A La Trobe University research executive has been recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Research Grant Development and Transformation Director, Deepa Balakrishnan, was one of only 16 women out of more than 200 candidates chosen to be part of the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, an initiative funded by the Victorian Government.
Over the next four months Ms Balakrishnan will engage in leadership workshops, personalised coaching, storytelling and networking. The program is run by three other high achieving Women of Colour, including La Trobe Distinguished alumna Tasneem Chopra OAM.
After growing up in Hyderabad, India, and studying at Osmania University, Ms Balakrishnan’s graduate career in software services presented the opportunity to work in Australia.
"I was taken by the beauty of Australia during my visits and found Australians to be friendly and welcoming and I found out that my skills were in demand," she said.
"My parents were both teachers and social workers and very early on taught me the importance of hard work and the opportunities good education could provide to lead an independent life.
"Getting educated was a privilege they would tell me and my siblings and encouraged us to use it to do good. I use this lens in my leadership style as well, I am always focussed on making a positive impact."
Among her achievements at La Trobe, Ms Balakrishnan advocated for the creation of La Trobe’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Working Group (CALDWG). As Co-Chair of CALDWG, she championed the MindTribes Project that highlighted the challenges CALD staff and students face at the university and contributed to the establishment of La Trobe’s Anti-Racism Taskforce.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said that Ms Balakrishnan has had a significant effect on the lives of CALD students and staff at the University.
“I congratulate Deepa on her tireless efforts to improve the lives of People of Colour in the La Trobe community, as well as her outstanding leadership in the research portfolio,” Professor Farrell said.
“Being selected to be a part of this innovative and exciting development program is a testament to her ability and her impact. At La Trobe, we champion equity, diversity and inclusion, and Deepa is an exemplar of this ethos.”
Ms Balakrishnan said it was important that diversity in leadership matters.
“Creating opportunities for People of Colour in Australian leadership is a crucial step and an opportunity toward creating a racially just and equitable workforce.
“To foster true inclusive culture, we must change and have diversity among leaders to bring different perspectives. For Women of Colour to progress to leadership roles, extraordinary support, advocacy and allyship is required from the top of the organisation. When we open up for People of Colour to lead, we will demonstrate that we are a culturally competent workforce.”
After completing the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Ms Balakrishnan said she hopes to learn from other participants ways to building support networks and empower more staff and students to become allies and advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Her advice for Women of Colour was to not be afraid of using your voice.
“Be active and vocal in voicing your opinions with clarity and find yourself a sponsor who believes in you and your talent, one that advocates for you when you are not in the room," she said.
"The more we are afraid, the less we can affect change. Find your voice."
Find out more about Women of Colour mentorship and training programs.
