Neha Barjatya
“Some of the biggest barriers we face are the ones we create ourselves. And they’re the easiest to overcome.”
Growing up in Delhi, my life was rooted in tradition, where gender roles were clearly defined. But with the right support and exposure, I found the opportunity to break the mold and forge my own path.
My time studying Economics at Lady Shri Ram College, an all-girls institution, surrounded by ambitious women, became a huge source of confidence. That energy pushed me towards a diverse career journey, from advertising and media to more recently 14 years at Google, where I led marketing for a spectrum of B2B and consumer products, and now to a VC firm.
A turning point was leading Internet Saathi, a digital literacy initiative that impacted 30 million+ women across 300,000 villages in India. I visited hundreds of villages where I met women who, despite challenging lives, focused relentlessly on what could be better. These women became my constant source of inspiration, proving that a positive outlook is the greatest tool for change.
My career has been built not just on my own passion, but on the unwavering support of the people I've met along the way. They helped unlock possibilities and gave me courage when it was running thin.
I am deeply conscious of my privilege in having these opportunities. As I continue with my journey, I hope to support others who have the passion and potential to do great things but get held back by barriers, whether self-made or circumstantial.

