'Created Our Own Space': Women Leaders On Being India's Cultural Architects

At the SheThePeople Digital Women Awards & Summit 2025, creators, founders and innovators came together to spotlight the power of women disrupting industries that once excluded them. One of the standout sessions, "Individual to Industry Disruptor," brought together three trailblazing women building powerful creative ecosystems in comedy, art and AI.

The panel featured Jeeya Sethi, standup comic; Krishna Priya Akella, founder of Starbuzz.ai; and Miheeka Daggubati, founder of Mudita Tribe, Art Connect, and Boheim Studio. The discussion was moderated by Shaili Chopra, founder of SheThePeople and Gytree.

With the event's overarching theme, Lead The Leap, the conversation showcased how these women are stepping into spaces historically dominated by men, creating industries from scratch and forging communities that uplift others.

Building What Doesn’t Exist: Jeeya Sethi On Creating Safe Spaces For Women In Comedy

The comedy industry in India has long been male-dominated. Lineups, festivals and green rooms were mostly shaped by men. Jeeya Sethi, who has been performing for over 13 years, spoke about how women had to carve out their own opportunities.

“We had to create our own spaces. So, we opened women-only comedy rooms,” she shared. “Women producers, women behind the camera, everything led by women.”

From conducting all-women stand-up workshops to encouraging male producers to consistently include women on their lineups, Jeeya described the intentional push needed to transform the industry.

“There were women in the audience, but no women on stage. Today, every city has women doing comedy. That shift did not happen on its own. We made it happen.”

Jeeya also underlined the need for women to take up conversational and physical space. “If there is a room full of boys, they are not going to invite you into the conversation. You have to insert yourself. I tell women comics, go say hi, join in, speak up.”

Democratising Art: How Miheeka Daggubati Built a Cultural Ecosystem Rooted in Community

For art entrepreneur Miheeka Daggubati, accessibility is key. Her work began with creating Spirit, a cultural space, followed by Art Connect, a home-like gallery with a garden and library, welcoming everyone from first-time visitors to professional artists.

“Art should not feel intimidating,” she said. “We have showcased works priced from ₹13,000 to over ₹1 crore. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a student artist or someone discovering art for the first time.”

She explained that community is at the core of all her ventures. “The world is moving towards community building. People want a sense of belonging, not just platforms.”

AI as an Enabler, Not a Competitor: Krishna Priya on Data, Creativity and Taking Risks

Krishna Priya Akella, founder of Starbuzz.ai, is reshaping influencer marketing through data. Her platform helps brands evaluate influencers and celebrities based on real metrics and ROI.

“AI helps brands ask whether an influencer will deliver relevant returns. It is an enabler, not a competitor,” she explained. “For creators too, AI becomes a brainstorming buddy, giving them ideas, edits and ways to stand out.”

Krishna, an introvert by nature, spoke openly about how entrepreneurship has pushed her to embrace networking.
“If meeting people helps your business grow, you put your head down and do it. Focus on the end goal.”

She also emphasised emotional resilience. “Your biggest success and biggest setback can happen on the same day. You are human. Take a step back, breathe, journal. Be grateful for even one good thing that happened.”

Her final reminder reflected the heart of entrepreneurial learning. “We are conditioned to want success and avoid being wrong. But experimenting, failing and iterating is where the real growth happens.”

Sisterhood, Support Systems and Learning Not To Self-Reject

The conversation also highlighted how women often hesitate to take up space or handle rejection. Jeeya put it simply. “Women are not great with rejection. One no and we go home. Men move on without internalising it.”

Moderator Shaili Chopra added, “Do not self-reject because someone rejected you. Learn from men. Women need male champions, too.”

All three speakers acknowledged the significance of support networks, peers and family. These relationships often provided belief and encouragement at moments of doubt.

Across the panel, the message echoed: Start before you are ready. Take risks. Build communities. Take up space. Trust yourself.

The 11th edition of the Digital Women Awards and Summit celebrated this spirit of fearless ambition. Women are no longer waiting for permission to lead industries. They are building their own.

Views expressed by the author are their own.