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.
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