Advocacy for DEI and Destigmatizing Disability
What is the importance of inclusion? From my own experience, initiating discussions and debate around the idea of diversity in school has proved an essential springboard for positive change. For example, this year, I was selected for my school’s academic council, where I promote dialogue around inclusive education. Being selected for such a role not only made me feel like my ideas and opinions matter but also brought a new perspective to the table, enriching conversations about academic talent and inclusion. Whether it be my school’s academic council or national structures and policies, every time a new voice gets added to the community, the meaning of diversity evolves. To lead and initiate such structural changes, my advocacy acts to serve as a reminder that diversity is a continuously evolving spectrum
I am very proud to share my list of ever-growing work in Advocacy for DEI and Destigmatizing Disability that I have achieved so far!
NASSCOM Leadership Event, Jun 2024
NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies) is Inda’s foremost trade association and advocacy group for the Indian technology industry. They organised a leadership event for Women in Technology at which I was invited to speak. I received thundering applause as I addressed senior leaders from industry and spoke about the importance of kindness and empathy in fostering a culture of inclusion at the workplace.
Girl Up, United Nations Foundation, Oct 2023
Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation initiative, focuses on girl-centred leadership development, promoting equity in underrepresented spaces. With a global network of affiliates, they impact 200,000 girls and youth leaders in 152 countries, advancing gender justice worldwide.
I hosted an INSPIRE Session at the Girl Up Leadership Summit: Future 2030 on Disability Rights. The roundtable was an intimate, educational, and engaging space.
NASSCOM Podcast, May 2023
NASSCOM, India’s leading industry association for the $245 billion technology sector, supports its advancement through policy advocacy and strategic direction, aiming to unleash its potential and drive innovation.
I had the honor of being featured in NASSCOM’s inaugural podcast episode, part of their #TogetherWithNASSCOM series. The episode focused on “Making Space for Neurodiversity at the Workplace: The GenZ Perspective,” highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in building equitable workplaces.
Diversity Mahotsav, Dec 2022
Avtar enables high-growth organisations to focus on effective and sustainable talent strategies to make the workplace more inclusive and implement sustainable DEI programs.
I was afforded an opportunity by the Avtar Group to participate in the Diversity Mahotsav and deliver a Lightning Talk!
India Autism & Neurodiversity Summit, Nov 2022
I was honoured to be invited as a distinguished speaker at the 5th edition of the India Autism & Neurodiversity Summit. Working towards creating and supporting a vision of a more neurodiverse workplace, I had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with extremely talented people from different walks of life who have contributed to the cause.
Ashoka University, Aug 2022
Ashoka University hosted its first Inclusion in Higher Education: Leadership Summit 2022. The summit aimed to foster dialogue among higher education leaders on the holistic inclusion of students with disabilities. Participants included government officials, academics, administrators, students with disabilities, and parents.
Had the privilege of speaking on Inclusion in Higher Education during the Leadership Summit 2022 ‘Voices Braving the Stigma’ Panel Discussion.
Girl Up Global Leadership Summit, Jul 2022
Invited to speak at Girl Up 2022 Global Leadership Summit: Storytelling/Advocacy Day of Action.
NRF & PHD Chambers of Commerce, Jul 2022
Invited by Neuroaid Research Foundation (NRF) and The PHD Chambers of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), New Delhi as a distinguished speaker to speak on the power of ‘Different-ness’ and received the 1st standing ovation of my life by this enlightened gathering of nearly 200 people!
Harvard Youth Lead the Change (YLC) Summer ’22 Program
Lady Gaga's Foundation, Born This Way, Jan & Jun 2022, Aug 2021
Born This Way drives programs and initiatives aimed at demonstrating the power of kindness to impact well-being, validating the emotions of young people everywhere, and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health.
Featured 4 times through Channel Kindness digital platform.
Tribes For Good, May-Jul 2022
Participated as a Diversity, Inclusion and Mental Health Advocate in the platform’s initiative to enable community service through educational and experiential learning programs.. Conducted primary research and awareness workshops for children in urban slums by educating them on social issues pertaining to cyberbullying and LGBTQIA+
Participated in outreach programs to spread awareness via interviews by Beyond School, Webinar Series.
People Matters, Feb 2022, Aug 2021
Asia’s largest and leading community platform with over 300K professionals, its vision is to be a pivotal thought leader by leveraging thought leadership and architecting learning experiences across mediums like digital, print and physical initiatives
Invited as the Keynote Speaker in Diversity and Inclusion: Overcoming Unconscious Bias Cohort.
Counter Speech- Fellow with Young Leaders for Active Citizenship in Partnership with Instagram, Oct-Dec 2021
The Counter Speech Fellowship helps youth engage with external speakers, social media influencers, policy makers and content makers in areas of Mental Wellbeing, Diversity, Gender Equality and Bullying and helps lead conversations about these topics online.
Selected from over 300 applicants for a 2 month fellowship. Cohort generated over 1000 posts, 4000 followers and 270K likes
3 of my poems were awarded. Special mention in YLAC Fellowship Graduation. Conceptualised and hosted an Instagram Live session on the topic of Mental Health.
This Is My Brave, Jul 2021
US Based Not for Profit, focused on de-stigmatizing Mental Illness by empowering individuals to tell their true stories of recovery from mental illness and addiction.
Girl Up Global Leadership Summit 2021
Invited to participate in their Girl Up Global Leadership Summit in the Mental Health Panel Discussion.