The Why: Das used her first year as executive director to promote DEI across the industry, with diversity programs like The 5 Dualities of Diversity & Inclusion and Harnessing the Power of Employee Activism. Through C2HR’s newsletter, she let industry leaders share insights on topics such as embracing neurodiversity and how healthy disruption within an organization can improve its authenticity.
She Says… “I admire women who overcame challenges to create their own space and after achieving personal success and [then] made it a priority to create opportunities for other minorities. As an Indian American, Mindy Kaling immediately comes to mind. It is wonderful to see her create shows that revolve around the Indian immigrant and Indian American experience. These shows were not around when I was growing up, and I greatly appreciate seeing people from my heritage represented on television today.”
Who do you view as a DEI champion and why? I admire women who overcame challenges to create their own space, and after achieving personal success, they made it a priority to create opportunities for other minorities. As an Indian American, Mindy Kaling immediately comes to mind. It is wonderful to see her create shows that revolve around the Indian immigrant and Indian American experience. These shows were not around when I was growing up, and I greatly appreciate seeing people from my heritage represented on television today. Shonda Rhimes continues to create opportunities and elevate the visibility of people of color on her shows, thus bringing a diverse array of strong, complex characters to life. She has repeatedly illustrated that gender and race should not be considerations when developing a story or selecting actors for roles. Also, Ava DuVernay casts shows with diverse talent and made it a point to have female directors direct the episodes of her show “Queen Sugar” on OWN. I admire how all these women use their success to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, not only in Hollywood, but in the homes of viewers across America.
Place I would love to retire to: Anywhere near the ocean!
Coworkers describe me as… strategic, a relationship builder, a good listener.
How do you define inclusion? Inclusion is achieved when everyone feels safe using their voice and being authentic.
