Choose to Challenge: India & Philippines women on breaking stereotypes

Get to know seven intersectional women across India & Philippines who are thriving in their roles at Wells Fargo. Read more about their experiences and draw inspiration from their stories.

Meet some of the women at Wells Fargo.

How have you challenged norms or stereotypes?

Sreeya Reddaboina: I have chosen to break stereotypes of who I am and what I can be. I have chosen to form my own tribe.

Prachi Sarin: When I was assigned to lead a team of men, I made sure their takeaway from the experience was ‘I was led by an officer’ and not ‘I was led by a lady officer.’

Marj Ferreria: I have challenged gender stereotypes on body image and body positivity. I’ve been discouraged against speaking up and pushing the boundaries, but I am so much more than the clothing I wear.

Sandhya Menon: When I was a journalist working in a male-dominated newsroom, I spoke up against sexual harassment.

Piper Prado: Early in my career, I overheard someone say that only straight people “deserved” to be promoted. It was only after I met a role model who brought her partner to the office that I became more confident to be my real self. Through self-discovery, I was able to break my own boundaries.

Gina Camaddo: I am a person whose motor disability is not visually apparent, and on the bus I have been questioned for why I sit in the PWD section. I am raising awareness on the wide spectrum of disability.

Deena Sawlani: Growing up in a traditional joint family where there was no encouragement to pursue career opportunities for women, I decided to break the norm and pursue engineering as an undergrad and got into a corporate job to be independent.

What are the support structures that have enabled your journey so far?

Sreeya Reddaboina: My manager was the first person I opened up to at Wells Fargo about my identity issues. She helped me have those early conversations to see what support could be extended to me and continues to check in regularly.

Prachi Sarin: Even if my partner is physically not present, he finds a way to support me with tasks that would otherwise take up my mental energy.

Marj Ferreria: When I first started with Wells Fargo I had a supervisor I didn’t get along with. We were able to get past our differences. Most of my achievements are because of her, because she endorsed me for projects and big platforms where I could share my story. When I feel demotivated, I turn to her for encouragement.

Sandhya Menon: My domestic help has been the number one personal support structure. Without her, it would have been impossible for me to accomplish what I have.

Piper Prado: Last year, my partner of 11 years passed away suddenly, and my grandfather died from the isolation of the pandemic. Grieving their loss, and the loss of my mother a decade back, has been challenging. These three people are my motivation for succeeding. All my achievements, I lay at their feet.

Gina Camaddo: My big family – I’m the eldest girl of 8 siblings. My father raised me not to see my disability as a limitation. My nieces accompany me on all my errands. When it rains, my nephew gives me a piggyback ride so I don’t walk on the wet road.

Deena Sawlani: Different support structures such my family, friends, mentors and Glide program co-participants. Because of Glide, I got the opportunity to network with women having similar experiences as mine who were restarting their careers post break. We are still connected though it’s been 3 years and continue to reach out to each other for advice on topics big and small.

If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently in your career?

Sreeya Reddaboina: I would have been a more open, free, and outgoing person back then as I am today.

Prachi Sarin: I was too hard on myself, especially after becoming a parent. I wish I had focused on “How can I strive to be more balanced?”

Marj Ferreria: I would have gone back to school earlier and put myself first.

Sandhya Menon: I would have had a little bit more confidence in my own instincts, intuition, and judgment without getting beaten down by rejection.

Piper Prado: My mantra now is “be your own brand” – this is the advice I wish I had heard in my early years.

Gina Camaddo: I would have spent more time in my role as a mentor/coach. I still think about going back to my first love of counseling.

Deena Sawlani: In the past, I used to feel burnout several times. I wish I could have taken it bit easier at times and had focused more on maintaining work-life balance.

What is the one advice you want to give aspiring women professionals?

Sreeya Reddaboina: I would encourage every woman to be independent, especially financially.

Prachi Sarin: You are responsible for your own self. Focus on the desired outcome and work towards it with objectivity.

Marj Ferreria: Create your own opportunities to thrive, despite what obstacles come your way.

Sandhya Menon: Invest in your personal relationships authentically and put effort into building those as you build your career. They are going to prove to be one of the most important support structures as you start to accomplish things.

Piper Prado: Never let bad circumstances define your story.

Gina Camaddo: When trying something new, give yourself a generous window to get used to it and just try. Don’t be too hasty to decide something isn’t for you.

Deena Sawlani: Be open to take up new challenges and build a strong support system around you so that you can channelize your energy towards achieving your goals.