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Tech Alchemists: The Inspiring Haque Sisters

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Minu Sirsalewala
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Haque Sisters

Farzana Haque is one of the leading voices globally and influencers on building large organizations, women empowerment, technology, youth development, and education. Farhana Haque, on the other hand, is a resilient leader with a keen eye on future technologies, a seasoned professional in business consultation and P&L management. Both sisters have achieved remarkable milestones in their respective careers and have made it their mission to empower women, uplift society, and drive change at a global level.

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The Confluence of Dreams and Determination

Farzana and Farhana's saga begins in a world where girls were often told to dream within the confines of tradition. Their father and mother had a different vision for their daughters. They understood that, in a world still skewed against women, education was the key to emancipation and these two sisters embarked on their transformative journey, each chapter etched in hard work, fortitude, and hope.

Despite daily challenges, they learned resilience. Society said "the sky's the limit", they aimed higher. Education was a necessity, Farzana Haque insisted. Their journey mastered battling prejudice. Skeptics saw "girls", they saw brilliance and strength.

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Farzana: Rising at TCS

Farzana's journey led her to the tech giant, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). In the testosterone-charged world of technology, she was an anomaly. With the heart of a lioness and the mind of a brilliant innovator, she made her mark. A journey that began when she joined the TATA group as a management trainee and steadily climbed the ranks as a Senior Leader at TCS, she has played a crucial role in the transformation and institutional building of the organization,

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A humanitarian-at-heart, Farzana is not only a successful businesswoman but also a passionate advocate for gender and pay equality, women's economic empowerment, and women's representation on corporate boards. Her commitment to fostering women entrepreneurs and leaders is evident through her involvement with the organization Greater 50, where she collaborates to contribute to the development of strong women in business. She has many transformational & institutional building roles to her credit.

As an Angel Investor and mentor to numerous entrepreneurs worldwide, Farzana's vast network has allowed her to empower aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike. She serves on various boards, including those of global women-centric funds, and is an investor in women-led startups and organizations, solidifying her reputation as a global brand ambassador for Catalyst for Women Entrepreneurs.

She has been invited over the years to do plenary sessions and keynotes at Harvard, Stanford, MIT, LBS, and Wharton. She is also on the Board of Glendale Academy - that is helping build future leaders and is a patron of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and The Julliard School in NYC.

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Her ascent wasn't just about conquering a corporate ladder; it was about dismantling an entire patriarchal structure. Farzana became a symbol of hope for women in the tech world, and her words echo in the hearts of every aspiring woman in technology: "Your gender should never be a limitation. If you have the skills, the vision, and the determination, you can break through any glass ceiling."

Farzana's tireless work in advancing women in technology saw her champion diversity and inclusion. Her legacy is not merely defined by her position but by the opportunities she's unlocked for countless women. She stands as an embodiment of what happens when a woman is not merely treated as a pretty face but recognized for her formidable intellect.

Haque works and divides her time between her homes in NYC and London and is a mother of two boys.

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Farhana: Illuminating Microsoft

Farhana Haque is a prominent technology leader who has played a significant role in building large-scale companies, advocating STEM education, and driving innovation. She is a resilient leader with a sharp focus on upcoming technologies. Currently, Farhana is serving as the Senior Director for Cloud Solutions for Manufacturing and Conglomerates at Microsoft India, where her visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering a network of partners to architect their digital growth strategy. Previously, she worked as the Modern Work Leader for the country, spearheading the widespread adoption of the Modern Work platform among India's major enterprises, thereby making it Microsoft's largest cloud deployment.

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With over 20 years of experience in business consultation and P&L management, Farhana has held significant leadership positions at business organizations of international repute. Before joining Microsoft, she was VP and Business Head for IoT at Vodafone Business Services, where she was responsible for managing the P&L for IoT. During her tenure, Vodafone Business Services received the prestigious IoT Business of the Year Award.

Farhana's career trajectory also includes a substantial period at IBM Global Business Services, where she drove business process transformation, revenue generation, and profitability for key manufacturing and retail clients. Her multifaceted expertise in technology, marketing, and sales has consistently proven instrumental in driving strategic growth.

Apart from her professional achievements, Farhana is an accomplished artist and a mentor for startups in IoT, Telco, and digital innovation. She is committed to giving back to society and has collaborated with local NGOs on diverse social and economic initiatives during her time at CSC Peru, leveraging her IBM experience. Farhana's commitment to shaping a more inclusive and equitable future extends to her service on the advisory board for influential initiatives such as FICCI Empowering Women – Empowering India and Women Inspired World. Additionally, she lends her expertise to the Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) at K. J. Somaiya Institute of Engineering and Information Technology, Mumbai, and actively supports organizations that champion STEM education for women and girls.While Farzana soared at TCS, her sister Farhana embarked on her own remarkable journey. Farhana is a resilient leader with a keen eye on future technologies. As the Senior Director for Cloud Solutions for Manufacturing and Conglomerates at Microsoft India, her visionary leadership has been pivotal in nurturing a network of partners to architect their digital growth strategy. In her preceding role, she served as the Modern Work Leader for the country, orchestrating the widespread adoption of the Modern Work platform among India's major enterprises, thereby solidifying it as Microsoft's largest cloud deployment.

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A Heart Committed to Compassion

What sets Farzana and Farhana apart is not just their professional accomplishments but their commitment to making thes world a better place, especially for women. They have made it their life's mission to be a lifeline for women across different strata of society, helping them rise above the challenges that often seek to confine them.

"Our parents are our North stars," Farzana and Farhana emphasize. "They instilled in us values of hard work every single day, no matter what. We both had to put in consistent hard work, talent, great resonance, and the ability to persevere, irrespective of what was happening in our lives. We both have it in our DNA to put in hard work and perseverance."

Their magnanimity is not limited to their accomplishments at work but is evident in their numerous initiatives to support and empower women. The Haque sisters actively mentor and advocate for the next generation of women leaders, believing that the world needs more voices and talents to drive change.

In a world brimming with stories of triumph and inspiration, few tales are quite like that of Farzana and Farhana Haque. They reflect, "Our parents' belief in us, is our true power. We have always worked to be able to contribute to things that matter to us. Careers are a testimony of faith. Building a global community requires a lot of mental strength. There are tough and rough days, but you need to dig deeper and persevere."

In High Demand on Global Platforms

Farzana and Farhana's character and contributions shine not only in their deeds but also in the global recognition they've received. They are sought-after speakers on prestigious platforms, from international tech conferences to women's empowerment events. Their words resonate, not just because of their accomplishments, but because they speak from the heart, sharing experiences and wisdom that have the power to inspire and uplift.

"When you are self-made, you understand the struggles and the challenges better," they express. "You come to help and inspire others with what you have learned. Farhana and I are a strong support system and strength for each other. We are also blessed with a very strong inner world of friends who support and cheer us. When we fail, they are there for us. Farzana and I are always trying to do things that are close to our family and our heart."

A Symphony of Inspiration

The story of Farzana and Farhana Haque is not just a narrative of professional triumphs but a testament to the profound character of these remarkable women.

In a world that often elevates wealth and power, the character of Farzana and Farhana stands as a shining example of what true success means. They have shattered the notion that success must be accompanied by arrogance or indifference. Instead, they have shown that it can be accompanied by kindness, humility, and a burning desire to make the world a better place.

Farzana and Farhana Haque have chosen to use their success as a force for good, and in doing so, they have become living legends that inspire awe and admiration around the world. Their journey is a testament to the power of education, empowerment, and character in breaking barriers and shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

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