Five quick questions with Krishaa Tulsiani
16 February 2021
The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Friday 26 March, is a one-day leadership event for young women and non-binary students in years 11 and 12. It is designed to equip participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to go on to become confident leaders in their community.
This year’s theme ‘Wild’, is all about harnessing personal adversity and using it to thrive as leaders in our personal and professional capacities. Today we caught up with one of our panellists, Krishaa Tulsiani, to talk with her about her leadership journey, gender equality, and challenges she has faced in her leadership journey.
Krishaa is a passionate feminist, writer, and strong support advocate. She is currently a student at the Australian National University, studying a double undergraduate degree of Laws (Honours) and Politics, Philosophy, and Economics.
Currently, Krishaa works as the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Intern at the CBR Gals Network, a feminist not-for-profit. She recently graduated from Global Citizen Academy, and has previously worked with large corporations such as Ashurst law firm and fundraised and volunteered with Project Change International.
Describe yourself in 30 words or less.
I am a crime fiction enthusiast, philosophy nerd, essayist, and chocolate croissant lover. I love analysing the representations of women, from literature to the corporate environment.
Tell us about a moment in your life that kick-started your leadership journey.
For me, it was when I was about 15. I attended Elaine Welteroth’s On Editing Teen Vogue at the Roslyn Packer Theatre (the ticket stub is still on my wall). I was mesmerised by the way she spoke with so much elegance. To me, she looked like an absolute badass feminist, creator, and a woman who was just unapologetically herself. Ever since that day, I have wanted to inspire girls like she did me, and remind them that our journey isn’t always linear, but it’s perfect for us.
What are the questions you’re tired of hearing about gender equality?
The main one has to be “is there still a pay gap?”, or, “why are women hardly ever the leaders in corporate environments?”. The answer is, in short, that institutional structures don’t support women from a systematic level as much as we think they do.
What is a personal challenge you have had to overcome for your leadership goals?
Little setbacks, like not being chosen for obvious leadership roles such as SRC and believing that these prescribed roles were the “be all, end all”. I had to remind myself that being a leader is so much more than a title.
Imagine yourself in your 40s. What leadership advice would your 40-year-old self give to you right now?
I think 40-year-old Krishaa would tell me to stay in my ‘stretch zone’. The place where I am growing and reflecting. She would tell me that even though I am young, and I don’t have the wisdom of my grandparents or industry leaders (yet), my little voice can inspire someone.
Watch this space to keep up with Krishaa’s leadership journey. If you are a young woman or nonbinary person in years 11 or 12, ask your school to register you for the She Leads College Conference on Friday 26 March – visit the event page for more information.
Tags: Women's leadership