In celebration of International Women’s Day, we spotlight ten inspiring women in Singapore who are making a profound impact in their respective fields. These leaders, advocates, and changemakers are breaking barriers, shaping conversations, and empowering communities. Their journeys, marked by resilience, courage, and dedication, serve as powerful examples of leadership in action.
Despite the challenges women continue to face in various industries, these ten women have demonstrated the power of perseverance and innovation. Their contributions are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. By uplifting others and driving change, they inspire countless individuals to challenge the status quo and pursue meaningful impact in their respective fields.
Highlights
Jennifer Ong
As the Founder of Ctrl Alt Career and a LinkedIn Top Voice, Jennifer Ong has redefined what career success looks like. Transitioning from a high-profile role as Vice President at BlackRock to a fashion startup, Jennifer embraced unconventional career shifts, proving that fulfillment often lies beyond traditional paths. Through her coaching, she has helped professionals from top firms like Google and Goldman Sachs pivot into meaningful careers. Her insights, frequently featured in major media, continue to inspire those seeking purpose-driven work.
Hazleen Ahmad
With a background in neuroscience and psychology, Hazleen Ahmad is a powerful advocate for neurodiverse youths and women. As the Lead for APAC & MENA at the Institute of Neurodiversity, she champions inclusive initiatives while spearheading her World of Kindness movement. Her work blends leadership, investment, and community-building, ensuring that compassion remains at the heart of technological and social progress. Hazleen continues to cultivate safe spaces where underrepresented voices are heard and empowered.
Janine Teo
Education has the power to break cycles of poverty, and Janine Teo is leading this charge as the CEO of Solve Education!. Dedicated to providing quality education for underserved communities, Janine harnesses technology to make learning accessible and engaging. Her accolades—from the Mensa International Award to the Ashoka x Google.org Changemaker recognition—speak to her commitment to systemic, scalable impact. She remains a vocal advocate for gender equality, education, and social innovation.
Sophie Leung
High-achieving women often face silent battles of imposter syndrome, burnout, and self-doubt. Sophie Leung, an award-winning Somatic Trauma-Informed Coach, is on a mission to change that. Through her Core Confidence Mastery™️ program, she helps professional women break free from limiting beliefs and lead with resilience. By integrating trauma-informed techniques, emotional intelligence training, and mindfulness practices, she empowers women to navigate leadership roles with confidence and authenticity.
Nazhath Faheema
As the Director of Development & Community Relations at Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA), Nazhath Faheema is a force for interfaith dialogue and social cohesion. Her leadership in Sowing Care Together fosters volunteerism across faiths, ensuring that marginalized communities receive support. Recognized with the President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Award, she continues to build inclusive platforms that counter extremism and strengthen Singapore’s multicultural fabric.
Deepshikha Kumar
Recognized as one of the most well-connected entrepreneurs in Asia, Deepshikha Kumar is the Founder of SpeakIn, Asia’s largest digital platform for professional learning. With a vast network of over 18,000 global experts, she has transformed professional development by making world-class knowledge accessible. A recipient of the Economic Times Most Promising Women Leaders Award and the Google Digital Women Award, Deepshikha’s influence extends beyond business—her book, 101 Lessons to be a Damn Good Speaker!, continues to guide aspiring professionals on mastering public speaking.
Sabrina Ho
Determined to bridge the gender gap in the workplace, Sabrina Ho founded Half The Sky (HTS), a career platform connecting women with equal-opportunity employers. Inspired by her own experiences in the recruitment industry, she built HTS to empower women professionals across 14 countries. Partnering with Fortune 500 companies like IBM, DBS Bank, and Cisco, Sabrina’s work is not just about advocacy—it’s about action. A LinkedIn Top Voice and a Prestige 40 under 40 honoree, she continues to drive meaningful change in the corporate world.
Julie Landau
For many women in tech, breaking through to executive roles remains a challenge. Julie Landau, a former VP at Alibaba and Capgemini, has dedicated her career to helping women shatter these barriers. Through her high-impact coaching programs, she empowers women to cultivate executive presence, command influence, and secure promotions. Her clients have transitioned from senior directors to C-suite roles, proving that with the right strategy, career growth is within reach. Julie’s mission is clear: to ensure talented women receive the recognition and leadership opportunities they deserve.
Dr. Nisha Abu Bakar
As a leading voice in sustainable tourism, Dr. Nisha Abu Bakar has spent over 25 years shaping the hospitality and MICE industries. A LinkedIn Top Voice and recipient of the Most Inspiring Woman in Travel (Asia) 2024 Award, she has dedicated her career to gender equality and leadership development. Through her Women We Watch in Tourism podcast, she spotlights female leaders, providing a platform for sharing stories of resilience, innovation, and industry transformation. Dr. Nisha’s expertise continues to influence policy and practice in tourism worldwide.
Tonya Tan
Recognized as a Top Womenpreneur in the Middle East & Asia, Tonya Tan has led global brands in retail and FMCG to unparalleled success. Her leadership has expanded businesses across five continents, scaling revenues from $1 million to $50 million. As a member of the Saudi-Singapore Business Council, she plays a pivotal role in fostering bilateral trade and introducing sustainable retail solutions. Beyond business, she is a dedicated mentor, shaping the next generation of leaders through executive coaching and industry mentorship.
Recognizing Women’s Impact and Influence
These women exemplify the power of passion, purpose, and perseverance. Their voices not only contribute to important conversations but also ignite meaningful change in their industries and communities. By breaking barriers and championing equity, they set an example for future generations to follow. Their work demonstrates that leadership is not just about individual success but also about lifting others and driving collective progress. Their journeys remind us that true progress comes from empowering diverse voices and fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
By amplifying their voices, we take a step toward a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead, inspire, and create meaningful change. Their achievements are not only milestones but also catalysts for greater transformation in society and beyond.
Highlights
Read the article in Chinese here.
