Born and raised in Seattle, Priya is the first generation of her family to live in the United States as well as the first to go to college. Priya attended college at the University of Washington Seattle with a degree in Communications and American Ethnic Studies. She also has a master’s degree in Cultural Studies from the University of Washington Bothell. Priya has over 25 years of experience in equity, diversity and inclusion work professionally, educationally and personally. Her mission is to create experiences and spaces and help people feel a sense of belonging. “No one journey has to look one way”, Priya says. She lives her life with authenticity and joy. It’s the little things that matter most to her. Racial Equality works is one of the things that means a lot. She has said it can be difficult and emotional, but she finds hope within it as well. She finds a lot of purpose in the work that she does.
Priya has a very contagious energy. It can be felt from the first few minutes of speaking with her, so it makes sense that she loves bringing people together as well as connecting others to things they are passionate about. To Priya, success doesn’t just look one sort of way. Success can look a lot of different ways. As humans, we tend to have preconceived notions of what success looks like. To Priya, the greatest gift that others have given her is by showing her that success has 1,000 definitions and do not be afraid to have your own definition of what that is. Her journey is not necessarily about the success she achieves but more about the values and things she has accomplished at the end of the day. For her, feeling successful is such a relative thing. What’s most important is the joy she feels and always wants to have that excitement and drive for something.
However, Priya has accomplished many amazing things. She received the 2015 Outstanding Early Career Alumna Award from the University of Washington Department of Communication. She was on of 2018’s Most Influential People list by Seattle Magazine as well as a Puget Sound Business Journal’s top 40 under 40 recipient in 2019. In 2020, Priya received the Alumnae of the Year award from the University of Washington and was the 2023 commencement speaker. Priya has built strategies, created programs and consulted on how organizations and institutions can center equity and inclusion within foundational values, mission, goals, strategic plans, and everyday practices.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to young women aiming to make their mark?
Do it your way. Don’t let someone else’s definition of success, beauty, and power define yours. It looks different for everyone. Lead with your values and you will always thrive in the long run.
What motivates you to challenge the status quo and push boundaries in your industry?
"I grew up in an era where I truthfully never saw myself represented in media, politics, fields I was even merely interested in, or spaces that I actually wanted to be. Thankfully I have had support and mentorship from a community of incredible women who have nurtured my talents, and recognized them long before I did, and encouraged me to keep exploring, to keep growing, and to march to the beat of my own drum!!"
How do you define success for yourself, and do you feel you've achieved it?
"For me success is being able to show up exactly as I am, and have that be appreciated, celebrated, and recognized as a value-add to whoever I’m collaborating with or whichever community I’m contributing to. That confidence of feeling comfortable in my own skin has developed over time and has allowed me to connect with people in a real way, as authenticity is a value I hold closely within the work I do and the life I lead. Whether it’s through my personal style, sharing embarrassing stories, or participating in activities I’m not perhaps stellar at (karaoke, kickball, etc.) it’s all about leading a life that is true to myself and my values, and not letting fear keep me from trying new things. I hope that by living a life that is authentic to me, it might allow others to feel safe to do the same."
A Glimpse into Her World :
"I live in a beautiful and blessed world that is filled with love, vibrancy, gratitude and community. Everyone I love is still present in physical form. That alone is abundance and I wake up grateful every single day. It also brings anxiety, as I’m often waiting for the other shoe to drop, while trying to live fully in the present. It’s a constant struggle for balance. But I know that the energy I put out matters, and right now I can offer strength, hope, care, and fun. I may not always have the capacity to be that and I may need to pass the baton during phases to come. But right now I can be that hype-girl, that person that will know where the next art event is, where the next tailgate is, and where the next big thing is. And where the Seattle game changers are, and how I can hype their incredible work and contributions in this community."