photographer: dewi van ‘t hoog © | make-up artist: olena tvorcha
priya aryabhumi
project manager at shell
about
from an early age, priya learned what it means to be in the minority. during her engineering studies and throughout her career, she was often one of the few women in the room – an experience that did not limit her, but shaped her. these moments influenced how she thinks about leadership, collaboration, and the power of support. “a key source of inspiration has always been my mother. she chose education and a career at a time when that was far from obvious. watching her taught me what determination and resilience can make possible.” in her role today, priya sees daily how diverse teams lead to stronger collaboration and more thoughtful decision-making – not just in outcomes, but in how people listen to one another and make space for different perspectives. “to me, that just confirms that women belong here too.”
what advice would you give to women who want to build a career in environments where they are often the minority?
“ask for the support you need – both at work and at home. being able to say ‘i need help’ is not a weakness; it’s what allows you to bring your best. too often, we assume something isn’t possible before we even ask. but once you speak up, people may surprise you with what they’re willing to do. beyond that, it’s important to always think in terms of a career, not just a single job. where do you want to be ten years from now? start having those conversations early, and be clear about your ambitions. build a support system, find your tribe, and don’t be modest about what you want. we owe it to ourselves to be intentional.”
shell
at shell, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation, strengthening our culture, and building a more sustainable future. we are committed to creating an environment where every colleague feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive, regardless of gender, background, or identity. through continuous learning, equitable opportunities, and strong role models at all levels, we aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and ensure we power progress together.