Nengneithem Hengna
2023 Fellow
Founder, Runway Nagaland

Runway Nagaland is run by a team of women artisans working to preserve and promote the traditional art of handmade accessories. By creating employment and livelihood opportunities, their mission is to empower women artisans in Nagaland and promote locally-made jewelry.
Nengneithem Hengna, founder of Runway Nagaland, brings her corporate experience from Dabur India Pvt. Ltd and HDFC Life to this entrepreneurial journey that she began in 2013 after graduating with a degree in Political Science Honors from Delhi University.
Runway Nagaland has been honored with numerous awards, including an award from the Ministry of Textile, Government of India, the FLO Women Achiever Award from FICCI FLO, and an award from the Export Promotional Council for Handicrafts for participation in the 16th Indian Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Show. In addition, the company has been recognized by the Women Resource Development Department, Government of Nagaland, the 7th Assam Rifles and Act of Kindness Society, and was selected as one of the ten women-led ventures in India to be a part of the Impact Hub Berlin initiative. Runway Nagaland has been studied by Professor Dr. Neelam Rani from IIM Shillong and has been published. Additionally, the company’s journey has been covered by ZEE Studios.