by Tamanna Ramesh
A decade ago, a determined young woman from a small town in India arrived in the United States, fueled by dreams of a better future. Despite the promise of new opportunities, her journey was fraught with challenges—cultural adjustments, language barriers, workplace toxicity, and the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Yet, her unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth powered her through these obstacles.
From the outset, integrating into the American workplace proved difficult due to cultural differences and the complex immigration system. The Green Card process was particularly daunting, with the EB2 category's wait time exceeding 130 years—a formidable barrier. Professionally, she faced pay equity issues and the constant need to prove herself, especially as a woman in STEM. These obstacles were compounded by harassment, discrimination, and the everyday stress of navigating a new country. Nevertheless, she transformed these adversities into opportunities for growth.
Her journey was marked by an impressive achievement: securing $135,000 in scholarships and assistantships, which funded her STEM graduate degree and part-time MBA program in the U.S. This financial support was crucial, allowing her to focus on her education without incurring significant debt. Over the years, she honed her networking strategies and perfected her negotiation tactics, landing dream jobs at Fortune 500 companies and making five unconventional career pivots. Each move was a calculated step towards building her personal brand and significantly increasing her compensation.
A defining moment in her life came when she secured her Green Card at the age of 29, breaking through the historic wait time barrier by qualifying under the EB1 category—one of the most challenging categories for Indian nationals. This achievement was not just a personal victory but a profound symbol of new beginnings. Free from immigration uncertainty, she could finally pursue her aspirations fully.
With renewed determination, she committed to continuous personal and professional development, advancing from a researcher to a director at a Fortune 100 company. This remarkable progression was driven by hard work, perseverance, and the invaluable support of mentors and sponsors who nurtured her potential. She also took on leadership roles in professional organizations, notably with the Institute of Food Technologists, where she served as Chair of the Product Development Division and the Women's Resource Group. These roles amplified her influence and established her as a thought leader in the food and beverage industry.
Throughout her journey, she faced numerous unseen challenges: over performing while underpaid, dealing with bad managers, experiencing burnout and imposter syndrome, and confronting biases and systemic barriers. While the highs on her LinkedIn profile are visible, the lows—marked by harassment, bullying, and the grueling immigration process—were equally significant. Despite these struggles, she chose to fight, paving her own path with resilience and determination.
Her experiences taught her that success is not solely defined by titles or financial gain but by the freedom and empowerment to pursue one’s own path. Perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning were essential to overcoming adversity and achieving success.
To those navigating similar challenges, she advises remaining resilient and proactive. Seek out mentors and sponsors for guidance and support, and invest in continuous learning to enhance your skills and adaptability. Challenges often present opportunities for significant personal growth and success.
Today, she stands as a leader at a Fortune 100 company and the founder of Spark Career Services, dedicated to supporting underrepresented individuals in their career journeys. Through Spark Career Services, she helps others overcome barriers, achieve career advancement, and drive equity in the workplace. Her goal is to empower one million individuals to break through barriers and achieve career fulfillment, with a commitment to fostering workplace wellness and championing purpose-driven careers.
Call to Action for All the Amazing Women Out There:
ASK for those high-visibility projects, raises, and promotions that you deserve.
BALANCE by prioritizing your well-being to avoid burnout and undue stress.
CHALLENGE biases and systemic barriers that stand in your way.
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