Starting as a customer-care executive at Tata Finance to becoming a globally recognized DEI leader, key skills that drove my success include: Resilience & Authenticity: Developed through my personal journey of self-acceptance and coming out, transforming personal challenges into professional strength. Strategic Communication: Refined through: Addressing international forums like UNHRC Speaking at 70+ conferences including TEDx Conducting corporate sensitization sessions Engaging with diverse stakeholders from faith leaders to law enforcement Bridge-Building Ability: Cultivated through: Connecting LGBTQIA+ rights with religious inclusion Working with UN Women's LGBT forum Building coalitions across sectors Leadership & Innovation: Demonstrated by: Achieving top rank in MBA (Social Entrepreneurship) Transforming 30+ organizations' DEI practices Creating sustainable frameworks for inclusion Leading capacity-building initiatives These skills were developed through: Continuous learning and adaptation Hands-on experience in diverse settings International exposure and advocacy Academic excellence Community engagement Personal growth journey My journey from struggling with self-acceptance to becoming a global DEI advocate has taught me valuable lessons in resilience: Personal Approach: Transform internal struggles into advocacy strength: My early experiences at Tata Finance, dealing with fears about workplace acceptance, taught me to convert challenges into opportunities for change Use knowledge as empowerment: When facing self-doubt, I turned to studying religious texts, discovering Hinduism's inclusive nature, which became foundation for Queer Hindu Alliance Build support systems: Creating and participating in community networks helped overcome isolation and build collective strength Maintain authentic leadership: Being open about my journey helps others navigate their challenges Key Learnings: Self-acceptance is crucial: Moving from "negative thoughts and depressing ideas of self-hurt" to becoming a confident UNHRC speaker showed me that personal growth starts with self-acceptance Categories of resistance can be addressed differently: Ignorant: Can be transformed through education Neutral: Can be converted to allies through engagement Homophobic: Require patience and systematic approach Financial independence creates security: Starting as a customer-care executive taught me the importance of economic stability in pursuing advocacy Community support is vital: Founding support groups showed that shared experiences reduce individual burden Professional expertise strengthens personal resilience: MBA education and corporate experience provided tools to handle challenges systematically These experiences have taught me that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and positive change, both personally and professionally. Through a decade-long journey from personal struggle to international advocacy, I've created impact across multiple dimensions: Corporate Impact: Transformed DEI practices in 30+ organizations through sensitization programs Developed sustainable frameworks for workplace inclusion Helped companies create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ employees Conducted training for law enforcement agencies and educational institutions Community Leadership: Founded Queer Hindu Alliance, bridging gaps between faith and identity Provided crucial support services to families with LGBTQIA+ children Created dialogue platforms between religious leaders and LGBTQIA+ community Organized pride marches and community events fostering visibility and acceptance Global Advocacy: Addressed UNHRC, elevating Indian LGBTQIA+ voices internationally Contributed to G20 Human Rights Working Group Collaborated with UN Women's LGBT forum Received Global D&I Leadership Award twice, validating impact Personal Impact: Helped individuals move from self-doubt to self-acceptance by sharing my journey from customer care executive to DEI leader Supported families in understanding and accepting their LGBTQIA+ children Mentored youth struggling with identity and faith conflicts Created safe spaces for authentic dialogue and growth The most significant difference has been transforming personal struggles into a movement that helps others find acceptance and dignity, particularly in bridging the gap between religious faith and LGBTQIA+ identity, making it easier for future generations to live authentically. The Supreme Court's decision on Section 377 marked a transformative milestone in my journey, but it was my transition from personal struggle to becoming a recognized voice at the United Nations Human Rights Council that truly symbolized success at multiple levels: Professional Evolution: From a customer-care executive at Tata Finance, fearful of revealing my identity To addressing UNHRC and contributing to G20 Human Rights Working Group Receiving the Global Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Award twice Establishing credibility as an international DEI consultant Personal Transformation: From experiencing "negative thoughts and depressing ideas of self-hurt" To founding Queer Hindu Alliance, helping others navigate similar journeys Transforming personal challenges into a platform for advocacy Using my story to inspire authentic leadership Community Impact: Creating bridge between faith leaders and LGBTQIA+ community Establishing support systems for families with LGBTQIA+ children Developing sustainable frameworks for workplace inclusion Leading sensitization programs across sectors This milestone was particularly significant because it represented: Validation of the difficult journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance Recognition of the importance of intersectional advocacy Opening doors for broader impact in corporate and social sectors Creating pathways for others to follow This moment confirmed that success isn't just about personal achievements but about creating lasting change that empowers others to live authentically. Success for me is rooted in creating sustainable change that enables LGBTQIA+ individuals to live authentically while bridging gaps between communities: Current Definition of Success: Enabling individuals to move from self-doubt to self-acceptance, as I did in my journey Creating inclusive spaces where faith and identity coexist harmoniously Building sustainable DEI frameworks that outlast individual interventions Empowering others to become advocates for change Key Goals: Advocacy Expansion: Strengthen collaborations with international bodies like UN Women's LGBT forum Develop innovative approaches to religious and cultural inclusion Continue addressing global platforms to influence policy changes Corporate Transformation: Expand DEI consultancy to reach more organizations Create measurable impact frameworks for workplace inclusion Develop comprehensive training modules for different sectors Build sustainable models for long-term organizational change Community Building: Enhance support services for families with LGBTQIA+ children Strengthen dialogue between faith leaders and LGBTQIA+ community Create educational resources for broader societal awareness Establish mentorship programs for emerging advocates Personal Growth: Continue learning and evolving as a DEI leader Share knowledge through speaking engagements and publications Mentor next generation of LGBTQIA+ leaders Maintain authentic leadership while expanding impact Ultimate Vision: Creating a world where no one faces the internal struggles I experienced, where diversity is celebrated, and where every individual can contribute their extraordinary talents without fear or prejudice.