Her Story
About Astha
My journey in IT began with my computer science engineering degree, which I completed in 2010 in India. I've always loved what I do, and that passion has driven my 15+ year career in technology. I started at Infosys in Mysore, one of the biggest IT organizations, where I went through a rigorous 6-month campus training program that really sparked my interest in technology. I was fortunate to work on projects for major clients like Apple and Nike early in my career. In 2015, I got an incredible opportunity to work at Nike's client office in Hong Kong. What was supposed to be a 4-month assignment turned into two years because I won multiple projects for the organization while I was there. Living alone in Hong Kong, in a tiny studio apartment where the kitchen and toilet were right next to each other, taught me so much about independence and resilience. After that, Accenture offered me a position for the Hong Kong Jockey Club project. I came to the U.S. in 2018 after getting married, and after navigating visa delays and work permit processes, I found a position at PenFed. In 2023, I was impacted by layoffs when the whole team was let go, but I quickly found my current role with Booz Allen working on a GSA government federal agency project. As a test automation engineer, I lead teams in developing automation frameworks, guide tool selection, negotiate with vendors, contribute to strategic planning, and optimize processes to help teams deliver higher quality work. I handle both the technology side and people management, which keeps my work dynamic and fulfilling.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Astha
01What do you attribute your success to?
The first thing I would attribute my success to is my dad. He always told me, never think about what others say. If you think it's right, just go ahead. You don't have to ask permission. He never stopped me from pursuing my dreams. Even when I was going to Hong Kong, I didn't have to ask, I was just telling him I was going, and he said okay, fine, go ahead. Beyond my dad's support, I have incredible support from my in-laws and my husband, who helps me balance everything. I'm someone who is very ambitious and driven to do all the things. Dancing is my passion, and if I don't have anything else, dancing keeps me alive. Now that I have kids, I want to do even more. I want to take care of them, and that's my motivation. I also want to be in one of the top positions in the office because I like that leadership thing. I've always been like this, even in school. I was competitive as hell. I wanted to be in the debate team, sports, dancing, painting, everything. That keeps me alive and keeps me going. I'm very interested in learning new things and new technologies, anything that is upcoming. I want to keep myself on the top, so that's my motivation.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my dad. He told me, never think about what others say. If you think it's right, just go ahead. You don't have to ask permission or worry about other people's opinions. That advice has shaped how I approach my career and life decisions, giving me the confidence to take opportunities like moving to Hong Kong and pursuing my ambitions without hesitation.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say, be cautious about your choices, but never regret anything. Try everything, go out, be brave. Don't regret what you have done, but try to improve yourself. Don't pressurize yourself a lot. Give yourself a little time, take a break if you want, but then, again, boom, go back. Every woman is amazing, and they can do whatever they want. I personally feel that women are much stronger than they believe, or what society tells them. And just be selfish sometimes. It's okay to put yourself first.
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