Breaking the fog: Priya’s mission to empower women at Expleo
For Priya, stepping into the world of STEM wasn’t just about building a career – it was about finding her voice in an industry where women have long struggled to be heard, seen, and valued. Inspired by Dr Shefali’s ‘A Radical Awakening’, she describes this experience as being hidden in a “fog” – a sense of invisibility that often leads to self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
“This fog led to not feeling a sense of belonging,” Priya shares. “It made me question myself, hesitate to speak up, and doubt my own worth.”
But rather than letting that uncertainty define her, Priya made it her mission to create change.
Turning challenges into action
Priya’s journey at Expleo has been about more than just working on cutting-edge projects – it’s been about leading a movement that ensures no woman feels invisible again. In 2022, she took a bold step forward and founded women@expleo, a UK-wide community dedicated to empowering women in STEM.
“I’ve had incredible opportunities at Expleo, working on fascinating projects across different industries,” she says. “But the most rewarding experience has been launching women@expleo and helping to build something bigger than myself.”
What started as a small initiative in mid-2022 has since grown into a thriving network of over 80 members, creating a powerful platform for support, education, and meanigful change.
The impact of women@expleo
Women@expleo isn’t just a community – it’s a movement. It’s about ensuring every voice is heard, every individual is valued, and every barrier is broken down.
Since 2022, the initiative has:
- Established structured branding, communication, and governance strategies to ensure lasting impact.
- Created a safe space for open discussions on key topics like imposter syndrome, assertiveness, menopause, and the gender gap.
- Set measurable KPIs focused on gender equality, diversity, and boosting female retention.
- Launched a packed calendar of events, webinars, podcasts, and networking sessions to bring people together and inspire change.
“We’re not just talking about change—we’re making it happen,” Priya explains. “We’ve worked hard to build an inclusive space where women feel supported, and where male colleagues are stepping up as allies.”
And they’re just getting started.
Looking ahead: a future built on empowerment
As 2025 begins, the women@expleo community is more determined than ever to expand its reach, strengthen its initiatives, and drive real change across the industry.
“We’re kicking off this year with even bigger ambitions,” Priya says. “More events, more engagement, and more opportunities for women to step into leadership roles and thrive.”
At its core, the mission of women@expleo is vital:
- To nurture an inclusive and supportive environment where employees can share, educate, and raise awareness about important workplace issues.
- To create a safe space that champions equality, diversity, and inclusion, empowering individuals to make a real impact.
- To challenge and break down barriers, ensuring that women in STEM don’t just exist in the industry – but thrive in it.
“True growth happens when everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves,” Priya says. “That’s what we’re building here.”
Priya’s advice: be seen, be heard, be you
For women considering a career at Expleo, Priya’s message is simple but powerful:
“Be valued for who you are. Remove the fog that surrounds your identity, strive to be your best self, and never be afraid to voice your opinion or ask questions.”
With inclusive communities, strong role models, and advanced tools to support them, women don’t have to accept invisibility anymore.
They belong, and at Expleo, they’re leading the way.
