Meet our Woman Crush: Entrepreneur Raeesa Bayat
"My work is
driven by a deep desire to uplift communities, empower women in business, and
support the startup sector through mentorship and workshops," says Raeesa Bayat.
This week, we're celebrating Raeesa Bayat as our Woman Crush Wednesday.
More than just a wife and mother of two young children, Bayat is a powerhouse in business, finance, and empowerment.
As the general manager of operations at Al Baraka Bank South Africa, she's dedicated to ethical banking and financial inclusion, helping uplift her community through accessible financial solutions.
Bayat is also the director of Startup Grind Durban, a movement that supports entrepreneurs in overcoming the challenges of starting and growing a business.
Through this platform, she creates opportunities for founders to connect, learn, and thrive alongside industry experts and like-minded individuals.
This movement sees founders and experts from various industries come together to help entrepreneurs build, boost and grow their brands with a network of like-minded people.
In addition, Bayat is the co-founder of Sizawena, a platform dedicated to giving artisans access to market opportunities, helping them formalise their businesses and reach a broader customer base.
"My work is driven by a deep desire to uplift communities,
empower women in business, and support the startup sector through mentorship
and workshops," says Bayat.
I am a wife and proud mother of two – a feisty four-year-old daughter and an adorable one-year-old son. Balancing motherhood with a full-time career and multiple projects is no easy feat, but it has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of leading with purpose. My family is my greatest source of strength and inspiration, constantly reminding me why I do what I do.
Bayat’s dedication to her community and leadership has earned her well-deserved recognition. She is a three-time recipient of the Women in Leadership Award from Al Baraka Bank.
She was nominated in the Community Development category for the 40 Under 40 South Africa Achiever in both 2024 and 2025, and was also a finalist for the Power Woman of the Year award at the Bloom Inside Out Annual Bio Summit Awards 2024.
In 2023, she was nominated for the Africa’s Under 40 CEOs award.
Bayat is proof that balancing family and career is no small feat, but with determination and passion, she makes it look effortless.
Learn more about her work with Startup Grind Durban by following their social media pages.
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