Empowering the Next Generation: IKEA Foundation CEO Honors Future Female Leaders at Lila Poonawalla Foundation Event

 A brighter future awaits talented girls from Pune’s underprivileged communities, thanks to the unwavering support of the Lila Poonawalla Foundation (LPF). With a focus on enabling these girls to pursue advanced degrees in science and beyond, Lila Poonawalla Foundation's scholarships are unlocking doors once closed due to financial hardship.

Per Heggens, CEO of the IKEA Foundation, and his wife Karen attended the scholarship award ceremony as special guests. A long-time advocate for LPF’s mission, Heggens reaffirmed his dedication to empowering young women by removing financial obstacles to education. Through IKEA Foundation, part of the Stichting INGKA Foundation, girls in numerous countries benefit from vital educational support that changes lives.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada’s Influence on Corporate Social Responsibility Trends in India

Lila Poonawalla, an influential corporate figure, co-founded the foundation with her husband Firoz, and proudly spoke of how these scholarships have led to remarkable achievements. Many LPF-supported women have gone on to build successful careers, positively impacting their families, communities, and contributing to global sustainability efforts.

Priti Khare, CEO of LPF, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to helping academically gifted girls from financially disadvantaged backgrounds become confident leaders. LPF offers more than just financial assistance; through scholarships, skill development programs, mentorship, and counseling, the foundation has helped 12,800 girls over the past 27 years, with support from corporate donors and partners.

Also Read: Abhay Bhutada: Leading the Financial Sector Evolution from Small Ventures to Corporate Leadership

The ceremony honored 128 girls from diverse yet humble backgrounds, including the daughters of farmers, drivers, and single parents. With plans to extend its reach even further this year, LPF will provide over 1,000 scholarships across Pune, Wardha, Amravati, Nagpur, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, uplifting even more young women to achieve their dreams.