International Women’s Day 2025

At Celegence, International Women’s Day is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of progress, perseverance, and recognition of the individuals who inspire change. As a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)-certified company, we take pride in highlighting stories of strength, resilience, and leadership.

Through our Voices of Strength initiative, we invited our team to share personal experiences of the remarkable women who have shaped their lives—whether through mentorship, sacrifice, or unwavering support. In this first part of our series, we highlight the journeys of six individuals who pay tribute to the women who made a profound impact on them.

Swathi Mahanandi Kottam, Associate Director – Quality Assurance, reflects on the pivotal role her former boss, Mrs. Bharathi Ramesh, played in shaping her career. As the first employee in a startup, Swathi was guided, trained, and encouraged to grow beyond her comfort zone. Mrs. Ramesh not only taught her leadership and decision-making but also instilled confidence that helped her navigate challenges independently. Swathi credits her mentor for investing in her potential and setting her on a path to success—a testament to the power of strong leadership and belief in others.

Naresh Kumar CVM, Subject Matter Expert – Medical Device Services, shares a story of resilience witnessed during the Kargil War. After an Army Major lost his life in battle, his mother and wife stood strong in the face of unimaginable grief. They not only raised his child with patience and dedication but also continued to support the ideals he fought for. Their ability to persevere through loss while holding onto hope is a reflection of unparalleled strength and devotion—a reminder of the sacrifices made by families of those who serve.

Koushik Chakraborty, Associate II – Publishing & Submission, honors the woman who shaped his life—his mother. From an early age, she took on responsibilities beyond her years, working tirelessly to provide for the family. Despite facing hardship, she prioritized his education and future, ensuring that he never lacked the support needed to succeed. Her sacrifices, resilience, and dedication remain his greatest source of inspiration, proving that the quietest forms of strength often have the most profound impact.

Matt Tyler, VP – Business Development & Partnerships, shares the remarkable journey of his grandmother, Erika Tyler, who endured the challenges of post-war Germany. From fleeing her home to navigating an entirely new culture in the UK, she demonstrated unmatched resilience and adaptability. Learning a new language, working to support herself, and integrating into a new society, she proved that survival is not just about endurance—it’s about building something meaningful despite the odds. Her journey serves as a lasting example of perseverance and strength.

For Sumita Deb, Senior Manager – Human Resource, her mother’s influence extended beyond parenting—it was a foundation for confidence, knowledge, and independence. Encouraging her to explore academics, arts, and social activities, her mother ensured that Sumita was prepared for life’s challenges and opportunities. Her decision to send Sumita across the country for higher education—at a time when such choices were uncommon—demonstrated a belief in possibilities beyond immediate circumstances. This trust and forward-thinking approach continue to shape Sumita’s journey today.

Sushma Rani Shekhar, Senior Manager – Human Resource, recalls the unwavering support of her grandmother, who taught her the power of resilience in the face of adversity. After suffering a severe shoulder injury as a child, Sushma feared she would never recover fully. But her grandmother’s encouragement, strong will, and belief in mind over body helped her regain confidence and mobility. Years later, the same lesson of perseverance was passed to the next generation when her son faced a crisis of his own—proving that true strength is a legacy carried forward.

At Celegence, we are proud to highlight these deeply personal stories that reflect the impact of women in our lives. Their dedication, leadership, and sacrifices have shaped not only individuals but entire communities.

This International Women’s Day, we recognize the women who make a difference every day—through their actions, their strength, and their unwavering commitment to shaping a better future.

Explore Part 2, where we share six more inspiring stories from our team.