Roopali’s Rise: Balancing Career & Family

“I began as a fashion designer, but life had other plans.

My husband’s transferable role meant frequent moves across small towns, big cities and even countries. Each move meant starting over. I completed my MBA along the way and kept reinventing myself, stepping into different industries and roles.

Eighteen years ago, I joined Mahindra seeking stability and a fresh start in an entirely new field. I had two young children and needed a workplace that understood my dual role as a professional and a mother.

A few years later, during an especially demanding phase at work, my father’s health deteriorated suddenly. Just as my responsibilities were expanding, I found myself pulled between family and work.

That was when my manager, Sheetal Mehta, stepped in quietly but meaningfully.

She moved a critical review I was meant to lead, reset expectations with stakeholders, and ensured the work continued without questions about my absence. More importantly, she did not shrink my role. She expanded it, backing me to take end-to-end ownership rather than being sidelined.

I never took that flexibility for granted because I deeply valued the faith she placed in me. Her trust gave me the confidence to build a long-term career here.

It meant I could show up for my family without losing momentum at work.
It meant I could continue leading without constantly explaining myself.
It meant my growth continued.

Today, I lead the end-to-end Scholarship Program and operations for Nanhi Kali at KCMET, helping thousands of young girls continue their education.

With the support of a leader who believed in me, I rose. And in doing so, I have had the opportunity to help many more girls rise too.”