International Women's Forum Honors Leena Nair With Scholarship for Future Leaders

The International Women's Forum (IWF) has made a significant announcement, awarding a scholarship in honor of Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel, as part of its ongoing commitment to advancing women's leadership. This scholarship is a recognition of Nair's exceptional contributions to the industry and her inspirational career, particularly highlighted by her recent receipt of the inaugural Leadership Fellows Program Distinguished Alumna Award.

The first recipient of this scholarship is Natasha Latiff, an accomplished international human rights lawyer who co-founded two impactful nonprofit organizations: Strategic Advocacy for Human Rights and Women for Justice Afghanistan. Latiff’s work in advocating for human rights speaks volumes of her dedication and ambition to create lasting change, making her a fitting choice to receive the scholarship, which will facilitate her participation in the 2025-2026 Leadership Fellows Program.

This program aims to empower women leaders by providing them with opportunities to enhance their leadership capabilities and advance to C-suite positions across various sectors. This year, Latiff will join an elite cohort of 38 women leaders from 11 different countries, spanning fields from healthcare to finance and technology.

In a heartfelt statement, Stephanie O'Keefe, IWF Chief Executive Officer, articulated the connection between Latiff's mission and Nair's influential leadership style, noting that Latiff embodies the holistic and purpose-driven business approach that Nair exemplifies. She stated, “Ms. Latiff's work reflects Leena Nair's purposeful, holistic business approach and the work of Fondation CHANEL which supports millions of women and girls around the world to shape their own destiny.”

Leena Nair herself expressed deep gratitude for the honor, emphasizing the importance of women supporting women in their professional journeys. She remarked, “It is my hope that this scholarship will help another woman pursue her dreams and make an impact, just as I was encouraged through the IWF Fellows programme over a decade ago.” Nair’s emphasis on mentorship and community underlines your commitment to lifting fellow women as they pursue their careers.

The Leadership Fellows Program is unique, founded nearly 32 years ago, and has nurtured over 820 alumnae from 59 countries. It is designed to dismantle the barriers that have historically impeded women from achieving leadership roles. Research has shown that inadequate leadership training, limited access to professional networks, and a scarcity of mentors pose significant barriers to women’s advancement. This program not only provides the necessary training but also fosters valuable relationships and support systems that enable women to thrive.

With leaders like Natasha Latiff emerging from this program, the future for women in leadership looks promising. Latiff expressed great hopes for using the fellowship opportunity to amplify her mission of strengthening international justice for women and vulnerable communities, particularly in regions marked by conflict and political instability. She noted, “The IWF Leadership Fellows Program is an invaluable opportunity to reimagine women's leadership, carry this mission forward, and contribute to a global community of women leaders.”

As the IWF continues to build its global network, with over 8,400 prominent women leaders across 76 forums in 35 countries, it remains committed to championing women’s leadership today and for the future. The connection between inspirational leaders like Leena Nair and emerging advocates like Natasha Latiff illustrates the powerful impact of mentorship and community in breaking barriers and reshaping the landscape of leadership.

Conclusion

The International Women's Forum's honor of Leena Nair through this scholarship is not merely a tribute to her outstanding accomplishments but a vital contribution towards creating pathways for future women leaders. With initiatives like the Leadership Fellows Program, IWF ensures that the legacy of women supporting women thrives, ultimately shaping a more equitable future in leadership.
For more details about the International Women’s Forum and its programs, visit their official website at IWF.