National Volunteer Week Spotlight: Meet Nirali Mehta
Dr. Nirali Mehta
Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO, PHARMA-STATS
HBA Chapter: HBA India
Current role with the HBA: Global People Connection Lead, HBA Ambassador Program
Volunteering with the HBA is especially important to me because it provides me a platform to network and collaborate, share knowledge and experiences, and support other women in achieving their goals. This global platform has also helped me to create my personal and professional brand.
Volunteering has impacted my career by:
- Branding: The HBA platform has helped increase my visibility in the life science and pharmaceutical industry.
- Networking: The HBA provides me with ample occasions to meet people from diverse fields and network with them. This helps my business prospects and contributes to rapid career growth.
- Industry Trends: My involvement with the HBA gives insights into industry trends, evolving technology, and the advancement of the industry (particularly through the HBA Mentorship Program and the HBA Ambassador Program). This knowledge helps me make informed decisions and stay advanced in my business.
- New Perspectives: The HBA provides members with opportunities to work with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This exposure helped me gain new perspectives, generate new ideas, and foster creativity.
My favorite HBA event I ever attended was the first-ever live HBA event in India. It was the most memorable day for me. It was an incredible experience to interact, personally, with Bonnie Lappin and women leaders from all over India and representing various organizations. The event meaningfully created an influential impact on my career growth, my network, and my leadership skills. “Empowered Women Empower Women!”
The most valuable lesson I learned from a fellow volunteer was the importance of patience and empathy.
What skills have you acquired or fine-tuned during your time as an HBA volunteer that you feel will help you create a future full of possibilities? I’ve acquired and fine-tuned my communication, teamwork, empathy, problem-solving vision, and critical thinking skills. My time as an HBA volunteer has helped me grow from being an individual leader to developing critical leadership skills.
My favorite part of volunteering for the HBA is learning together, growing together with fellow volunteers, and motivating each other by saying, “Yes, you can do it!”
I first got involved with the HBA through the Bayer Ambassador Program Virtual Launch in July 2022 as a facilitator.
I applied for my current role with the HBA because I believe that this new role will help me to climb new ladders in my career in global leadership. I want to expand the benefits of HBA programs in India and create more awareness of gender equity on a global platform.
I first learned about the HBA in early 2018. I had no clue about how the HBA worked. I saw my ex-colleague celebrating an Ambassador Award event through her MNC company in India. I found a drastic affirmative change in my friend after she participated in the HBA Ambassador Program. Initially, I thought it must be only for those who are employees of MNC or global companies, but I constantly stayed connected with HBA programs through Instagram and LinkedIn. Later I joined the HBA as a member and that was my best decision.
I volunteer for the United Force for Change because our quality of life is contingent upon the kind of society we create and promote. The HBA creates a strong and positive impact on women’s personal and professional lives, and I want to be part of the promotion of this amazing mission. #HBAimpact
What would be your advice to someone thinking about joining or getting more involved with the HBA? Come and join the HBA! I will share three powerful skills which are great benefits of HBA membership: personal and organizational branding, networking, and leadership skills. Join the HBA today to create an impact in your personal and professional life. The HBA community will give you a space to share your ideas and discuss your challenges without being judged. This platform widens your horizons beyond your organizational network.
#HERSTORY: I have been a self-made, woman entrepreneur for a decade. Previously, during my 10-year tenure of employment, I never had a chance to work on a global platform. I felt hesitation and a sense of lacking understanding of cultural differences. After joining the HBA, my first event was the launch of Bayer as an HBA facilitator in the U.S. With some fear and hesitance, I started exchanging ideas and thoughts in breakout sessions on several different topics. Post-session, I received many compliments on LinkedIn from participants. They found my suggestions and guidance insightful and helpful for their personal branding. That was the day that I realized that no matter where you are in your career journey, what is important is having clarity and making an impact on others. Thank you, to the HBA, for providing this platform where I could share my ideas without hesitation or fear of being judged. This helped me learn, expand my network, and empower other women. Together, let’s create a significant impact! #HBAimpact #HBAambassadors
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