Cultural Connection: Deepa Agrawal’s Journey with IAB, Hindi Manch, and Shishu Bharati
“I grew up in a family that placed a high value on education and community service, which laid the foundation for my passion for giving back. My parents instilled in me a sense of duty to help others and stay connected to our cultural roots. These values became stronger after I moved to the U.S.” Today’s woman dreamer, Deepa Agrawal is a dedicated community leader and volunteer, currently serving as the President of Indian Americans for Burlington (IAB). Deepa is deeply committed to preserving Indian cultural heritage and has made significant contributions to organizations such as Hindi Manch and the Shishu Bharati School of Language and Culture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from India and works as a tax consultant at a public accounting firm. She is a resident of Burlington, MA, where she lives with her husband, Nilesh Agrawal, and their two children, Ayush and Akshara. Check out her story!
Tell us your story. You are a tireless community activist, and have dedicated yourself to organizations including Hindi Manch, Shishu Bharati, Indian Americans of Burlington. Tell us more about your upbringing and what inspires you to give back to the community.
I grew up in a family that placed a high value on education and community service, which laid the foundation for my passion for giving back. My parents instilled in me a sense of duty to help others and stay connected to our cultural roots. These values became stronger after I moved to the U.S. While building a life in Burlington, I realized how vital it is for the next generation to remain connected to their heritage. This inspired me to join organizations like Shishu Bharati school of Indian language and culture, where I can help children learn about Indian languages and culture.
Being involved with Hindi Manch allowed me to celebrate the richness of Hindi language and literature with a broader community, while my work with Indian Americans for Burlington (IAB) gave me the opportunity to bring people together to celebrate our traditions through events like Diwali-Festival of lights. My inspiration comes from seeing the impact these efforts have on individuals, particularly young people, who find pride in their identity and heritage. It’s incredibly fulfilling to foster a sense of belonging and cultural understanding in the community I call home.
2. You served as Secretary and Director at IAB before eventually working your way up to President of IAB. What is your advice to women in preparing to lead an organization? How would you describe your leadership style?
My journey with Indian Americans for Burlington (IAB) has been both rewarding and educational. As I progressed from Secretary and Director to President, I learned that leadership is not about the title, but about responsibility, empathy, and the ability to inspire and uplift those around you.
To women preparing to lead an organization, my advice is to have confidence in your voice and believe in the value you bring to the table. Always remain committed to continuous learning, whether through formal mentorship or by observing how different leaders navigate challenges. Building strong relationships is crucial, as effective leadership is rooted in trust and collaboration with your team. Finally, lead with purpose—have a clear vision and stay true to your mission. Passion for the cause will keep you motivated and inspire those around you.
Leading by example is important to me—I aim to be approachable and supportive while ensuring that every voice in the organization is heard and respected. Leadership to me is being open to new ideas and try new things fostering a team environment where everyone feels they are part of a team.
3. Much of your community work is focused on preserving South Asian cultural heritage. What is a project or organization you are most proud of, and what do you hope future generations take away from your work?
One project I really feel proud of is my work as a teacher at Shishu Bharati. In addition to teaching Indian language and culture, I introduced a unique approach to learning by incorporating art into the sessions. These art activities help the kids engage more deeply and enjoy the learning process. Another project that stands out is organizing the Diwali celebrations, which is the signature event of Indian Americans for Burlington. Each year, we focus on a different theme to showcase the richness and diversity of Indian culture, bringing our heritage to life for the entire community.
What I hope future generations take away from my work is a sense of pride in their identity and a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage. I want them to understand that while we can be part of multiple worlds, our roots are an integral part of who we are. By staying connected to these traditions, they can draw strength from them and pass them on to future generations. My goal has always been to create spaces where cultural preservation thrives and where our stories and heritage continue to inspire and shape the future.
4. As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
My next big dream is to strengthen our community by creating more chances for cultural exchange and learning. I want to develop programs that not only preserve our South Asian heritage but also encourage women and young people to step into leadership roles. By building a space where everyone feels included and can learn from each other, I hope to inspire others to continue community service and cultural preservation. My goal is to leave a legacy where future generations stay connected to their roots and are inspired to contribute to the diversity of our society.