‍"‍There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women" — Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General

In September 2024, Avanti Fellows launched something extraordinary: a podcast series that would challenge perceptions, break barriers, and inspire countless young women across India to dream bigger. "Avanti: Yes She Can," hosted by co-CEO Vandana Goyal, set out to tackle a crucial paradox—why do only 27% of women enter the STEM workforce despite girls making up 43% of STEM course enrollment in India, one of the highest rates in the world? Over ten powerful episodes, the series provided answers, inspiration, and actionable insights that resonated far beyond the confines of audio streaming platforms.

The Mission: Bridging Education and Empowerment

Avanti Fellows has always been dedicated to helping young Indian students—especially girls—lift themselves and their families out of poverty in a single generation by providing access to quality STEM careers. "Yes She Can" became the natural extension of this mission, creating a space where young women could see themselves reflected in the journeys of successful leaders across industries.

The podcast's purpose was clear: to explore why women often exit STEM careers earlier than their male peers and what can be done to bridge this gap. But it went deeper than statistics. Each conversation peeled back layers to reveal the girl before the woman—the childhood experiences, family values, and pivotal moments that shaped these extraordinary leaders.

A Diverse Tapestry of Voices

From C-suite executives at multi-billion dollar companies to film directors, comedians, and social entrepreneurs, Season 1 featured ten remarkable women whose stories proved that success has many paths, but determination, authenticity, and resilience are universal ingredients.

Episode 1: Jyoti Chopra - "For women and girls, this is your time, this is your era"

The series launched on September 12th with Jyoti Chopra, Chief People, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer at MGM Resorts International. Jyoti's transformation from a shy young girl to a leader of a billion-dollar company set the tone for the entire series. She reflected on how her immigrant parents shaped her work ethic and how her time at the United Nations drove her to make real change in the world. As one of the few women in America to hold a C-suite role, Jyoti's conversation explored what it will take to see more women in positions of leadership—and why this moment in history belongs to women and girls ready to claim their space.

Episode 2: Sumitra Pasupathy - "Everyone can take steps towards creating the future that they want"

Sumitra Pasupathy, a Malaysian engineer turned social entrepreneur, brought her unique perspective on overcoming cultural barriers. Winner of a British Council scholarship to Cambridge University, Sumitra went from a boisterous girl in convent school to founding Playeum, an NGO focused on children's play and education. Her conversation with Vandana explored practical steps women can take to create the futures they envision, despite societal expectations and limitations. Sumitra's work in education demonstrated that breaking barriers isn't just about individual success—it's about creating systems that enable others to succeed.

Episode 3: Ruchi Sankhe - "One thing my parents did, they never compromised on my education"

Ruchi Sankhe, founder of Infinity Investment Advisors and LuxeList, shared a deeply personal story of resilience. Born to grandparents who were refugees from Pakistan, Ruchi's early years involved constant relocation across India. Despite these challenges, her parents' unwavering commitment to her education propelled her to earn a Master's in Finance in the USA, where less than 10% of her class were women. With nearly three decades in wealth management, Ruchi discussed building a diverse skill set in male-dominated financial spaces and the importance of prioritizing education as the foundation for opportunity.

Episode 4: Gayatri Shenai - "It was necessary for me to fly out the nest to know I could fly on my own"

Gayatri Shenai, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, offered insights on gender equality from her unique perspective as a twin. Growing up with a twin brother, Gayatri's parents treated both children equally—a value that shaped her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. As a passionate champion for women's advancement in the workplace, Gayatri has conducted extensive research and spearheaded annual conferences for women executives in tech and operations. Her conversation delved into three essential skills she uses to ensure her voice is heard in boardrooms, and why she believes women will play a pivotal role in the future of technology.

Episode 5: Paulomi Shah - "Give it a shot, you'll get a lot of support around you"

Paulomi Shah, Partner & Head of Enterprise Risk and Trade Operations at Apollo Global Management (a firm with $28.41 billion in net assets), embodied the power of curiosity and determination. Her natural passion for learning led her to Barnard College at Columbia University. Having spent years in banking with firms like JP Morgan and HSBC, Paulomi's advice centered on being proactive and embracing new experiences that build confidence in your capabilities. Her message was simple but powerful: take the leap, and you'll discover more support than you imagined.

Episode 6: Meena Lakdawala-Flynn - "Champion your daughter as you champion your son"

Meena Lakdawala-Flynn, Partner & Co-Head of Private Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs, shared a journey that began with Olympic dreams as a talented young gymnast. The daughter of first-generation Indian immigrants in Texas, Meena's parents supported every dream she pursued—a lesson she now champions for parents everywhere. Her powerful message about equal support and encouragement for daughters resonated deeply with listeners navigating the balance between cultural expectations and individual aspirations. Meena emphasized that when families champion their daughters with the same fervor they champion their sons, entire generations transform.

Episode 7: Noorain Khan - "You can do what you set your mind to"

Noorain Khan, the first Muslim American to serve as National President of Girl Scouts of the USA, demonstrated that representation matters at every level. The daughter of Pakistani immigrants, Noorain built a successful career spanning corporate law, non-profits, and public policy. Her story reminded listeners that achievement knows no boundaries when we believe in our capabilities. Noorain's leadership in one of America's most iconic youth organizations highlighted how diverse voices in leadership create pathways for those who follow.

Episode 8: Prashasti Singh - "Your ethic is doing your best in your own eyes"

In a departure from corporate leaders, Prashasti Singh brought comedy and authenticity to the series. The standup comic from the small town of Amethi rose to fame with Comicstaan, but her journey began at the Indian Institute of Management before making the bold leap into comedy. Prashasti's conversation explored the courage required to pursue unconventional career paths and the importance of defining success on your own terms. Her philosophy—that showing up and giving your best shot is vital, regardless of the field—resonated with listeners contemplating non-traditional careers.

Episode 9: Anu Menon - "The more work you do, the better you're going to get"

Anu Menon, the award-winning film director and writer who brought mathematician Shakuntala Devi's extraordinary story to life, shared her unexpected journey into filmmaking. As a child drawn to storytelling but never imagining a career behind the camera, Anu became one of the few women in India holding directing and writing positions in film and TV. Her conversation with Vandana explored the challenges of breaking into male-dominated creative industries and what it will take to inspire the next generation of female filmmakers. Anu's emphasis on consistent work and continuous improvement provided practical advice for aspiring creatives in any field.

Episode 10: Shar Dubey - "If you quit, who's going to lose?"

The season concluded with Shar Dubey, former CEO, Board Member, and Advisor for Match Group. Shar earned her Bachelor's in Technology from IIT Kharagpur, where she was one of the few female students in her class—an experience that shaped her understanding of being underrepresented. Her advice to women breaking into male-dominated fields focused on investing energy in enhancing strengths and identifying unique superpowers rather than trying to fit predetermined molds. Shar's powerful question—"If you quit, who's going to lose?"—challenged listeners to recognize their value and persist despite obstacles, emphasizing that representation requires presence.

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Stream Season 1 Now

All ten episodes of "Avanti: Yes She Can" Season 1 are available for streaming on:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Jio Saavn
• Amazon Music India
• YouTube

Whether you're a student exploring career options, a professional navigating workplace challenges, a parent supporting your child's dreams, or an ally committed to gender equity, these conversations offer valuable insights, practical strategies, and the inspiration to believe that barriers can be broken.

Each episode is a reminder that behind every successful woman is a story of determination, support, and resilience—and ahead of every young girl is the potential to create her own extraordinary journey.