CEO Dr. Shehla Javed Akram was interviewed by “Hailey’s Talk with Legends” team at Hailey College of Commerce, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
Dr. Shehla Javed is the Founder President of – Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) and the first female Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). She is on the board of PAMCO and TEVTA and a syndicate member of the University of Home Economics, Tianjin University, and National Skill University. She remains Director of the Punjab Commission on Status of Women and Ambassador for International Women (OPS). As an entrepreneur herself, she is the CEO of Akram Medical Complex, JS Developers and Don Valley Pharmaceuticals.
For her momentous contributions, she was awarded the lifetime achievement award by the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi in 2020 and the Governor Award by Governor Punjab, Ch. Muhammad Sarwar in 2021. She was also recently honoured with Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah Award.
During her interview, she discussed her journey to become a consultant nutrition and then one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. Dr. Shehla elucidated the need for the development of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI), its importance, and its services for female entrepreneurs. She highlighted the contemporary socio-economic and cultural environment of the country, problems faced by women, and the opportunities available to them. She also explained about the available resource for youngsters like the Kamyab Jawan Program, support services of WCCI, and various Incubation Centers. While discussing the participation of females in professional and business activities, she urged the students to come forward and take lead in such activities.
