PANAJI
The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) Boston Executive Director, Rowena Kay Mascarenhas, a Goan hailing from Saligao, has been named to the Top Women Leaders of Washington DC for 2024 by Women We Admire, an organisation dedicated to recognising the achievements of exceptional women across industries, while inspiring others to continue their journey towards reaching their full potential.
In their announcement of this year’s awardees, Women We Admire writes, “Rowena has effectively steered multiple teams in implementing successful programs, crafting strategic frameworks, and influencing policy. Her passion lies in connecting and convening individuals to address contemporary challenges. Notably, Rowena places special emphasis on advancing the intersection of business and social impact, while also championing growth opportunities for women-led businesses.”
With a wealth of professional experience spanning more than two and a half decades, Rowena has been praised for demonstrating excellence in corporate, academic, and non-profit sectors. Her expertise extends across multicultural, local, and global environments, showcasing her proficiency in effective communication, partnership development, and relationship building.
“I’m blessed to be surrounded by an incredible community of thriving entrepreneurs at TiE Boston, who inspire me to be a better version of myself. And I am lucky to work with the most talented, committed and kindest team imaginable. Together, we have the opportunity to build a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs to innovate and scale across borders,” said Mascarenhas.
“As women leaders, we often find ourselves working doubly hard to prove our worth. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and strength of women leaders, and I am proud to be part of a community that fosters empowerment and collaboration,” says Rowena.
“I am immensely thankful to my mentors, especially the remarkable women, who have been a guiding light throughout my journey.”
Yash Shah, President of TiE Boston, and serial techpreneur said, “We are incredibly proud of Rowena Kay Mascarenhas for being named one of the Top Women Leaders of DC for 2024. Her dedication to building bridges and creating opportunities is truly inspiring. We look forward to her ongoing contributions and leadership.”
Said Boston-based Joe Falcão, VC and PE backed CFO and TIE Boston Angels Board Member: “Mascarenhas has been pivotal in enabling an entrepreneurship eco-system in Boston and connecting it to the global stage. I admire her grit, resourcefulness and passion for the entrepreneurial cause. Also, needless to say that she is very hardworking.”
Rowena's pivotal roles, prior to her current position at TiE Boston, were at the American India Foundation, Oxford University Press, and Crompton Greaves, and they underscore her diverse and accomplished career trajectory. She was the recipient of the WILL Choice Award in 2021.
Goa-based renowned photographer, curator and co-founder of the Delhi Photo Festival, Prashant Panjiar, says “I have been fortunate to have worked for many years in the field with Rowena when she headed communications at the American India Foundation and I worked as an independent photographer documenting their programs. She planned each of our trips meticulously so that the long hours we put into each assignment were used efficiently and yielded great results. She also was able to amplify the work produced in our field trips extensively, giving great visibility to AIF’s programs and its beneficiaries.”
Apart from her professional responsibilities at TiE Boston, Rowena finds fulfilment dedicating her time to volunteer on an urban farm and at DAWN Worldwide, a non-profit dedicated to reducing gender disparities.
Rowena takes great joy in adventure travelling, and spending time with her family and pets.
