SMEs Speak | Ep. 2 - Philanthropy for Women in STEM

Hosted by AIP’s Isha Saxena, this episode features Poorvi Shah, CEO of Katalyst India, and Meera Rajeevan, COO of Vidyadhan, exploring what it will take to translate educational gains into sustained STEM careers for women in India. Drawing on their experience supporting young women across educational and professional transitions, they reflect on why gains in STEM education have not translated into sustained workforce participation. The conversation also explores the structural and social barriers driving these drop-offs, and the role philanthropy can play in strengthening retention, re-entry, and leadership pathways for women in STEM.