Guest: Prerna Karnani What happens when workplace discrimination meets entrepreneurial spirit? For Prerna, founder of Shadis and More, being the only South Asian woman in decision-making roles throughout her decade-long fashion retail career sparked a remarkable transformation. After a manager bluntly told her that her desire for advancement stemmed from being "an immigrant and a woman," Prerna began questioning whether corporate Australia had space for her talents. Taking stock of wh...
Guest: Angelica Silva When Angelica told people she wanted to pursue journalism, the response was often disbelief. "Why would you pick a career where you'll make no money?" they'd ask. As a South Asian Australian woman, she was expected to follow what she calls the "golden triangle" – medicine, law, or engineering – the only careers many deemed worthy of pursuit. Today, Angelica stands firmly in her decision as an accomplished ABC journalist specializing in stories about the South Asia...
Deepa's journey from corporate strategist to cultural entrepreneur showcases the powerful intersection of heritage, passion, and purpose. As founder of both Chandralaya School of Dance and POC Beauty, she has created platforms that celebrate and empower South Asian identity in Australia. Her dance odyssey began at just five years old in Chennai, eventually blossoming into a school that serves students from age six to sixty. What makes Chandralaya special isn't just the teaching of Bharatanat...
What does it really take to leave a successful corporate career and build your own business as a woman? Sangeeta, founder of Jumpstart Studios, doesn't sugar-coat the answer. Coming from three generations of entrepreneurs, she first climbed to senior leadership at ANZ Bank before realising something fundamental was missing in her career. The entrepreneurial path wasn't straight for Sangeeta. After starting businesses in travel and food experiences (both interrupted by COVID), she discovered ...
What happens when a young South Asian woman decides to challenge colorism, feminism, and mental health stigma head-on? In this powerful episode of Brown Queen Diaries, we sit down with Devni Vihara, the lawyer-turned-activist whose voice is reshaping conversations about beauty standards and gender equality in our community. Devni's journey spans three countries - Born in England, raised in Sri Lanka, and finding her independence in Melbourne, she brings a unique cross-cultural perspect...
Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj Presented by: Aussie Talkies Guest: Manisha Dagore Manisha’s journey from a caring nurse to a vibrant dance influencer encapsulates the blend of passion, resilience, and creativity. Her evolution highlights the power of dance as a transformative form of self-expression and connection, providing insights into overcoming challenges while embracing individuality. Here are some of the topics we covered: • Manish...
Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj Presented by: Aussie Talkies Guest: Hima Naidu Hima Naidu shares her captivating journey as a model and mother, exploring the intricate balance between career ambitions and familial responsibilities. She emphasises the importance of self-kindness and support systems while breaking stereotypes in both fashion and motherhood, inspiring listeners to embrace their unique journeys. • Hima Naidu's background and transi...
Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj Presented by: Aussie Talkies Guest: Archana Koorthy Join us for an inspiring exploration with Archana Kurthi, a dedicated dancer, behavior therapist, and advocate for individuals with disabilities, especially those with autism. Discover how her passion for dance led her to make meaningful connections with children facing developmental challenges, using her skills in ABA therapy to create positive change. Archana o...
Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj Presented by: Aussie Talkies Guest: Anita Prasad Join us for an inspiring story of resilience and ambition with Anita Prasad, a woman who transformed her life from beauty pageants to the vibrant world of music and production. Anita's journey began in Fiji and took her to New Zealand, where she represented her new homeland in international beauty competitions. A chance encounter in Miami ignited her musical passion...
Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj Presented by: Aussie Talkies Guest: Bhanu Sree Can mental health challenges be more than just a personal struggle? Bhanu, a vibrant Aussie Indian with deep roots in Vijayawada, shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey through anxiety, panic attacks, and emotional extremes. Her story takes a dramatic turn when a chilling experience on tram tracks prompts her to seek the professional help that changed her life. ...
What if balancing a thriving career and motherhood didn't have to feel like an impossible juggling act? Join us for an eye-opening conversation as we promise to equip you with strategies and insights that can transform your approach to managing work and family life. We sit down with Kalyani Valluri, a dedicated IT professional who courageously shares her heartfelt experiences of stepping away from her career for maternity leave and the emotional whirlwind that followed. From the guilt and anx...
Episode 2: Leadership and Community Empowerment Can juggling multiple roles lead to a fulfilling life? Meet Sahana Ramesh, Wyndham City Councillor - a remarkable woman who stands as a testament to this possibility. As the only elected representative of Indian origin in Victoria, Sahana shares her journey of balancing the complex roles of being a wife, community member, city councillor, management consultant, and business owner. Her story is one of passion and dedication to comm...
Episode 1: Strength in Independence Concept & Host: Priyanka Nomula Designed & Directed: Sandeep Raj Presented by: Aussie Talkies Guest Name: Ruchi Arora Welcome to the very first episode of Brown Queen Diaries! In this episode, we dive into the empowering theme of "Strength in Independence" with our remarkable guest, Ruchi. Join us as Ruchi shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges after moving from India to Australia. From navigating a new culture and language to...
What happens when professional expertise meets creative self-expression? Shailja's story bridges seemingly different worlds – the structured environment of behavioral therapy and the vibrant freedom of dance. In this powerful conversation, Shailja reveals how childhood experiences of racial bullying forced her to suppress her Indian identity, throwing away her lunch and lowering Bollywood music near school gates to avoid ridicule. This journey from cultural shame to proud self-expression inf...