“I grew up in India, in a conservative middle-class family, spending most of my life in and around family. At the age of 19, my eyes opened to a world of possibilities when I travelled to UK for a short student exchange program. In 1999, I came to Melbourne for a job training and met my husband. Eventually, we got married and I permanently moved to Melbourne, and for 21 years, this city has been home.
Coming here as a young woman was both thrilling and terrifying. I had worked hard to start my career in India and came here with high hopes. I applied for so many jobs, but months went by with no calls, no interviews. I remember the isolation and thinking, ‘Maybe I don’t belong here.’ It was heartbreaking, feeling like coming here was a mistake.
Then I met Peter Anderson. I call him my Australian godfather. He truly heard me and gave me my first break. It was an admin job, unrelated to my expertise, and I struggled. Rather than give up on me, he supported me while I learnt new skills each day, opening bigger opportunities. Within six months, I was working in my field again and felt that my career was back on track. I’ll always be indebted to him for giving me a chance.
From that first opportunity, it has taken many risks and setbacks to be where I am today. I didn’t realise it at the time, but as a woman of colour, I had to fight harder at every step – working twice as hard to only get half as far. My refusal to give up when things got tough and the unwavering support from my tribe – family, friends and colleagues – keeps me going. Today, my greatest teachers are my children, keeping me grounded while inspiring me to grow.
The journey has been hard, yet rewarding, and has taken many sacrifices. They are sacrifices, not regrets, and ones that have inspired me to start my latest venture – openXchange – an emerging ecosystem connecting professionals feel supported rather than alone.
Australia has been a land of opportunities and challenges. I hope it continues to open its arms to diversity and make everyone feel like they belong. It’s up to each one of us to make the journey a little bit easier for those coming up.” Ruby Yadav
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