Her Story
About Meena
I have been working in the data space for 25 years, since I graduated from my undergrad. At first, I didn't know what data was, but I just fell in love with it - the analytics aspect. I realized that even in everyday living, you make decisions and there is data around it. Now, the impact is helping businesses or non-profit organizations consolidate data so wiser and better decisions can be made. Data is so fun, and as I say in my LinkedIn profile, data never lies. Whether you're analyzing your own spending data for self-reflection or a company is looking at employee engagement trends, there are so many facets where you can get insights. What thrills me is the mining - what can you find next? What is hidden in there? What gems are there that are not uncovered? Currently, I work as a Principal Software Development Engineer at Zillow on the technical side. Beyond my professional work, I serve on the board for LA County Science Fair and teach my own language to kids in a Sunday setting. I'm attached to at least 10 different organizations, balancing my passion for making an impact across multiple areas.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Meena
01What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely attribute my success to my family and friends who have supported me through the ups and downs. The curiosity aspect has been crucial - I've always been a lifelong learner. Until my life ends, I think I would be a strong learner with curiosity embedded in that. So, that's the trait I would attribute internally, and externally, I would say all the support from my family and friends have been the biggest support for me. It really does take a village, and having that support system throughout my whole life has made all the difference.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say be open-minded. Sometimes things can be apprehensive - oh my god, I don't know anything. But you don't have to know everything. Just take a step at it, start simple, start with a small goal. Be curious. When you're working toward a small goal, you're going to encounter jargons that you don't know. Don't be appalled by that. Instead, have it as an opportunity to further research and expand your scope slowly and widely. Be a lifelong learner and don't be afraid of learning. If you make any mistakes, it's okay - it's a part of the process. Mistakes are your stepping stone. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Acknowledge them, move on, and learn from them.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
When wearing multiple hats across at least 10 different organizations, I focus on three key values. First is communication - everybody has their own priorities, but we all have a common goal. The key is to communicate why something is important, what it is, and whether I'm taking too much or not adjusting with my own husband or kids. Second is adaptability - sometimes things don't go the way you want, and new things come up. You need to be ready and understand that it's okay. You don't have to be the speaker in everything you're involved in. Some places you're going to be the listener and the backbencher, and that's okay. In some places you're going to lead, and that's okay too. It's not that one is better than the other. The question is, are you enjoying that? Third is planning ahead - when you wear multiple hats and juggle multiple projects together, just think ahead and plan. That goes a long way.
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