An ASAN gathering during San Francisco Tech Week brought together women entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals for candid conversations about building careers, businesses, and stronger networks.
What does it take for more South Asian women to build successful companies, reach executive leadership, and create opportunities for others along the way?
That question was central to Brown Women on the Rise, an American South Asian Network (ASAN) gathering during San Francisco Tech Week.
The event brought together a room full of South Asian women entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and professionals for discussions about ambition, career growth, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of women actively supporting one another.
The featured panel included Chandni Bansal, founder and CEO of BYOQ Consulting; Aravinda Seshadri, founding partner of Venturous Counsel; and Nimisha Lotia, representing SeaCastle Insurance and ASAN.
Together, they brought perspectives spanning entrepreneurship, professional services, business development, and community leadership.
Why Women Helping Women Matters
One of the central themes was the importance of women creating opportunities for one another.
Professional advancement depends on more than individual talent and effort. Access to influential networks, trusted advice, business opportunities, and people willing to advocate for others can meaningfully shape career trajectories.
For an emerging entrepreneur, that support might mean an introduction to a prospective customer, investor, or experienced founder.
For a professional seeking greater leadership responsibility, it might involve a senior executive recommending her for a critical assignment, providing access to decision-makers, or advocating for her advancement.
The discussion emphasized how women can translate professional relationships into tangible support, particularly by sharing access, experience, and opportunities.
From Building a Business to Building Influence
Entrepreneurs and executives often confront different versions of similar challenges.
Founders must develop viable business models, attract customers, secure financing, and build teams. Executives must establish credibility, influence decisions, manage complex relationships, and position themselves for greater responsibility.
In both cases, professional networks can help accelerate progress.
The event explored questions relevant to women at different career stages: how to advocate for oneself, build confidence in leadership, develop meaningful relationships, and use professional influence to support others.
For women who have already established successful careers, the conversation also highlighted the opportunity to help those following in their footsteps.
Creating a Culture of Shared Advancement
Brown Women on the Rise reflected a broader opportunity for South Asian women to build networks across industries, generations, and geographies.
A founder’s next customer could come through an executive working in another industry. An experienced professional could become a mentor, advisor, or advocate for someone launching a company. An introduction made during a gathering could lead to a career opportunity months later.
Through initiatives such as Brown Women on the Rise, ASAN is connecting women with peers and leaders who can contribute to their personal and professional growth.
The gathering reinforced a central message: as more women advance, their experience, relationships, and influence can help create opportunities for others.
