International Women’s Day Interview: Jagrati Shringi, CTO and CMO of Voylla

International Women’s
Day 2018 Special Interview Series

Name: Jagrati Shringi

Age: The right side of
40

City: Jaipur, India

Occupation: CTO and CMO
of India’s largest fashion jewelry brand- Voylla

ST:
Please tell us briefly about you.

Jagrati:
I graduated as a
software engineer in 1999, becoming the first woman in my family to have
acquired a professional degree. Besides academics, I was interested in writing,
debating, volleyball and even a spot of modelling.

I received a full scholarship from the
University of Pittsburgh to research in the field of optical networks and
joined, a high tech startup in the US.

As the CTO and CMOs in the industry, I
take active interest in product design, social media and creative campaigns as
well. One of my prized projects at the company, has been Studio Voylla, the
line of premium, handcrafted jewellery, inspired by traditional art and crafts.

ST:
Who is a woman that inspires you the most and why?

Jagrati:
Every day I meet
women and read about women who inspire me. But Oprah Winfrey has been a
perennial.

ST:
How are you celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day?

Jagrati:
Celebrating by
raising a toast to my fellow crusaders around the world. More power to us! On a more contemplative
note, doing my bit to ensure there is greater gender sensitivity, inclusivity
and more opportunities for women wherever I engage professionally.

ST:
What is the most important message you want to send out to all the women around
the world on this occasion?

Jagrati:
Be your own person.
And love who you are. The world will try to bring yo down, but you must always
look up.

ST:
What according to you is ‘women empowerment’?

Jagrati:
Empowerment is about
freedom of expression. Of economic and social equity. Power to take decisions
that affect our own lives and that of our loved ones.

ST:
What would you say are the main challenges facing women at present in
India?

Jagrati:
Safety. Security. At
home, in public places and at work. Lack of gender sensitivity and pay parity.
Lack of encouragement and support for mothers, who wish to pursue their
professional interests.

ST:
Where do you want to see yourself in next 5 years?

Jagrati:
Helping Voylla evolve
into a global brand. Becoming the de facto fashion brand for women in India.