In today’s episode, we talk with the wonderful Sonia Karkare. Sonia is an adjunct professor and doctoral candidate at Kent University and an advisor to Kent State’s Women’s Center, the Empower School for Health, and the CyberPeace Institute. Her current priority is on gender equity, with a focus on the impact of challenging work environments on global immigrant women leaders.

Navigating the professional world as an immigrant woman in tech comes with its unique set of challenges, a truth Sonia knows all too well. Her perspective enriches our discussion on adaptation and resilience, as we share related stories from our past. From the shock of a new culture to the thrill of breaking barriers in technology, Sonia highlights the power of curiosity and the courage it takes to claim your space in unfamiliar environments. These narratives underscore the importance of mentorship and the transformative potential of technology, not only in our professional lives but in our ongoing fight for gender equity.

Before we speak with Sonia, we share some thoughts on Dr. Claudine Gay's resignation and how race, gender, and power dynamics in academia are tied to the current backlash to DEI, which we'll talk more about in our next episode!

(0:00:06) - DEI Backlash and Power Dynamics
DEI backlash, targeted attacks on female university presidents, and complexities of race and power dynamics in Dr. Claudine Gay's resignation from Harvard.

(0:07:43) - Higher Ed Backlash & Gender Equity
Academic leaders' unpreparedness, elitism in higher education, media's role in shaping narratives, and contrasting reactions to DEI.

(0:15:24) - Journey of a Multicultural Career
Sonia's journey from Mumbai to tech entrepreneurship, navigating challenges, and exploring how embracing change led to a beautiful path of learning and supporting gender equity.

(0:27:15) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Identity Development
Overcoming imposter syndrome, growth mindset, speaking up, and adapting in diverse environments as a woman of color.

(0:37:32) - Navigating Challenges and Leading Teams
Leadership as a woman in a male-dominated environment, balancing professional demands and personal convictions, and mentoring the next generation.

(0:45:08) - Impact on Immigrant Women Leaders
Global immigrant women leaders in tech, challenges, and hopes, while discussing worthiness, support systems, and allyship.

(1:00:33) - Use Technology for Successful Transformations
Strategic use of technology, change management, political buy-in, communication, and future work in gender equity and professional spaces.

(1:07:41) - Grateful Conversations and Call to Action
Engaging dialogue with guest Sonia, gratitude for respectful conversation.

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