Interview with Vatsla Chhabra

My next interview is with Vatsla Chhabra.

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

I was born and raised in a small town in India, where I completed my undergraduate studies and started my career in the corporate world. After a few years of working, I moved to the U.S. following my marriage in 2012.

Since I didn’t initially have a work visa, I used that time to pursue a Master’s degree in the U.S. Once I was able to work, I had to literally start over professionally due to my lack of U.S. corporate experience. In many ways, I had already been doing the kind of work I loved back in India between 2007 and 2011, but the transition meant restarting my career from an earlier stage.

Today, I’m in a leadership role where I manage a team of 10–25 people, lead all project management efforts, and oversee key client relationships. It’s been a journey of persistence and adaptability, and I’m grateful for how far it’s brought me.

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

Growing up in a diverse society in South Asia—rich in language, religion, and culture—deeply shaped my values and worldview. It taught me to appreciate differences and to be open and respectful toward perspectives that are different from my own.

As the only South Asian woman on my team in a predominantly white organization, I’ve learned to navigate spaces where I am often the minority. This experience has strengthened my resilience, grit, and adaptability. It has also deepened my commitment to inclusive leadership and cross-cultural understanding.

My identity as a South Asian woman has instilled in me a strong work ethic, diligence, and a deep sense of responsibility. These qualities continue to guide how I lead, collaborate, and contribute—both within my organization and in the broader community.

3.        When you moved to the US as an adult, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced? What were some of the unexpected highlights? 

Moving to the US as an adult came with several challenges. One of the biggest was having to start my career over, despite having relevant experience in India. I also experienced culture shock—both in everyday life and in the workplace. Not knowing anyone in my field made it harder to find guidance or mentorship, which added to the initial struggle.

Another significant challenge was raising children without the support system we would have had back home. With our families in India, we had to figure everything out on our own.

  That said, the journey also brought some unexpected highlights. It pushed me to become more independent, resourceful, and resilient.

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?

My advice to young Asian women starting their educational and career journeys is to believe in your own potential, even when others may not fully see it yet. Cultural and gender-related barriers can sometimes make you feel like you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself, but don’t let that dim your ambition. Your background and experiences are strengths, not limitations.

Seek out mentors and build a strong support system. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help—no one succeeds alone. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and challenge you to grow.

Stay true to your values, but also be open to adapting. The ability to navigate different cultures and expectations is a powerful skill. Use it to your advantage.

Most importantly, know that your voice matters. Even if you are the only woman or the only person of color in the room, your perspective is valuable. Be confident, stay curious, and keep moving forward—because representation starts with people like you.

5.        How did you balance maintaining your cultural identity when first entering the corporate world? 

In the beginning, I felt the pressure to blend in—whether it was through communication styles, social interactions, or even just trying to understand workplace norms that were unfamiliar to me.

But over time, I realized that my cultural background is a source of strength, not something to downplay. The values I was raised with—respect, humility, hard work, and resilience—shaped how I approach challenges and collaborate with others.

I found balance by being open to learning and adapting, while still staying rooted in who I am. I embraced what made me different and used it to connect with others, offer unique perspectives, and build inclusive teams. It’s not always easy, but staying authentic has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

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

My career goals center around growing as a strategic leader and making a meaningful impact through mentorship and inclusive team building. I want to continue leading complex projects, expanding my influence across departments, and helping shape the vision and culture of the organization.

Long term, I’d like to take on more executive-level responsibilities where I can contribute to organizational strategy, talent development, and innovation.

To achieve these goals, I focus on continuous learning through leadership programs, staying current with industry trends, and seeking feedback. I also prioritize building strong relationships and mentoring others, which helps me grow while also supporting those around me.

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

First, better maternity and parental leave policies—ones that truly support women and families during such a critical life transition. Coming from India, where maternity leave policies are generally more generous, I was surprised to see how limited they can be in the U.S.

Second, stronger workplace protections and rights for women, including clear policies around pay equity, harassment prevention, and flexible work arrangements.

And finally, a greater representation of women, especially women of color, in leadership roles. Diverse leadership brings broader perspectives, fosters more inclusive decision-making, and helps create environments where everyone feels seen and supported.