Award-Winning Accessibility Leader Nandita Gupta is Fostering Inclusion in STEM

Photo byNandita Gupta

Nandita Gupta's award-winning journey unfolds as a distinctive narrative, steering away from conventional trajectories. Her story is not just about technological expertise but a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the transformative power of mentorship.

The Engineer Turned Accessibility Advocate

Commencing her career as an electrical engineer, Nandita spent three formative years navigating the complexities of her field. However, her path took an unexpected turn as she shifted gears towards accessibility. As the first Indian-woman engineer on her manufacturing site and a woman with a disability, Nandita embodies a multi-faceted intersectional identity that has encountered exclusion. It was through the vehicle of mentorship that she found the key to overcoming these challenges, igniting in her a fervent desire to give back.

Building the Next Generation in STEM

Nandita's expertise lies at the crossroads of UX, inclusive design, and engineering. She actively mentors students and early-career professionals, guiding them to carve out their paths within STEM, technology, and accessibility. This altruistic spirit led her to relinquish her job and pursue her passion for disability advocacy, eventually landing her in her pivotal role at Microsoft. She works as an Accessibility Product Manager and as a known leader within her field, she inspires and mentors the next generation of accessibility leaders. 

From Personal Loss to Global Impact

Nandita's passion for accessibility stemmed from a personal experience that profoundly impacted her family — her grandfather losing his eyesight. This heartbreaking event spurred a burning question within her: "How do I use technology to help more people?" This question became the driving force behind her work at Microsoft, where she serves as an Accessibility Product Manager. 

Empowering Developers for Inclusive Products

Leading the charge on the product front, Nandita heads Accessibility Insights, a tool empowering developers globally to build inclusive products. Her efforts extend beyond product development; within Microsoft, she plays a significant role in the global Microsoft ASPIRE Leadership Council. This council shapes the experiences of thousands of new hires across Microsoft, with Nandita representing accessibility and disability inclusion. She is a part of numerous initiatives, internally as well as within the global community to support this mission for inclusion. 

A Voice in Global Conversations

Her influence echoes beyond the corporate corridors, reaching the pages of reputable publications such as the Times of India, NASDAQ, and SDTimes. Nandita's insights have been sought after in interviews by Microsoft and Lime Connect. Her compelling narrative and expertise have positioned her as an invited speaker at prestigious global events, including the Global Microsoft Event Ability Summit,  World IA Cafe, Comcast Day of Accessibility, NBC Universal, Quantum Computing, and the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center.

Founding SHAKTI: A Digital Storytelling Collective

A trailblazer in her own right, Nandita is the founder of SHAKTI, a Digital Storytelling Collective featuring over 50 industry accessibility leaders and professionals. Through SHAKTI, she weaves a narrative of inclusivity and resilience, showcasing the power of digital storytelling in advocating for accessibility.

Championing Dance and Breaking Stereotypes

Her impact is not confined to digital spaces; Nandita is also the founder of We Disabled Dancers, a testament to her commitment to breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. This initiative embodies the idea that disability should not limit one's pursuit of passions and interests.

Awards and Accolades: Recognizing Change-Making Efforts

She was named Influential Women of Manufacturing 2019 by Putman Media. Acknowledging her exceptional contributions, she has been recognized globally through the Stevie Award in the Social Change Maker of the Year - Disability category, a testament to her commitment to fostering positive change in accessibility. This recognition underscores her dedication to dismantling barriers and promoting inclusivity within the disability space. Nandita Gupta also received the Titan Global  Women Business Award in 2023, under the category Executives & Professionals of the Year - Mentor of the Year. As a TEDx speaker, she has always sought to push the needle forward & was inducted into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame, which was established to honor those who are making a significant difference in the lives of youth and adults with disabilities through mentoring and to raise awareness about the importance of mentoring for individuals with disabilities.

Sharing Knowledge Globally: Conferences and Beyond

Nandita's work extends beyond accolades and awards. She actively shares her knowledge on creating accessible products and processes, presenting at global conferences such as  Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference and HCI International. Her commitment to knowledge-sharing reinforces the idea that inclusivity is not just a goal but an ongoing process that requires collective effort. She has been a speaker at numerous conferences including Grace Hopper Celebration for Women in Computing, Assistive Technology Industry Association 2020, and World Information Architecture Day. She is a Board member on different boards within the community including Lime Connect, an organization with a mission for rebranding disability through achievement where she serves on the Community Engagement Committee. 

The Bottom Line: A Vision for an Inclusive Future

In a landscape often marked by challenges, Nandita Gupta stands as a beacon of inspiration, not just for women in STEM but for anyone facing adversity. Through her journey, she exemplifies the power of mentorship, the impact of personal experiences on professional trajectories, and the transformative potential of technology when harnessed for the greater good. Nandita Gupta's story is not just about building inclusive products; it's about building a future where everyone has a place at the table.