For years, I envisioned bringing together women of South Asian heritage to form a powerful, connected community — a collective force for personal growth and meaningful impact. I deeply believe in the power of every woman to uplift herself and others, to lead with intention, and to create lasting change in the world around us.
Together, we can influence the present and shape the future. Together, we can build caring, compassionate communities that are so needed in today’s chaotic world.
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My goal was to create a space where women from all walks of life could show up authentically — without fear of judgment — while building meaningful connections and a true sense of belonging. A sisterhood united by a shared commitment to self-growth and community development.
Today, that vision has grown into a movement. The annual Shakti Women’s Symposium has become a distinctive and celebrated gathering within Sacramento’s South Asian community, inspiring connection, leadership, and collective strength.
At Shakti, we celebrate womanhood in all its glory.
Glimpses from the past Shakti Women's Symposiums
The Inaugural Symposium 2019
The inaugural women's symposium was a huge success, with women from all walks of life coming together to share experiences and motivate each other. ​I encouraged women to take pride in their work, go after their dreams and support each other. Ramna Sharma recited a few of her thought-provoking poems from her book "Gritty Girl". The audience responded by joining in the empowering chant for celebrating women. The panel consisted of Dr. Shubhangi Chitnis (Director, pediatric neurologist for Sutter Medical) , Manisha Hotpeti (Cosmetologist), Meena Kalyansundaram (President and founder of WeEmbrace) and Shikha Singh (Owner of Sarang boutique).
This pioneer event has started a new conversation in the Indian community in Sacramento by providing insight into immigrant women’s life.
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Each event amplifies voices of local women leaders and provides opportunities for community building through group discussions and activities.
2021
The women's symposium was hosted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided a much-needed space to gather and provide comfort and hope to each other.
I talked about cultural and societal expectations along with women's own expectations of themselves. A published poet Preeti Deshpande recited her poem about her life experience, which was well received by the participants.
This year the celebratory panel consisted of Savita Farooqui ( Founder of SymSoft Solutions and a national award winner), Sangita Trivedi (a Special Aide teacher), and Siri Pulipati (Rancho Cordova City council member). The breakout room interactive games and discussions were focused on the topic of being an effective leader and a cautious follower in today's era of social media. The participants of the events were enthusiastic and open about sharing their experiences and opinions about women's leadership and followership. The event was successful in bringing the women together to provide support, hope, and inspiration, much needed in the pandemic era.
2023
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This was the first in-person event after the pandemic. I shared my thoughts about the impact of the pandemic on all, exacerbated by current wars and political unrest. I invited the attendees to support each other in achieving a safer, equal and just world. To stand united, determined and resilient in the face of adversity, whether the adversity is at the personal, local, or national level.
The celebratory panel consisted of Dr. Uma Kudupudi ( Founder of the Folsom Montessori School), Medha Bansode ( Regional Director of California with CommonSpirit Health at home), Priti Nadgauda (Homemaker), Shobha Mallarapu (President and CEO of Anvaya Solutions Inc.). This event sowed the seeds of bi-monthly meet-ups.
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2024
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This year's theme was celebrating the goddess in each of us. I challenged the audience to defy cultural norms when necessary and embrace authenticity. The panel consisted of Simiti Mehta (School board member), Rasika Deshpande ( Founder of a dance academy),
and Bharati Sundararajan ( Chinmaya Mission volunteer).
2024 marked the beginning of Shakti meetups led by me, where several women met regularly to engage in volunteering and participate in group discussions on topics ranging from immigrant experiences, health, relationships, and self-growth.
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2025
We celebrated the 5th year of Shakti with the theme of 'Resilience' and received an overwhelming response from the community. We had an amazing panel featuring Preeti Deshpande (published poet), Satty Rai (Commissioner, Sacramento Disability Advisory Commission), and Shankari Arcot (Owner, Sacramento Spice). I advocated that attendees lean into their immigrant culture and strengths and initiate social change.
With the help of our awesome Shakti volunteer members, we have started Shakti clubs such as the book club and crochet club. We continue with our community engagement activities through a workshop on Ikigai and volunteering at a local non-profit organization.
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