Interview with Khushbu Thakkar

My final interview for my May Term Project is with Khushbu Thakkar!

1. Can you please share your personal story and professional journey?

I immigrated to the United States from India with a Master’s degree in Business and a lot of hope. But I quickly realized that despite my qualifications, my education wasn’t fully recognized here, and I wasn’t getting the opportunities I aspired to. Rather than let that discourage me, I decided to return to school and earn another Master’s degree in the U.S. That step was crucial—it gave me the visibility I needed in the job market.

After graduating, the next hurdle was finding an employer who not only believed in my capabilities but was also willing to sponsor my work visa. I was fortunate to find one and began my career in private equity administration. But then came the H-1B visa lottery—a process entirely out of one’s control. Even though I had strong performance ratings, I had to let go of a job I loved because I didn’t get selected.

The next two years were incredibly tough. I couldn't work, but I didn’t want to let my skills go to waste. So I volunteered with several nonprofit organizations, supporting their accounting and finance departments. I call it the "power pause" of my career—a time of self-reflection, growth, and learning.

Eventually, I received my work permit and was incredibly fortunate to find an employer that gave me a platform not only to restart where I left off but to thrive. That team was entirely women-led, and being part of that group was a powerful, affirming experience. It reminded me that resilience, support, and purpose can take you far—even when the path is uncertain. I haven’t looked back since then—I’ve continued to grow in my career, taking on new challenges and responsibilities with confidence. However, being a woman of color in the corporate world did come with its own set of limitations. I often found that opportunities to climb the ladder were fewer, and being good at what you do wasn't always enough. I had to work harder to be seen and heard, and I struggled at times to fit into the prevailing corporate culture.

But over time, I learned. I adapted—not by losing who I was, but by gaining new perspectives and skills. I grew both personally and professionally, and every experience has shaped me into the person I am today. I’m incredibly proud of my journey—not just for what I’ve achieved, but for the resilience, integrity, and growth that came along the way.

2. How has your identity as a South Asian woman informed who you are today and impacted your values and perspectives?

My identity as a South Asian woman has shaped my values in profound ways—particularly around perseverance, humility, and the importance of community. I grew up in a culture that values education and family deeply, but also one where professional ambition for women isn't always encouraged. That duality gave me both the drive to succeed and the empathy to understand the barriers others might face.

In professional settings, I’ve often been the only woman of color in the room, which made me deeply aware of the importance of representation. It’s helped me become a more inclusive team member and, where possible, a mentor and advocate for others walking a similar path.

3. When you moved to the U.S., what were some of the biggest challenges you faced? What were some of the unexpected highlights?

The biggest challenge was realizing that my hard-earned degree from India didn’t carry the same weight here. It was humbling and, at times, disheartening. I also struggled with building a professional network from scratch and learning how to navigate the job market as a foreign national.

But the highlights were equally powerful. Earning a second degree gave me confidence and opened doors. Volunteering during my career pause led me to amazing people and causes I may never have discovered otherwise. And finding a women-led team that embraced my background and saw my potential—that was a gift I will always cherish.

4. What advice would you give to young Asian women who are starting their educational and career paths, especially when facing cultural and gender-related barriers?

Your background is a strength, not a limitation. Own your story—even the struggles—because they are part of what makes you resilient. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek mentors. And if the first door doesn’t open, find another way in. Sometimes that means pivoting or taking a step back to move forward, and that’s okay.

Most importantly, surround yourself with people who believe in you. When someone opens a door for you, walk through it with confidence—but also hold it open for others.

5. How did you balance maintaining your cultural identity when first entering the corporate/financial world? What challenges did you face as a woman of color?

Balancing my cultural identity with the expectations of the corporate world wasn’t easy. I often felt pressure to assimilate—to “blend in.” But over time, I realized that authenticity was my greatest asset. When I embraced my background, values, and communication style, I connected with others more deeply and brought a unique lens to my work.

As a woman of color, I faced microaggressions, underestimation, and at times, exclusion. But I also found strength in community—especially among other women of color. It made me more determined to advocate for inclusive spaces wherever I work.

6. What are some career goals you have and how do you plan to achieve them?

One of my long-term goals is to grow into a leadership role where I can influence strategy and create opportunities for others, especially women and immigrants. I want to mentor the next generation and help break down the systemic barriers that so many of us face.

To get there, I’m committed to continuous learning, building strong relationships, and staying true to my purpose. Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me something, and I carry those lessons with me as I move forward.

7. What changes would you like to see in the corporate world to better support diversity and inclusion?

I’d love to see companies go beyond checkbox diversity and really invest in inclusion—creating spaces where people from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and valued. That includes equitable hiring practices, sponsorship opportunities for underrepresented employees, and leadership that reflects the diversity of the workforce.

We also need to normalize nonlinear career paths—because talent doesn't always follow a straight line, especially for immigrants and women of color. Recognizing potential beyond pedigree is key to building truly inclusive workplaces.