Smt. Hekani Jakhalu is a Member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Advisor for Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland. A lawyer and social entrepreneur, she is the Founder of YouthNet and a recipient of the Nari Shakti Puraskar, conferred by the President of India. In 2023, she was elected as one of the first two women Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. She continues to champion entrepreneurship, MSME development, youth and women empowerment, and inclusive economic growth.