Please provide some background information about yourself (e.g. major, year in school, hometown, etc.).

I'm currently a senior in Computer Engineering and I'm originally from Cupertino, CA.

 

What inspired you to start Cut to the Case?

As a woman on a college campus, I'm constantly reminded of the dangers around me. As I headed off to college, I received plenty of congratulations but with each of these well-wishes came advice on how to stay safe- stay alert and vigilant when walking home at night; walk with your keys between your hands; if you go to a party, be careful about who you surround yourself with. Sexual assault is a huge problem that often goes unaddressed because of the stigma and culture surrounding it. I wanted to do my part in combatting this terrible issue, and that's how Cut to the Case was formed.

 

What is the most rewarding part about your work with Cut to the Case?

So many people have told us that the fact that we are even trying to tackle this issue means so much to them. Even if I can't change the entire culture of sexual assault, impacting even one person and making that person feel that their experience is valid and shouldn't go ignored makes my work extremely rewarding.

 

I heard that you are also involved with MakerGirl. Please tell us about MakerGirl and what inspired you to get involved.

The gender ratio of most of my classes is around 10:1, and this is typical for many STEM fields. MakerGirl is trying to change this at the root of problem by impacting young girls and reminding them that science is not just a boy's game. Diversity is so important because it brings about different perspectives and ideas, and the lack of diversity in STEM means that 50% of the population is unheard. Once I heard about MakerGirl's hands-on 3D printing sessions where girls are taught by other women in STEM, I knew I had to get involved.

 

What is the most challenging part about managing Cut to the Case?

The most challenging part about managing Cut to the Case is that there's not enough time in the day. Balancing school, other organizations, and Cut to the Case is difficult because I have to keep adjusting my priorities and make the maximum use of my time.

 

Please explain your dream job and career goals.

I don't have a specific dream job, but I hope all my jobs in the future are challenging and involve working on issues that I am passionate about. I love using the tools I have learned in college and am constantly fascinated by new technologies. Eventually, I hope to run my own company full-time so I can have the freedom to pursue my vision and goals.

 

What are you most proud of about yourself?

When I was in high school, I never saw myself becoming an engineer or an entrepreneur. In my head, I was convinced that I wasn't smart enough or innovative enough to do either. Getting rid of my internal barriers and realizing that by working hard I could become both knowledgeable and innovative was a slow and difficult process. I am most proud of my transformation from being unsure and hesitant to being confident and decisive.

 

What other activities are you involved with on campus?

I am also publicity director for IEEE (Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers) and on the Engineering Council social affairs committee.

 

What are you hoping to accomplish before you graduate?

Before I graduate, I hope to launch a sexual assault/harassment reporting platform through Cut to the Case, and inform more people on campus about their options after they have experienced sexual assault or harassment. I also hope that my work as a female entrepreneur inspires more women to start their own companies.

 

Who is someone you look up to? Why?

Throughout my life, my mom has encouraged me to be strong, and has embodied this quality herself. After graduating college in India, she came to America, a country she had never been in before, and worked to get her MBA. She had no previous knowledge of business, and never had this sort of independence before. Despite all the challenges she faced, she persevered and refused to give up, even though her parents offered many times to bring her back home when they saw her struggling. Whenever I face adversity, I am reminded of something my mom once told me- that I have more strength than I know, and that each challenge simply reveals this strength inside me.