436

Two suitcases. Two hundred dollars. Two million dreams. That’s how my immigrant journey began—arriving in a new country with hope and determination, but also with an invisible weight: the need to fit in, to blend, to be “acceptable.”

As a South Asian woman, I carried the quiet expectation to shrink myself, to soften my voice, to dim my light. I thought that was the key to being noticed, to being successful, and to being respected.

But what I have learned—and what my journey with Own Your Color has taught me—is that the world only notices you when you stop shrinking yourself. When you choose to stand fully in your truth, unapologetically, your authentic light becomes impossible to ignore. And when you show up in your full color, you don’t just change your own life—you light the way for others, especially the next generation.

The Weight of Fitting In

As a first-generation immigrant growing up in an immigrant family, I quickly learned that blending in was survival. I was told to keep my head down, be polite, and not rock the boat. At school, at work, and in social circles—I was the quiet one, the “nice girl,” the one who tried to avoid confrontation and played small.

Before moving to the U.S., as a girl pursuing a career in technology in India—a field dominated by men—I faced my own battles with invisibility and self-doubt. In both worlds, whether navigating cultural expectations at home or breaking barriers in tech, I felt pressure to conform, to dim my light, and to fit into narrow molds.

For years, I believed success meant adjusting who I was to fit others’ expectations. I dimmed my opinions. I minimized my ambitions. I tried to disappear. But in trying to become invisible, I only felt more unseen.

The Turning Point: Owning My Color

The change began the moment I stopped asking, “How can I fit in?” and instead asked, “How can I stand out by being myself?”

That shift sparked the creation of Own Your Color, a book and movement born from my personal story and the stories of hundreds of immigrant women I interviewed. It’s about embracing every part of who you are—your heritage, your voice, your dreams—and not apologizing for the fullness of your color.

I realized the world doesn’t need me to be smaller. It needs me to be whole. This authenticity opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

And more importantly—it showed young people watching me that they could do the same.

Impacting the Next Generation

Today, my mission goes beyond empowering women—it includes activating the next generation of changemakers.

At schools, libraries, and youth events, I’ve seen how visibility can become possibility. I’ve had young girls tug at my sleeve and whisper, “I didn’t know someone like me could do this.” I’ve worked with high school and college students who are eager to live with purpose but don’t know where to start. My mentorship sessions, storytelling keynotes, and Own Your Color workshops are designed not just to inspire—but to equip them with tools to own their power, take up space, and believe in their brilliance.

When young people see someone who looks like them owning their story, they begin to imagine their own possibilities more boldly. And when they realize they don’t have to wait for permission to lead, to speak up, to live fully—that’s when real transformation begins.

Invitations That Changed Everything: A Timeline of Growth

This journey has taken me to rooms, stages, and communities I once only dreamed of—and each invitation has been a reminder that when we own our color, we open doors not just for ourselves, but for others too.

Annual Women and Girls Empowerment Conference, Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County – Standing in that room, surrounded by women sharing tears, high-fives, and stories of sisterhood, I felt the unshakable truth: we are stronger together. My gratitude to Christina Jones and Ashley Nwanko for bringing such a beautiful vision to life.

Embassy of China, Washington, D.C. – It was an honor to share my message of empowerment in a space that brought together people from so many cultures and walks of life. That day, I witnessed firsthand how authenticity dissolves barriers and creates bridges of understanding.

Mrs. South Asia World, Atlanta – Being invited to serve as a judge was both humbling and unforgettable. Together, we celebrated South Asian womanhood, resilience, and leadership. My deepest gratitude to Mustafa ji, Rashmi Bedi, and Janak Bedi for creating a stage where heritage and empowerment shine side by side.

Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce – Leading the “Own Your Color – Workforce” workshop was pure magic. The room was alive with aspiring women leaders ready to stop shrinking and start shining. My thanks to Gretchen DiMarco for her vision, and to my Big Brothers Big Sisters Board teammates and staff who stood in the audience cheering me on—it meant the world.

DanceXstudio, South Asian Diaspora Event – Kicking off the annual event as keynote speaker at this vibrant gathering, led by the inspiring Jayshree, reminded me of the power of art, culture, and community to ignite change. We didn’t just talk about leadership—we felt it in the room.

Annual Power Speakers ‘Verbal Vortex’ Championship – Judging this event, masterfully organized by Taruna Ramani, was a joy. Watching young voices rise with clarity, courage, and conviction filled me with hope for the future.

WriteWomenFest, Bowie, Maryland – Being honored for Own Your Color at this festival was deeply special. Thank you to Heather and Cardyn for curating a space where women’s voices are heard, celebrated, and amplified.

Global Conferences and Leadership Forums – Each stage has given me the privilege to share not just my own story, but the dreams of those turning adversity into purpose. Every handshake, every conversation, every shared tear reminds me: this work is about all of us.

The Power of Authenticity: Lessons Learned

Looking back, the lesson is clear: Recognition and honors follow authenticity. When you show up fully as yourself—your culture, your voice, your dreams—you don’t just earn accolades. You inspire others to do the same.

Here are some truths I live by:
• Authenticity is magnetic: Realness opens doors.
• Vulnerability builds bridges: Sharing your true story creates connection.
• Representation matters: When immigrant women own their space, they create pathways.
• Youth are watching: Be the model that shows them what’s possible.
• Impact is collective: Every recognition reflects community support.
• Never dim your light: Your uniqueness is your superpower.

A Poem for You

You are not too much.
You are the sun and the storm,
the soft whisper and the wild roar.
Don’t dilute. Don’t dim. Don’t disappear.
The world doesn’t want a shadow—
it needs the brilliant, unrepeatable color only you can bring.

Introducing the Own Your Color Power Kit

On popular demand, I am thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the Own Your Color Power Kit this fall—a full toolkit designed to empower you to live fully and boldly.

The Power Kit includes guided journaling exercises using the M.E.N.T.O.R.® framework—helping you discover your unique power and strengths, select empowering affirmations, and create a clear path to living your best life ever.

It’s for every woman who’s ever felt invisible. And for every young person who needs tools, not just pep talks. This kit is my way of giving you what I wish I had—so you never have to dim your light to be seen.

Looking Ahead: Living Fully, Boldly, and Colorfully

This journey is just beginning.

With the Power Kit, youth mentorship programs, school talks, and future offerings from Own Your Color Academy, my goal is clear: to create a world where no one, especially young people and underrepresented voices, feels the need to shrink to survive.

We are building a future where inspiration leads to action, and action leads to impact. Because living fully isn’t a privilege. It’s your birthright.

Final Thoughts

To all immigrant women, leaders, and dreamers reading this: Your color is your power. When you stop shrinking, stop dimming, and start owning your story, the world will not just notice you—it will celebrate you.

And to every young person standing at the edge of possibility: You don’t need to become someone else to be extraordinary. You already are.

My journey—from two suitcases and two hundred dollars to global honors and youth impact—is proof that authenticity changes everything.

Stand tall. Speak your truth. Own your color. Because the world is waiting for the light only you can shine.

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article/column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of South Asian Herald.