"I am okay with numbers, but I struggle because of dyscalculia,” said Zoya, DEI Lead at Godrej Properties Limited (GPL). “Now, I want somebody with a more analytical bent of mind to kind of compensate for me so that the output is right. I think DEI is basically this. It’s to understand where you lack, understand what is good in somebody else, bring them to the table and get the best output," they explained. 

Zoya's honesty and passion were part of what brought them to GPL. During their recruitment interview, they openly discussed their reservations about their role but expressed a genuine interest in the company's DEI goals. This transparency resonated with the team, leading to a collaborative conversation with GPL’s chief human resources officer, Megha Goel, and them. “It took 200 years for women to enter the workforce. We can't wait that long to make it happen for LGBTQIA+ folks,” Megha said. Zoya brought their own ideas and experiences to the table, while Megha shared Godrej Industries’ vision for what they hoped to achieve. 

Over their two years at GPL, their career has reflected their sense of being on a journey, one that the group at large acknowledges is an ongoing process. "It will take more time to turn our workforce into true allies for different communities,” Zoya said. “However, our intentions are good, and we'll keep improving." They describe what they see as progress already made: this is a group where employees are valued for their skills, not background, and opportunities are awarded based on merit. 

Zoya's personal story further exemplifies the complexities of navigating diversity. Openly identifying as LGBTQIA+ in their workplace feels like a step towards coming out, a stark contrast to their carefully guarded secret within their family. "In my previous company, only two close friends knew. In my second company, my team and a few others were aware, but I carefully chose who I felt comfortable with,” they said. “It's a process of gauging someone's acceptance before opening up to them. At Godrej, for the first time, I presented myself authentically. My company email uses my chosen name, not my legal one. It was scary to break down those walls, but it also felt right." 

Text and image by Rolie Breja