Professional Activism
In a Nutshell
Connect and organize Pakistanis in big companies and large non-corporate institutions (academic, government) using regular online meetups - typically online, always at the same time of day and fairly frequent (monthly, bimonthly, or weekly). The meetup agenda should be centered around sharing personal stories and narratives so people get to know one another. Let folks then organize in person events celebrating shared culture and background. Encourage Pakistani employees at all career stages to share their unique stories, promoting diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of belonging.
Success Stories
MC (in CA): At Google such an initiative to connect Pakistanis began during the pandemic. Every Friday morning, we would gather online, our tea or coffee mugs in hand, to hear fellow Pakistani Googlers share their personal journey, and their interests, ambitions and passions. A hundred meetups and stories later, this initiative has fostered deep relationships with the Pakistanis at Google and sparked incredible outcomes:
Career Support & Opportunities: Offering guidance and mentorship to one another on career advancement .
Community Building: Hosting celebratory meetups to strengthen relationships among Pakistani Googlers as well as between Pakistani Googlers and the broader Google community.
Mentorship: Fostering meaningful connections between Pakistani Googlers and Pakistanis in STEM academic tracks or in the tech world.
Passion Projects: Undertaking collaborative projects celebrating Pakistani culture (like Bhangra, Music, and Poetry).
The Ask
Launch a 30 min weekly/bimonthly/monthly “Chai & GupShup” session for Pakistani colleagues at your work and to network, share experiences, and build community. Invite Pakistani colleagues you know and ask them to invite others. Slowly grow the “Gupshup” network.
Benefits
A Close Knit Group: Foster a close-knit community for Pakistani employees within your organization, providing networking and support for all, especially for the organizers of the group
A Safe Space: Create a safe space and channel for Pakistani employees to report any concerns.
Professional Development and Guidance: Highlight the journeys of Pakistani leaders and executives within your company, their challenges and triumphs, thus inspiring rising stars and encouraging approachability between senior and junior colleagues. Consider organizing a mentorship program, matching Pakistani employees with experienced mentors, with the option for culturally-focused guidance.
A Resource Hub: Disseminate information (aka, “best-methods”) on advancement and leadership opportunities for Pakistani employees.
Cultural Ambassadorship: Celebrate Pakistani and Muslim holidays and cultural events within the company calendar, fostering inclusivity and awareness across your organization. Showcase the achievements of Pakistani employees through company communications, highlighting their contributions. Invite external Pakistani speakers and thought leaders to company-wide talks or events.
Effort and cost
No cost other than a 30-45 minute commitment weekly/monthly to connect with other colleagues, share inspiring stories, and discover new possibilities.
Scaling the play
Recruit 3 to 5 colleagues to launch “GupShup” sessions within your company.
Document and share success stories from your Gupshup initiative with others in your network urging them to start gupshup in their companies.
