In an era where technology shapes every facet of our lives, ensuring diverse voices are included in this transformation is more critical than ever. AnitaB.org has been at the forefront of this mission, working to advance women in technology and create an equitable and inclusive tech ecosystem. At the helm of its India operations is Shreya Krishnan, a dynamic leader with expertise in strategic communications, sustainability, and corporate leadership.
As Managing Director of AnitaB.org India, Shreya brings a wealth of experience spanning marketing, CSR, DEI, and policy advocacy. A passionate changemaker, she serves on multiple advisory boards, is a certified NLP practitioner, a sustainability evangelist, and a published author. She has also been recognized on global platforms, winning titles like Mrs. India Universe 2017 and Ms. Universal Empowerment 2024. Under her leadership, AnitaB.org India has been expanding its outreach—bridging the gender gap at both corporate and grassroots levels, driving policy advocacy, and fostering industry-wide collaboration to create a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem.
In this insightful conversation, Shreya delves into the evolution of AnitaB.org in India, the challenges women face in tech, and the organization's vision for a more inclusive future. She also shares valuable perspectives on leadership, the role of language in shaping inclusive workplaces, and the power of partnerships in driving lasting change.
Let’s dive in.
Q&A
Q. AnitaB.org has been instrumental in advancing women in technology. Can you share its mission, evolution in India, and the key challenges it aims to address?
A. Our mission in India is to create platforms and advocate for greater representation, ensuring a level playing field for women in tech. We focus on bringing in the right talent and providing them with the necessary access and opportunities to progress from early career to mid and senior levels. Along the way, we actively work to bridge existing gaps, making career advancement more accessible and equitable.
Q. Beyond corporate spaces, how is your organization working to bridge the gender gap in technology at the grassroots level, particularly in rural and underserved communities?
A. We are in the process of establishing a foundation arm for AnitaB.org that will focus on grassroots initiatives, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Our emphasis is on STEM and STEAM education for young girls, leveraging our ecosystem of nonprofit partners to ensure education reaches those who need it most. Through these collaborations, we aim to expand access and create meaningful opportunities in technology.
Q. What role does policy advocacy play in your organization's efforts? Are there collaborations with the government or policymakers to drive systemic change for inclusivity in tech?
A. Policy advocacy is a critical component of our work. We are currently in discussions with the governments of Telangana and Karnataka and are also looking to engage with the Union government to drive systemic change. We recognize that meaningful policy shifts require long-term commitment, and we are dedicated to being active participants in shaping a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
Q. Your career spans roles in marketing, communications, CSR, and sustainability. How have these diverse experiences shaped your leadership at AnitaB.org India? Additionally, how do these elements come together to create lasting impact in organizations and communities?
A. My leadership approach at AnitaB.org India is shaped by my deep commitment to impact and community building, coupled with a strong storytelling background. Effective communication plays a pivotal role in driving change, and sustainability remains central to my work. My diverse experiences have naturally converged to help me create, share, and amplify impactful narratives that foster real change. However, I do feel that a stronger finance background would have been a valuable addition to my skill set.
Q. One of AnitaB.org India’s flagship initiatives is the Grace Hopper Celebration India (GHCI). How has it evolved over the years, and what impact has it had on shaping the tech ecosystem in India?
A. After a pause post-COVID, we successfully revived GHCI, with last year’s event witnessing over 7,500 attendees, 300+ speakers, 10 stages, 700 organizations, 15 key partners, and 35+ ecosystem partners. The event is more than just a conference—it serves as a space where attendees can learn, celebrate their careers, network, find job opportunities, and aspire to greater heights. GHCI plays a crucial role in driving representation and fostering a curated platform for knowledge-sharing, which is essential for a thriving and inclusive tech ecosystem.
Q. How does AnitaB.org India ensure the long-term sustainability of its programs? Are there specific funding models, corporate partnerships, or innovative approaches that have proven effective?
A. We are still refining our sustainability strategy. While corporate partnerships remain our primary source of funding, we are working on launching a paid membership model in India. Additionally, we are developing a foundation arm to access CSR funding, which will allow us to invest in education and other key areas. Operating with a lean team and a startup mindset, we have been able to create a meaningful impact within our existing resources, but we are actively exploring ways to scale and grow further.
Q. Measuring impact is crucial for any development initiative. What metrics or success indicators does AnitaB.org India use to evaluate the effectiveness of its programs?
A. We use a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics to assess our impact. On the qualitative side, we evaluate the quality of networking opportunities, speaker engagements at our roadshows, and the overall experience of participants at GHCI. Quantitatively, we track participation numbers, partnerships, and engagement data. The ultimate measure of success, however, lies in our ability to scale our reach while maintaining the depth and effectiveness of our programs.
Q. Your book, "Words Matter," highlights the importance of language. How can conscious language choices contribute to fostering inclusive environments in the tech industry?
A. Language inherently carries bias, shaped by its usage over time. To create truly inclusive environments, we must make deliberate and conscious choices in the words we use. Unlearning biased language is key—words like shame, confidence, guilt, ambition, and anger often carry different connotations based on gender. By reshaping our language, we can transform it from a tool of exclusion to a catalyst for inclusion and empowerment.
Q. Partnerships play a key role in scaling impact. Can you share examples of collaborations—with corporates, nonprofits, or academic institutions—that have driven meaningful change?
A. Our strength lies in our ability to act as an enabler, connecting individuals, academia, corporates, and nonprofits. Rather than competing, we focus on collaboration, which allows us to leverage the strengths of diverse ecosystems. Impact-driven partnerships enable us to scale initiatives more effectively, bringing together various stakeholders to create meaningful, sustainable change. The true power of collaboration lies in its ability to unite different forces toward a common goal.
Q. As a leader with diverse experience, what advice would you offer to young professionals and emerging women leaders who aspire to drive social impact and innovation? Additionally, what is your vision for the future of leadership in fostering inclusivity and sustainability in technology?
A. The most important advice I can offer is to be guided by your purpose. Social impact and innovation thrive when driven by passion and authenticity. Enjoy the journey of building your career, and don’t be afraid to say no when necessary. Advocate for what you need, step into your personal power with confidence, and seek collaboration over competition.
The future of leadership lies in empathy, inclusivity, and the ability to amplify every voice. True leadership is not about privilege but about recognizing privilege and using it to create opportunities for others. We must shift our focus from short-term profits to long-term, sustainable growth—fostering a world where impact, collaboration, and collective healing take precedence over mere numbers and margins.
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