The guidance from Ms Vanadhi Devi and recognition through the Budding Entrepreneur Award motivated me greatly. SIAWED helped me gain referrals, visibility, and valuable business support.
Ms KalyaniSIAWED Member & Awardee
25+Years of Experience
Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship
Southern Industrial Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Development (SIAWED) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering women through entrepreneurship, skill development, leadership, and economic opportunities.
Led by first-generation entrepreneurs with over 25 years of business leadership experience, SIAWED has been creating pathways for women to transform their ideas into successful enterprises — providing access to training, mentorship, networking market linkages and business support services.
We believe that when women thrive as entrepreneurs, families prosper, communities grow stronger, and economies become more inclusive.
SIAWED is guided by leaders who understand the entrepreneurial journey firsthand. The organization is spearheaded by Ms. T. Vanadhi Devi and Mr. R. K. Mohankumar — first-generation entrepreneurs who rose from humble beginnings in the remote villages of Southern Tamil Nadu to establish successful business ventures through determination, perseverance, and vision.
Their entrepreneurial experience is reinforced by the legacy of Vista Expedition, a globally connected freight forwarding and logistics enterprise with over 25 years of industry presence. The practical business knowledge, professional networks, and leadership insights gained through decades of entrepreneurship continue to strengthen SIAWED’s mission of nurturing and supporting women-owned enterprises.
Featured Article: Our Founder
Read the latest coverage about our founder's journey and vision.
Our Focus
Vision & Mission
Empowering Women. Connecting Markets. Creating sustainable Growth.Vision
Empowering women to become successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and contributors to a sustainable and inclusive economy.
Mission
To support women entrepreneurs through training, networking, mentorship, market access and business opportunities enabling them to build, grow and scale successful enterprises through SIAWED and WENBA Eco system.
Our Leadership
Meet the Team
Guided by leaders who understand the entrepreneurial journey firsthand, bringing decades of industry experience to empower the next generation of women leaders.
Ms Kavitha Kannabiran
SecretaryDedicated Secretary of SIAWED, ensuring smooth operations and strategic execution.
Ms J Uma Maheswari
Chief Co ordinatorChief Coordinator driving program initiatives and managing key organizational activities.
Ms Nandhini Saravanan
Regional Co ordinatorRegional Coordinator expanding SIAWED's reach and impact across local communities.
Mr S Sivakumar
System AdministratorSystem Administrator managing IT infrastructure and digital platforms for SIAWED.
Why Choose Us
What Makes our Impact Strong
We approach every initiative with compassion, operate with full transparency, and focus on creating sustainable impact that improves lives.Proven Legacy
Backed by 25+ years of entrepreneurial experience and 14+ years of dedicated service to women entrepreneurship development.
Holistic Business Support
Training, mentorship, networking, and market access — all under one ecosystem.
Market Access Through WENBA
Connecting women-owned businesses with buyers, corporates, and new markets.
Creating Impact Beyond Business
Empowering women entrepreneurs to drive economic independence and community growth.
Vendor Development
Supporting businesses in improving visibility, credibility, and readiness for larger market opportunities.
Events & Knowledge Sharing
Seminars, webinars, conferences, business meetups, and learning forums that encourage collaboration and growth.
Network
Partners & Affiliates
We collaborate with leading educational institutions to foster entrepreneurship and empower young women with business acumen.
CTTE college for Women
SembiumPartnerAvinashilingam University
CoimbatorePartnerVels University
PallavaramPast MOU partnerCED, Anna University
GuindyPast MOU PartnerDr MGR university
MaduravoyalCollaborative partnerRecognition
Our Awards
We are humbled by the recognition our initiatives have received, inspiring us to continue our mission with greater dedication.
2023
Excellence in Women Empowerment
National Entrepreneurship BoardRecognized for outstanding contribution to rural women entrepreneurship and SHG development.
2022
Best Skilling Initiative
Skill India AwardsAwarded for the WENBA program's innovative approach to market linkages.
2021
Community Impact Leader
Social Impact ForumHonored for creating sustainable livelihoods for over 1,000+ beneficiaries.
2020
NGO Transparency Seal
Credibility AllianceCertified for maintaining the highest standards of financial transparency and governance.
Testimonials
Voices of Real Impact
Hear from women entrepreneurs, educators, and partners whose lives have been shaped by the SIAWED ecosystem.
SIAWED is an amazing association for aspiring women entrepreneurs. The opportunities to connect, network, and grow together have been truly priceless.
Mrs ManjuFounder, Arigni Herbal Products
Creating safe workplaces, educating women, and training on job skills are key. SIAWED contributes significantly towards women's economic empowerment.
Dr K Deepa MalaFounder, Research & Action Centre
Through SIAWED, I received speaking opportunities, business leads, and recognition as Budding Entrepreneur of the Year 2017. Truly grateful for all the support.
Ms Deepika VDigital Marketer, Rajapalayam
SIAWED is a great platform for college students and aspiring women entrepreneurs to connect with industry professionals. I look forward to extending continued support.
Prof Dr Rama VaidyanathanDirector R&D, APJ Abdul Kalam Centre
This programme has been crafted with so much care. It is a great step towards entrepreneurship. I wish SIAWED scales greater heights — my college will stand with you every step.
Prof Dr Malathy SelvakkumarPrincipal, S.A. College of Arts & Science