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Leila Veerasamy

Former Founder of PANI Swimwear - Thought leader on Sustainable fashion - UNWomen Industry Disruptor program Incubatee

Professional Background

Leila Veerasamy is an inspiring global citizen, possessing an impressive and diverse background that spans several countries and industries. Having spent her formative years in France and Mauritius, she cultivated a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. This unique upbringing laid the groundwork for her later pursuits in global sustainability and ethical fashion. Leila's educational journey took her to Brown University in the United States, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Development Economics and International Development. This academic experience not only honed her analytical skills but also provided her with a strong foundation in understanding the intricate dynamics of global markets and development issues.

In 2018, Leila embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by founding PA.NI Swimwear, one of India’s pioneering sustainable fashion swimwear brands. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability, Leila curated a supply chain that incorporates recycled materials such as Econyl and promotes responsible manufacturing practices. Her dedication to fostering ethical supply chains is commendable, as she emphasizes the importance of artisan-crafted accessories, showcasing her commitment to preserving traditional crafts while promoting modern consumer values. Through PA.NI, Leila is significantly contributing to the promotion of circularity in the fashion industry, ensuring that both production and consumption processes are environmentally friendly.

In 2021, Leila made the strategic decision to return to France, where she continues to nurture and grow PA.NI with a talented team of motivated women driving its mission forward. Her entrepreneurial journey has not only equipped her with comprehensive knowledge of the operational aspects of running a business but has also enriched her understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the sustainability space. Leila's expertise in sustainable and ethical fashion positions her as a valuable mentor and collaborator for other brands and organizations aiming to transition towards more responsible practices.

Education and Achievements

Leila's educational accomplishments deserve recognition, as she achieved the highest honors in her high school mathematics program at Lycée La Bourdonnais. This early success in academics set the stage for her pursuit of higher education at one of the prestigious Ivy League institutions—Brown University. Through her studies in Development Economics and International Development, she gained critical insights into how economic frameworks can help shape sustainable development while addressing the pressing social issues of our time.

Professional Experience

Leila's professional journey is marked by a series of impactful internships and leadership roles that further enrich her expertise. Early on, she served as an Investment Team Intern at Aavishkaar, where she collaborated on financial modeling and analysis related to investments in sustainable enterprises. This experience reinforced her analytical abilities while fostering her passion for supporting social impact initiatives.

Additionally, her role as an Intern at Dasra, a leading social organization in India, allowed her to deepen her understanding of social entrepreneurship. Leila's commitment to fostering social change did not end there; she also gained valuable insights as a Summer Analyst at Reliance Capital and an Insight Analyst at Endeavor. These experiences not only provided her with valuable insights into the inner workings of finance but also complemented her vision of integrating sustainability within business practices.

Throughout her academic journey, Leila demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as the Chairperson of the Undergraduate Finance Board at Brown University. Her ability to lead and inspire peers in this role showcases her dedication to empowering others and her commitment to financial literacy. Furthermore, her tenure as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of French Studies reflects her passion for bridging cultures and languages—skills that are extremely vital in today’s interconnected world.

Commitment to Sustainability

Leila Veerasamy's career trajectory reveals a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. She is eager to leverage her wealth of knowledge and experience to support companies and brands in the realms of sustainability, ethical fashion, and luxury beauty. By integrating principles such as transparency, circularity, and sustainability into the operations of organizations, Leila aspires to be at the forefront of shaping a future where responsible practices dominate the industry. Her goal is to investigate and implement frameworks that enhance local value chains and promote consumer awareness, ultimately driving positive change in the fashion and beauty sectors.

Leila is particularly focused on the intersections of sustainability, consumer beha

Highlights

Mar 23 · linkedin

🚀 How we set up a scalable database in record time! 🚀

Hi Linkedin friends, I’ve got some exciting news!

I'm thrilled to be part of Whaly (YC S21)'s upcoming webinar on March 29th to share my experience on developing the data strategy for our SaaS company in circular fashion!

As Chief of Staff at CrushON, I was closely involved in this project and witnessed firsthand the advantages it can bring to businesses, especially at an early-stage.

I'm confident that this webinar - and Anna Lorentz's insightful questions - will be incredibly useful for companies looking to improve their data management. 💡

The webinar is free to attend and open to all on March 29th at 2:30 PM (CET).  Click on the following link to register: https://lnkd.in/g2hxb9MJ

So excited to share some of my learnings with you. If you can't make it, be sure to register anyway to receive the replay. 💌


🚀Comment j’ai mis en place une base de données scalable en un temps record 🚀

J’ai le plaisir d’être l'intervenante du prochain webinaire de Whaly (YC S21) le 29 mars afin de partager mon expérience sur la mise en place d'une base de données scalable en un rien de temps. En tant que Chief of Staff chez CrushON, j'ai été étroitement impliquée dans ce projet et j'ai pu constater directement les avantages qu'il peut apporter aux entreprises. Je suis convaincue que ce webinaire sera extrêmement utile pour celles et ceux qui cherchent à améliorer leur gestion de données. 💡

Le webinaire est gratuit et ouvert à tous·tes. Rendez-vous  le 29 mars à 14h30 (CET) !

Par ici pour s'inscrire : https://lnkd.in/g2hxb9MJ

Je suis impatiente de partager mon expérience avec vous ! Si vous ne pouvez pas assister au webinaire, assurez-vous de vous inscrire quand même pour recevoir le replay. 💌

Related Questions

How did Leila Veerasamy's upbringing in France and Mauritius shape her perspective on sustainability?
What inspired Leila to start PA.NI Swimwear as one of India’s first sustainable fashion brands?
In what ways does Leila leverage her experience at Brown University in her current pursuits?
What are some of the key challenges Leila faced while integrating sustainability into her business practices at PA.NI?
How does Leila envision the future of ethical fashion and sustainability within the global market?
What strategies does Leila employ to nurture and grow her team at PA.NI Swimwear?
How can other companies learn from Leila’s approach to circularity and transparency in supply chains?
In what ways has Leila's diverse professional background influenced her understanding of global sustainability?
What values does Leila prioritize when investigating local value chains and consumer roles in sustainable practices?
How does Leila plan to utilize her expertise in management consulting to promote sustainability within luxury beauty brands?
Leila Veerasamy
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Location

Paris, Île-de-France, France