My First Grace Hopper Celebration India: Walking In Curious, Walking Out Changed

When I first saw the email subject line from AnitaB.org India, I reread it twice, just to be sure I wasn’t imagining it.

I had been selected as an Advancing Inclusion Scholar for Grace Hopper Celebration India 2025.

A full scholarship. A ₹22,000 conference ticket — covered. An invitation to one of the largest gatherings of technologists, leaders, founders, and changemakers in India.

It felt unreal.

Selection Email

The Scholarship That Meant More Than Just a Free Ticket

The Advancing Inclusion Program (AIP) scholarship wasn’t just about financial support. It was a signal — you belong here.

As a student navigating tech from a non-traditional background, opportunities like these matter deeply. The scholarship came with access to mentorship, community events, industry exposure, and most importantly, a cohort of people who were all trying to grow, learn, and lift others along the way.

When I confirmed my acceptance, I honestly didn’t know what to expect.

I walked into GHCI curious.

I walked out inspired, grounded, and incredibly grateful.

With Shreya Krishnan, MD of AnitaB.org

Energy, Belonging, and Chills

The inauguration itself was lit.

Thousands of people. So many stories. So much ambition in one space. And yet — what stood out most was the feeling of belonging.

When Amira Gill sang the anthem, I had literal chills. That moment alone set the tone for the entire conference. It reminded me that tech isn’t just about code, titles, or resumes — it’s about people, voices, and shared purpose.

Conversations That Stay With You

Over the next few days, I met women with decades of experience — leaders who have shaped this industry in ways I’m still trying to understand.

What surprised me most was how they spoke.

With warmth. With humility. With genuine curiosity.

There was no hierarchy in those conversations — just honesty, encouragement, and stories shared with intent. Those moments reminded me that leadership doesn’t have to be intimidating to be powerful.

A Mentorship Session That Changed My Direction

One of the most impactful moments for me was my 1-hour mentorship session.

It was honest. It was grounding. And it gave me clarity I didn’t even know I was searching for.

I walked out with:

• New directions
• Renewed confidence
• A deeper understanding of myself and the industry

Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation with the right people to help you see your path more clearly.

Gratitude, Loud and Clear

I want to take a moment to express heartfelt gratitude to the people who made this experience what it was.

Thank you to Shreya Krishnan, Managing Director of AnitaB.org India — your leadership, presence, and voice shaped so many moments for me. And to Karen D’Mello, thank you for building a celebration that feels inclusive, powerful, and full of heart.

I’m also deeply thankful to everyone I crossed paths with — Aparna Ravindra, Aarushi Nair, Amrita Nair, Deepti Nair, Nandhini Gopal, Kavisha Mathur, Shubhi Khanna, Kinjal Dave, Hima Bindu Thupalli, Geeta Dixit, Priya Maria Rao, Parvathy Rajmohan, Dr. Vijeta Pai — and so many more.

Every conversation added something to my journey.

Goodies

The Little Things Matter Too

The goodies. The lunch. The booths. The music. The chaos. The joy.

Every corner of GHCI had something to teach me — about community, curiosity, and showing up fully.

I’m also grateful to the incredible organizations that showed up and supported this ecosystem: Lloyds TSB Offshore Banking, Avalara, First Citizens India, Genpact, MyCareernet, PropertyGuru Group, Cloudflare, Bloomberg, Workday, Tesco, Albertsons Companies India, Nagarro, Motorq, TinkerHub, NetApp, AiRoHire, BootLabs — and many more.

Leaving With a Fuller Heart

I’m leaving GHCI 2025 with:

• A fuller heart
• A sharper mind
• And a stronger community behind me

To AnitaB.org India and the Advancing Inclusion Program — thank you for believing in students like me and creating spaces where we don’t just attend, but truly belong.

This was my first Grace Hopper Celebration India.

It definitely won’t be my last.

#GHCI25 #GraceHopperIndia #WomenInTech #AnitaBorgIndia #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #TechCommunity #Gratitude