Agenda
Join us on March 8-9, 2025 for transformative conversations that speak directly to our journey as immigrant women. We've carefully curated topics that touch the heart of our shared experiences
10:00am - 10:30am Registration & Networking
Time for attendees to check in, connect over coffee, and engage in light networking
10:30am - 10:45am Opening Keynote: A call to strength for South Asian expat Women
Surabhi Boob - Founder of Vahati Association
Surabhi Boob - Founder of Vahati Association
The strength of South Asian expat women is undeniable. This keynote sets the stage for the day, sharing how we can uplift each other and get the most out of this conference and the Vahati ecosystem.
10:45am - 11:30am Panel Discussion: Emotional Resilience in Entrepreneurship
Sunita Shastri – CEO at vPurpose | Preeti Suri - CEO at AdventureTripr
Sunita Shastri – CEO at vPurpose | Preeti Suri - CEO at AdventureTripr
Learn about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, navigating the challenges from pre-seed to growth stages and becoming startup advisors, and throughout that journey, resilience as a South Asian immigrant women in business.
11:30am - 11:50am Talk: Perceptions vs Perspectives - Your greatest ally is already inside
Magda Nica - Holistic Health Advisor
Magda Nica - Holistic Health Advisor
Understand the story that we tell ourselves and what you can do to empower yourself. This talk will explore how you can practice self awareness, self-reflection, personal growth, and holistic well-being every day of your life.
11:50am - 12:00pm Gratitude Note and Important Announcements
A moment to honor the Vahati community, acknowledge contributions, and share next day’s agenda
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch and Networking
1:00pm - 1:30pm Fireside Chat: Notes from a Multifaceted Creative Journey
Chandrayee Bhattacharyya – CEO Virtuelly | Kathak Dancer
Chandrayee Bhattacharyya – CEO Virtuelly | Kathak Dancer
Explore the journey of a renowned classical dance artist in the U.S. and CEO of Virtuelly. Find out how she balances art, leadership, and entrepreneurship seamlessly as a South Asian immigrant woman.
1:30pm - 2:00pm Fireside Chat: Rising Through Immigration Challenges
Soundarya Balasubramani – 2x Author and Founder of Unshackled
Soundarya Balasubramani – 2x Author and Founder of Unshackled
Dive deep into the journey of overcoming visa struggles, career hurdles, and cultural transitions. Soundarya’s is a story of resilience from being a Product manager at Salesforce to finding her own unique path.
2:00pm - 2:45pm Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers in Technology Leadership
Nitya Gupta- Product & GTM Executive at NetApp | Priyadarshini Natarajan - Technical Fellow at Walmart
Nitya Gupta- Product & GTM Executive at NetApp | Priyadarshini Natarajan - Technical Fellow at Walmart
Learn about what it means to navigate a male dominated American workplace as a South Asian Woman leader in tech. What is the art of having a seat at the table and the power of mentorship and network.
2:45pm - 3:30pm Workshop: Learnings & Connections you will carry forever
More details coming soon. Learn about Transformative Topics that will stay with you forever
3:30pm - 4:15pm Workshop: Feel like a Reproductive Rockstar - Do’s and Don'ts of Egg Freezing
Dr. Kathleen Lin – Award winning Reproductive Endocrinologist, RMA Fertility
Dr. Kathleen Lin – Award winning Reproductive Endocrinologist, RMA Fertility
With changing lifestyles from generations past and women pushing boundaries in all fields, the topics of women’s health and fertility are not commonplace in South Asian households. Whether you’re considering egg freezing or exploring your options, this talk will empower you to take charge of your reproductive future!
4:15pm - 4:45pm Symphony of Strength: Musical Event
A musical performance by MehfilX inspired by Vahati’s empowerment
A musical performance by MehfilX inspired by Vahati’s empowerment
Unwind at the end of the day with a power packed performance
4:45pm - 5:00pm Day 1 Closing Note
Solidify key takeaways, set personal and professional intentions, announcements for Day 2 and celebrate.
4:45pm - 5:00pm Picture Time & Informal Networking
Capture the joy of the day. 🙂
10:00am - 10:15am Opening Note
Surabhi Boob - Founder of Vahati Association
Surabhi Boob - Founder of Vahati Association
Welcome virtual audience , Recap of March 8th conference, Agenda for March 9th
10:15am - 11:00am Talk: Flowing through Challenges - My Path in Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Suma Bhat - Faculty Member at UIUC | Princeton University
Dr. Suma Bhat - Faculty Member at UIUC | Princeton University
Join Dr. Suma Bhat – Princeton/UIUC NLP researcher and award-winning educator – for a candid exploration of building AI systems that understand humanity’s social fabric. In this talk, she’ll trace her path into Artificial Intelligence and share actionable strategies for women entering the field.
11:00am - 11:45am Workshop: Four Forces, One Body: Patriarchy, Attachment, Feminism, Immigration in the Nervous System
Sangheetha Parthasarathy - Founder of South Asian Somatics
Sangheetha Parthasarathy - Founder of South Asian Somatics
Join Sangeetha in this transformative workshop where we explore how patriarchy, attachment, feminism and immigration live in your nervous system. Through experiential somatic practices, discover how these forces shape your reactions, relationships, and sense of self. Learn practical tools to regulate your nervous system and reclaim your authentic embodied experience. Join the “Unfair Advantage Club” – the revolutionary approach helping South Asian women thrive across cultural contexts.
11:45am - 12:15pm Mindfulness Session with Mind Body Zone
Nancy Parungao – Healing Touch Practitioner
Nancy Parungao – Healing Touch Practitioner
Join certified yoga instructor and Healing Touch Practitioner Nancy for a transformative session blending gentle chair yoga, breathwork, and alignment principles honed through 20+ years of practice. Participants will learn techniques to reduce stiffness, cultivate patience through positive self-talk, and celebrate incremental progress. Leave feeling stronger in body and spirit.
1:00pm - 1:45pm Hangout with Vahati Team
Surabhi, Deepti, Jessica, Harshada, Sandhya
Surabhi, Deepti, Jessica, Harshada, Sandhya
Informal session to get to know the team behind the scenes, discuss volunteering opportunities and share event feedback
1:45pm - 2:00pm Closing Note
A Big Thank you and a virtual celebration with the Vahati Family