How a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry fearlessly voices her opinions and champions change, changing the landscape for everyone

By Divya Momaya, Founder & Neha Shah, co founder, MentorMyBoard

In the traditionally male-dominated world of corporate governance, two women—Divya Momaya and Neha Shah—stepped into boardrooms not to blend in, but to stand out. Their presence wasn’t quiet or cautious. It was purposeful, clear, and grounded in a shared belief that the silence surrounding women in leadership needed to be broken. With distinct professional journeys and a unified vision, they set out to challenge outdated norms and create a new narrative—one where women not only have a seat at the table, but a strong, respected voice in shaping the future of India Inc.

In our individual careers, we witnessed glaring gaps. With years of experience as a Company Secretary, Divya Momaya saw firsthand how many board members were unaware of their responsibilities — not because they lacked interest, but because there was no structured platform guiding them. Compliance, ethics, governance — these weren’t just technicalities. They were what held companies together. And yet, the knowledge to navigate them was out of reach for many, especially women who were often appointed for token representation rather than meaningful participation.

From the lens of HR and leadership development, Neha Shah observed a different but equally troubling pattern. Women professionals, despite their capabilities, were constantly second-guessed. Their ideas were often dismissed, their voices often drowned. Belief in potential wasn’t enough — what was needed was an environment that nurtured, supported, and amplified it. That’s where the idea for MentorMyBoard was born.

We didn’t want to just launch another leadership program. We wanted to build a movement. MentorMyBoard was created as a vibrant ecosystem where board members could learn, evolve, and lead with confidence. From governance audits to regulatory training, from ethics to sustainability, we made sure our offerings were not just informative but transformative. We wanted to create boardrooms that were not only compliant but compassionate, not only strategic but inclusive.

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The Women Directors’ Conclave was one of our proudest initiatives — not just an event, but a declaration. A space where women who had long been present but unheard could finally speak, connect, and lead. We also launched WOMB — Women on Management and Boards — a platform that helps women rise not by accident but by design. Because leadership isn’t about luck. It’s about preparation. It’s about knowledge. It’s about courage.

There were challenges, of course. We’ve both had people advise us to be less opinionated, less assertive, more “fitting” to the system. But we’ve also had countless young professionals, aspiring leaders, and fellow women reach out, thanking us for the work, the voice, and the change. That’s what keeps us going.

As Divya often says, “The boardroom isn’t just where decisions are made — it’s where culture is shaped. If we don’t have diversity in that room, we’re shaping a future that still looks like the past.” And as Neha adds, “Gender bias starts in the mind. But with knowledge and clarity, you can shift mindsets — including your own.”

To every woman reading this, especially those stepping into spaces not built for them: don’t wait to be invited to the table. Don’t wait for permission to speak. If the space doesn’t exist, create it. If the silence feels heavy, break it. Your voice might be the one that not only opens doors for you but for many others after you. This is not just our journey. It’s a shared movement of voices rising together — with purpose, with empathy, and with fearless conviction