From corporate stages to social change, Sonakshi Vashistha empowers women by transforming event management into a mission of purpose and progress.
In the high-octane world of corporate events—where timelines are tight and expectations sky-high—it’s easy to overlook the people behind the curtain. But Sonakshi Vashistha, founder of Shakti for Making a Difference, is no stranger to the spotlight, even if she prefers letting her work speak for itself.
Her story begins with a solid foundation in executing marquee events.
“I was fortunate to work on major corporate events like the IPL, the Rajasthan Royals team launch, Times of India, Panasonic, Apollo, Birla, Ambuja Cement, and many others,” Sonakshi shares.
It was a fast-paced, competitive environment—but for Sonakshi, it was the perfect launchpad.
However, the drive for something more kept tugging at her.
“I wanted to do something creative,” she says simply.
That creative itch—combined with a deeper desire to build something meaningful—would ultimately evolve into a mission-led venture empowering women from underserved backgrounds.
Founded under the name Shakti for Making a Difference, Sonakshi’s venture began in the domain she knew best—event management. But there was a twist: she hired primarily female staff, many with little to no prior experience.
“I noticed there were very few women in this field,” she explains. “It was a real gap—both in terms of representation and trust. People were hesitant to believe that an all-female team could pull off high-stakes events. That was one of our biggest challenges.”
And yet, challenge turned into fuel.
Through consistent performance, Shakti Events proved skeptics wrong—over and over again.
“We delivered the best possible outcomes,” Sonakshi says with quiet confidence. “And that made a remarkable impact on our credibility.”
One of their biggest breakthroughs came early on: the launch event for Rajasthan Royals, the IPL cricket team.
“It was a milestone moment. It gave us visibility and a chance to showcase what an all-woman team could really do.”
While the company’s roots are in event production, its mission has always run deeper. Over time, Shakti for Making a Difference evolved into a socially-driven enterprise empowering women from humble backgrounds—offering them employment, training, and a platform to grow.
“We’re not just about events anymore,” Sonakshi explains. “We are building pathways for women—many of whom never imagined they’d be leading client meetings or running show logistics. It’s about giving them the tools and the stage.”
It’s this blend of commercial acumen and social responsibility that makes Shakti stand out. In an industry often driven by profit margins and glamour, Sonakshi’s approach offers something refreshingly different: a commitment to impact that’s baked into the business model.
For Sonakshi, the entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its hurdles.
“Gender bias was—and still is—a major challenge,” she admits. “In our early days, we struggled with being taken seriously. There was skepticism around whether an all-women team could handle production-heavy events.”
But time and results spoke louder than doubts.
With each successful event, from corporate launches to cultural festivals, the Shakti team began to shift perceptions—one gig at a time. Their attention to detail, reliability, and creative execution gradually earned them both respect and repeat clients.
“Trust was the biggest hurdle. Once we earned that, the momentum followed.”
Looking ahead, Sonakshi’s ambitions stretch far beyond the borders of India.
“In the next five years, we want to take Shakti to the international stage,” she says. “Whether it’s producing global events or creating partnerships with NGOs focused on female empowerment—we see ourselves as a platform with worldwide potential.”
It’s a bold vision, but one that aligns with the founder’s trajectory. From executing some of India’s biggest brand events to creating job opportunities for women who once lacked economic agency, Sonakshi has proven that scaling with purpose is not just possible—it’s powerful.
For aspiring entrepreneurs—especially women—Sonakshi has some candid advice.
“Don’t wait to be perfect before you begin. We started with little experience, but we had the intent to create something different. That made all the difference.”
She emphasizes grit over glamour, noting that entrepreneurship is more about perseverance than perfection.
“It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and staying committed to your why.”
Another core insight from her journey?
“The biggest breakthroughs often come after the biggest doubts. Don’t let those moments define you. Let your work do that.”
Sonakshi’s work doesn’t just inspire—it activates.
For every event the company pulls off, there’s a ripple effect: another woman trained, another career launched, another stereotype dismantled.
In a world saturated with startups chasing the next valuation milestone, Shakti for Making a Difference is a refreshing reminder of what business can be when it’s rooted in values, vision, and verve.
Whether you're looking to collaborate, book the team for your next big event, or support a mission-led business that’s transforming lives—now is the time to connect with Shakti.
👉 Follow Sonakshi on Instagram:@Sonakshi Vashistha
👉 Connect on LinkedIn:Sonakshi Vashistha
📧 For inquiries:vashistha.sonakshi@gmail.com
Let Sonakshi’s journey be your reminder:
When you lead with purpose, the world pays attention.
I am an entrepreneur, marketer, and mentor with a certification in entrepreneurship from IIT Delhi, one of the most prestigious institutions in India. I have a passion for connecting businesses with their ideal customers, solving real-world problems, and inspiring the next generation of founders.I founded and lead DevoByte, a digital marketing agency that provides a range of services, from SEO a
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