devi, who was appointed by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
“I am deeply humbled, incredibly honored, and truly excited to be recognized alongside two exceptional women — Seema Mody, the incomparable global CNBC correspondent, and the unstoppable Anjula Acharia, the powerhouse behind two groundbreaking women-led unicorns: ClassPass and Priyanka Chopra’s global empire,” said Wendy Diamond.
The recognition highlights the impactful work of WEDO, a global movement dedicated to empowering 388 million women and girls living in poverty, providing them with tools, resources, and support to launch their entrepreneurial journeys. WEDO has impacted women across 144 countries and continues to uplift women entrepreneurs worldwide.
Wendy Diamond founded the WEDO initiative and the #ChooseWOMEN movement in 2013 to amplify women’s contributions to the global economy. The movement continues to focus on the empowerment of women, who, despite performing 66% of the world’s work, earn only 10% of the income. Women also drive 85% of consumer spending, powering a $20 trillion economy.
As Wendy explained, “Why do we celebrate Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day, and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day? Because when women rise, society thrives — and that’s a movement we ALL must champion.”
The celebration was also a tribute to the collective power of women and allies working together to create lasting change. Wendy expressed her gratitude to the Consul General Ambassador Pradhan for supporting women’s leadership in New York City, and to Anu Sehgal, Founder & CEO of The Culture Tree, for moderating an insightful panel on women’s impact. A special thanks was given to Payal Shah and Miki Patel for their tireless efforts in making the evening unforgettable.
“This recognition isn’t just about me; it’s about the collective power of women who are breaking barriers and building businesses that will shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all,” said Diamond.
Wendy concluded by calling for continued support and celebration of women, with a message of unity: “Let’s continue to support, uplift, and celebrate women at every turn. Together, we’re unstoppable!”
For more information on WEDO and how to get involved in empowering women globally, visit www.joinwedo.org.
