Akraya Diwali Celebration: Illuminating Pathways for Returners

This Diwali, the Akraya office was transformed into a vibrant hub of connection and celebration as Women Back to Work (WBW) organized a spectacular event that brought together returners, clients, and team members. With 35-40 attendees, including 10 returners, the event was more than just a festival—it was a powerful reminder of WBW’s commitment to helping women reignite their careers after time away from the workforce.

As part of Akraya’s unwavering support for WBW’s mission, this celebration showcased the impact of community-driven initiatives that empower women to navigate their return-to-work journeys. The joy of Diwali, symbolizing new beginnings and the triumph of light over darkness, perfectly paralleled the stories of these returners embarking on the next chapter of their careers.

Returners’ Reflections: The Power of Support and Community

The returners in attendance shared their experiences, offering insights into the impact of WBW’s efforts. One returner expressed their gratitude for the event’s focus on fostering connections and creating opportunities:

“The Diwali event was a fantastic opportunity to network with inspiring professionals and fellow returners. A huge thanks to the team for organizing such a meaningful event that brought together the WBW team, returners, and clients. It truly underscored the importance of supporting women as they return to the workforce.” — Iswarya Narayanan via LinkedIn.

For another returner, the event marked an important milestone in their career journey:

“Diwali, the festival of lights, signifies new beginnings, which is exactly what this event offered me. As I started my job search after a recent role elimination, the Diwali lunch hosted by WBW and Akraya came at the perfect time. It was a great opportunity to meet the WBW team and learn about new career openings. Special thanks to the entire WBW and Akraya teams for making this event such a success!” — Ramya Prabhakar via LinkedIn.

One returner shared: “The Diwali-themed networking event created a strong sense of connection among professionals from various fields, all focused on reigniting their careers. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the WBW and Akraya teams, and their insights on the industry’s challenges and opportunities were incredibly valuable.” — Ashwini Gujalwar via LinkedIn.

The festive atmosphere brought warmth and light to the conversations, as one returner noted: “It’s gatherings like these that remind us of the power of community and support. Thank you to WBW and Akraya for organizing this wonderful platform, and a special shout-out to my fellow returners for sharing your inspiring stories and learning experiences.” — Priyadharshni Aruchami via LinkedIn.

Empowering Women: Building Bridges for the Future

The Diwali event was more than a celebration—it served as a platform for meaningful conversations and new opportunities. Executive leaders from companies like Cisco, Albertsons, eBay, Palo Alto Networks, Block Inc, BioMarin and Broadcom added depth to the evening, making it both engaging and insightful. Attendees indulged in a delicious spread and enjoyed the mehndi booth, which brought a unique and personal touch to the festivities while sparking valuable discussions.

Akraya’s team took time to connect with returners, offering expert guidance and support. The warm and inclusive atmosphere helped foster strong connections between returners and industry professionals, paving the way for innovative ideas and diverse solutions. At WBW, we are dedicated to helping our clients build inclusive, forward-thinking workforces that thrive on diversity and collaboration. We believe that inclusion leads to more targeted solutions and diverse perspectives, helping our clients build truly inclusive workforces.

As we look ahead, we invite you to stay connected with WBW for more opportunities to engage with our returners and be part of this empowering journey. Together, WBW and Akraya are lighting the path forward, one opportunity at a time. The world does better when inclusion is prioritized.