Eighteen women across more than 10 industries have been recognised with winning titles at the 2025 South Asian Women Business Awards Australia. 

Hosted by the recently-established South Asian Foundation of Australia (SAFA), the black-tie event brought South Asian business leaders, changemakers and community members together to celebrate the award recipients, as well as each category’s finalists. As SAFA’s inaugural event, the June 7 ceremony’s main aim was to recognise powerhouse women behind South Asian-owned and operated businesses in Australia “who are shaping industries and making a difference in our communities”. 

“For too long, tradition dictated that we remain confined to domestic spheres or with traditional professional roles,” said Vithyaa Thavapalan, Founder and CEO of the South Asian Foundation Australia, in a media statement provided to Draw Your Box.

“Yet these extraordinary women refused to accept the limitations; they launched businesses, led industries, and built communities. I hope these awards inspire future generations to follow their dreams rather than chasing their parents’ dreams.

“These awards are more than trophies and certificates; they are a declaration to the world that the cultural and gender norms that once confined women, no longer define or stop us. That as South Asian women we are strong and capable of anything.” 

An avid businesswoman herself – the founder of The Events House and Forensic Origin & Cause Investigations – Vithyaa’s vision to curate this event also comes after seven years of running Brown Boss Babes – an organisation that connects and celebrates South Asian women through professional and social events for almost seven years.

“With Brown Boss Babes, I created a table,” Vithyaa told Draw Your Box last month. “With the new foundation South Asian Foundation of Australia, I am building a house, and the awards are our launch to the world.” 

She added that hosting an event of this scale wouldn’t be possible without the support of sponsors who have recognised the importance of celebrating South Asian women in business. “The awards would not have been possible without the support of our Platinum and Title Sponsor Commonwealth Bank and our Gold Sponsors; Australian Backpackers, AI Consulting Group, Community Migrant Resource Centre, Improve Your Move Physio, Punar, Crino Design & Print and Forensic Origin and Cause Investigations,” she said.  

Here is the full list of winners of the 2025 South Asian Women Business Awards Australia: 

2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Pragaa Ganesh

Finalists: Krish Waje, Hamna Baloch and Yesha Patel

2025 Business Woman of the Year Manpreet Sekhon

Finalists: Anusha Haran, Helani Sarath Kumara and Uppma Virdi

2025 Global Business Woman of the Year Jaspreet Dhillon

Finalists: Megha Tripathi and Gayesha Vidushini Sadees Kumar

Industry Awards

Beauty Business of the Year: Lajeen Artistry
Education & Training Business of the Year: Get Fit Janani
Fashion Business of the Year: Gather & Stitch Couture
Food Business of the Year: Sangee’s Kitchen
Health Business of the Year: Umeed Psychology
Not-For-Profit of the Year: Pink Sari Inc
Performing Arts Business of the Year: Chandralaya School of Dance Professional Business of the Year: DG Dreams
Real Estate & Property Business of the Year: JK Buyers Advocate Retail Business of the Year: Behue Beauty
Social Enterprise of the Year: Goods 4 Good
Specialised Business of the Year: Sai Garlands
Sustainable Business of the Year: Kifaayat
Technology & Innovative Business of the Year: Foboh
Wellness Business of the Year: Mindkshetra

Top image source: Supplied/Serava Marketing