Honouring Achievement, Ambition, and Leadership
On March 7th, 2025, the Tamil Institute for Leadership Excellence (TILE) proudly hosted Mangai 2025, our flagship International Women’s Day event — and this year’s celebration soared to new heights.
Held in central London, the evening brought together over 150 attendees, including professionals, creatives, academics, students, and community changemakers. This wasn’t just a gathering — it was a celebration of achievement, identity, and resilience, centred on the excellence and impact of Tamil women in diverse sectors.
With panel discussions, networking, food, music, and a DJ-led after-party, Mangai 2025 created an atmosphere of empowerment and joy, uniting people in support of Tamil women’s journeys and futures.
This Year’s Speakers: Voices that Inspire Change
Sripadma – Bharatanatyam Dancer, Choreographer, Dance-Science Researcher
A leading voice in the intersection of classical arts and science, Sripadma is a PhD researcher at the University of Roehampton pioneering work on injury prevention in Bharatanatyam. A disciple of Guru Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam and Smt. Lalitha Ganapathi, her choreography, such as Sakiye Rowthiram Pazhagu, promotes self-defense through art. She also founded Muthamizh Kalai Kuzhu to teach Tamil folk arts and support women’s well-being across the UK and Europe.
Britta – AI Entrepreneur & Educator
From Goldman Sachs sales to data science and AI-driven healthcare, Britta’s career reflects adaptability, innovation, and vision. She now lectures in data science to empower individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to enter top-tier firms like Google, Siemens, and PwC. Her journey blends corporate insight with a passion for inclusive technology.
Sheka – Metropolitan Police Officer & Community Advocate
Leaving behind a corporate career post-COVID, Sheka joined the Metropolitan Police to better represent the communities it serves. A mother of two and active member of her East London church, she is committed to diversity, inclusion, and reshaping perceptions around public service and policing in multicultural Britain.
Raagavi – Product Analyst & Community Builder
With a background in chemical engineering and product management, Raagavi’s journey from India to the UK was both professional and personal transformation. Now based in Manchester, she champions migrant voices and is working to create stronger community support networks, especially for those starting over in a new country.
Thivyaa – Artist, Activist, and Academic
A queer, Eelam Tamil multidisciplinary artist and doctor, Thivyaa uses creativity to address silenced topics such as intergenerational trauma, misogyny, and sexuality. Her work highlights the intersections of identity, mental health, and justice, offering powerful reflections on healing and visibility within the Tamil diaspora.
Changavy – Strategy Consultant, Entrepreneur, and Former NHS Doctor
With an MBBS and a management degree from Imperial College, Changavy moved from medicine into strategic consulting. She also founded a med-tech startup improving diabetes care and was selected as an NHS Clinical Entrepreneur. Her drive, innovation, and global perspective make her a standout example of Tamil excellence.
A Night of Connection, Culture, and Celebration
Hosted by the dynamic Vasuki Sellathurai, the evening flowed with purpose and energy — from powerful talks to community connections, and eventually into a vibrant after-party filled with dance and joy. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous Tamil menu, lively networking, and a chance to unwind and celebrate with music that brought everyone to the dance floor.
Moving Forward Together
Mangai 2025 reaffirmed TILE’s mission: to amplify Tamil women’s voices, celebrate their impact, and create platforms for leadership and innovation. We extend our deepest thanks to the organising team, led by Vasuki and Vaitheki, and to our volunteers, sponsors, and speakers, whose passion made this event an unforgettable success. Manibarath facilitated with sponsorship and fundraising coordination.
As we look to the future, Mangai continues to grow — not just as an event, but as a movement. A movement that celebrates boldness, recognises effort, and builds bridges between generations, industries, and communities.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next chapter.
