Speaker
Activist
Entrepreneur
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Growing up, I was made fun of for wearing a bindi, for the Indian food my mom packed in my lunch, and for my curly black hair.
Today, I see my “labels” as some of my greatest strengths.
Photo credit: Edith Young
I am a person of color, a child of immigrants, someone who knows the discomfort of being the only brown person in the room. These are the lived experiences that drive me to be a voice for communities who are overlooked and unheard.
When you grow up not having a seat at the table, eventually you learn to create your own. I’ve spent my career founding businesses that advocate for underrepresented groups, and speak on a global stage about issues that, frankly, don’t feel like they’re talked about enough: women’s empowerment, motherhood, and representation.
I view my work as a tool for change
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As the CEO and Founder of FoodtoEat, I helped create economic opportunities for women and minority-owned food vendors. During the pandemic, I pivoted the business and partnered with World Central Kitchen to feed more than half a million New Yorkers.
Witnessing widespread food insecurity in my own neighborhood inspired me to run for New York City Council and address the broken systems that keep underrepresented communities on the sidelines.
I view my speaking and panel moderating as opportunities to drive change through stories that need to be told.
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Hear Me
Conversations on women’s empowerment, motherhood, and representation aren’t talked about enough. Listen to podcast interviews where I share my views on these topics.
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See Me
I see my “labels” as some of my greatest strengths. Read articles I wrote where I share my story to inspire you to believe in yours.
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Hire Me
I help you find purpose in your work, take action through unconventional conversations, and ultimately help you make an impact in the world.
Speaking
Unearthing incredible stories is my central focus as a speaker and panel moderator. It’s my goal to weave together the experiences of those on stage in order to uplift and inspire everyone in the room.
Business Consulting
I consult with Seed and Series A stage companies to help them build teams, forge strategic partnerships, and position their company for maximum impact. By leaning into my own experience as a minority female founder, I empower other businesses to elevate their people and their mission.
“We appreciated being pushed outside of our comfort zone and admire Deepti for her courageous work and activism.”
Deepti led an inspiring and unconventional conversation at our IIDA Pioneering Design, Agents of Change event. Her perspective on how the labels we impose on ourselves, or that others impose on us, can be a vehicle for action—not just re-action, really hit home and forced us to think differently.
Erin Ruby, Erin Ruby Design and Stacy Marcus, Workframe
