Pooja Banerjee

I attribute much of my success to having the right mentorship and a supportive workplace environment. I can’t overstate how critical that support is—not just for professional growth, but especially for someone trying to build a career in a new country. I was fortunate to find mentors early on in my career—leaders who went beyond being supervisors and truly invested in my growth. They didn’t just help me move forward professionally; they played a significant role in shaping the direction of my career.

I started from scratch, without a professional network or influential backing, either in the U.S. or in India. That’s why the guidance I received early on made such a meaningful difference. It gave me both direction and confidence at a crucial stage.

I also thrive in collaborative environments. In my current role, I genuinely look forward to Mondays because I know that, even when challenges arise, we approach them as a team—focused on finding solutions together rather than assigning blame.

I am deeply committed to ensuring that women—especially immigrant women—feel the support and warmth they need to succeed. When I first came to the U.S. for my master’s, I didn’t have access to the kind of resources that could guide me—how to navigate the job market as an immigrant, what steps to take next, or how to make the right career decisions. I had to figure everything out on my own, often through trial and error. I relied heavily on Google, and I would look people up on LinkedIn to understand where they worked and reach out for guidance.

It wasn’t easy. Many messages went unanswered, and at times, the lack of response—especially from other women—felt discouraging. A lot of what I know today came much later than I would have liked. Looking back, I often think that having access to the right guidance earlier could have strengthened my position significantly.

That experience has shaped how I show up for others now. I make it a point to respond to anyone who reaches out to me on LinkedIn. Even when I don’t have all the answers, I try to respond with kindness and honesty. I’ve supported students with their college applications and guided young professionals navigating their job searches.

This is something I care deeply about. I want to help create a culture where women—especially those building their lives in a new country—feel seen, supported, and encouraged, so they don’t have to navigate their journeys alone.

I find the greatest joy in the small, meaningful wins in my work. Seeing a child from an underserved community gain access to private education at no cost made me feel like I’ve truly contributed to something important. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.

One experience that deeply stayed with me was working on the Menstrual Hygiene Project. I saw firsthand how lack of access to clean toilets and sanitary products forced many girls to drop out of school. What was truly inspiring was watching those same women become part of the solution—working at the center, producing and distributing sanitary pads so that no other girl would have to face the same barrier. They were determined to remove obstacles to education, and being part of that journey made me feel incredibly proud.

As a professional, I thrive in collaborative environments. In my current role, I genuinely look forward to Mondays because I know that, even when challenges arise, we approach them as a team. Instead of assigning blame, we focus on identifying gaps, working through them together, and ensuring nothing stands in the way of our goals.

I’m also deeply passionate about gender equity. I want to ensure that women—especially those navigating complex personal and professional journeys—feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.