How Technology Impacts Community Building

Meet Deepa Purushothaman. Co-founder at nFormation, a membership community for professional women of color, offering a brave, safe, new space and career advancement opportunities. Deepa is a trailblazer in the corporate world and the idea of network and community is something of high importance for her.

As we all begin to think about life in the new world, and rethink and reimagine what role communities play, I think we are realizing that we are struggling with the lack of human interaction and connection. Work life has changed, home life has changed, and now more than ever people are looking for that sense of community where you can find support and people who can relate to your struggles, whether they be personal or professional. How many time have you heard the idea that it is not what you know but rather who you know that makes you successful? One is often only as powerful as their network and now is the time to get creative and take full advantage. Tune into the chat I had with Deepa below and for those women of color reading this, you can sign up for nFormation's waitlist here.

#TechTuesday Highlight #82: Deepa Purushothaman, Co-Founder, nFormation

How/why did you get into your space?

I spent 22 years as a corporate executive. I was the first Indian female to make Partner at my firm and had many instances where I was a First or Only. As I navigated my own path and saw other women of color around me, I saw the need for a community of women to come together to support each other, share success stories, and see each other to know that we were not alone.

What role do you play in the tech ecosystem and why is that role important?

I see my role as using technology to bring together women of color across the country in community. I see my work as a way to create more online storytelling to increase access to stories of women of color and share the diverse voices of leadership. I see my work as creating a “new version of the 2021 employee resource group” across industry, sectors and companies. 

How has technology impacted your industry and why is this important? 

COVID has increased the need for community and connection. I see technology as a way to bridge this gap, and I see many new resources that are building community and connection for women of color and people of color.

What do you believe is the most exciting tech trend for 2021 (as it relates to your industry)?

I think the most exciting trend is people are accepting and realizing that we can find community and safe space through online groups. The acceptance that online community can rival community that happens in person and at in person events is something we could not have dreamt when we created nFormation.

Who is a person that inspires you in the space and why? 

Stephanie Lampkin, the Founder of Blendoor inspires me. She was one of the early visionaries who saw we could use technology and social impact intelligence for diversity, equity, and inclusion work. Tiffany Dufu, the Founder of the Cru also inspires me. She is creating ways for women to support each other by using matching algorithms to identify what women need to survive and thrive. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into your space? 

Take time to assess what your community needs. Really listen.

Anything else we should know about you or you want to include? 

We created nFormation to be a safe space, a brave space and a new space for professional women of color. In order to define what comes next we need space to come together and explore our creativity and innovation.

#businessunusual #community #network #innovation #connection #virtualcommunity

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Have thoughts on this week’s trends or questions for me or Deepa? Post your thoughts in the comment section or share them on Twitter. Please include the hashtag #techtuesday and mention me @ScarlettSieber! Until next week. 🙂

You can connect with Deepa on LinkedIn or Twitter and nFormation on Twitter and Instagram.

Follow Scarlett Sieber on LinkedIn for the latest news in #fintech.

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