“Networking for Brown Girls: Creating Your Own Table When You’re Not Invited to Theirs”
Because we’re done waiting for permission.
Let’s be real.
You’ve RSVP’d to the panel, shown up to the webinar, sat through the LinkedIn Lives — and still felt like an outsider.
Like you’re being seen but not heard. Included but not truly valued.
That’s the unspoken reality for so many South Asian women navigating white-dominated, male-dominated, or just straight-up cliquey industries — especially in marketing, media, tech, and entrepreneurship.
But here’s the truth: if there’s no seat for you at their table, it’s time to build your own. And no, it’s not a metaphor — it’s a mindset shift.
🎤 The Problem with Traditional Networking (for Brown Girls)
We were raised on “don’t talk too much,” “don’t self-promote,” “stay humble.”
But the networking world?
It runs on loud intros, confident asks, and systems that weren’t made for us.
Let’s name the things:
- You’re often the only woman of color in the room
- You’re talked over, underestimated, or exoticized
- Your culture, language, and accent become “curiosities,” not assets
- People remember your chai post but not your pitch
It’s exhausting. And it’s why so many of us opt out.
But the world needs more of us — not less.
🔑 What “Creating Your Own Table” Really Means
It’s not just about starting your own company (though that’s dope too).
It means:
- Hosting your own meetups or circles — even virtually
- Starting your own LinkedIn thread when no one invites you to theirs
- Uplifting other South Asian women so you’re never sitting alone again
- Reframing community over clout — because meaningful collaboration > performative networking
💡 Real Talk: You don’t need 50k followers. You need 5 people who believe in your work and say your name in rooms you’re not in.
💌 How to Start Building That Table (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
| 🔧 Strategy | 💡 What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Create a digital “calling card” | Notion page, Canva portfolio, or personal blog — own your narrative and aesthetic |
| DM with intention | Compliment + connect + clarity = a respectful reach-out that actually lands |
| Be the brown girl who invites | Don’t wait to be included — tag, mention, and spotlight others who reflect your vibe |
| Start your own series or circle | IG Lives, Zoom journaling circles, WhatsApp accountability chats — keep it real |
| Ask better questions | “What’s a skill you wish more brown girls had in this field?” = deeper conversations |
🌟 Where to Find (and Build) Your People
- Instagram: Use niche hashtags like #BrownGirlBoss, #DesiInMarketing, #SouthAsianCreatives
- LinkedIn: Post your reflections, insights, and cultural POVs — not just job wins
- Slack/Discord: Join spaces like Brown Boss Babes, South Asian Women in Marketing, or build your own private circle
- DMs: Yes, really. That creator you look up to? Hit them up with respect, clarity, and vibes
👑 Reminder: Networking is not begging — it’s building.
✨ Final Chai Thought
Stop waiting to be discovered. You’re not a sidekick, a quota filler, or someone who needs to earn her way into the room with “perfect English” and watered-down ideas.
You belong at the table — and if the room isn’t built for you, build a new one.
Call it a brunch, a group chat, a Zoom link, a Google Doc of contacts, a podcast, a platform.
Whatever it is, make it bold. Make it brown. Make it yours.
And don’t forget to leave space for other betis too.