Being brown in America is to live as a paradox. “You’re not really American.” “You’re basically American.” Consider these two opposing jabs shot at me, one from a former boss so that was a great work environment. My identity and heritage are discounted and … [Read more...] about Proud to Be An Indian American
Smashing & Rebuilding on International Women’s Day
I embroidered this sweatshirt with idle hands the day I learned Helen Reddy died. I remember my mother belting out I Am Woman in the wood-paneled basement of our split-level home where there was a built-in bar with vinyl barstools and the hilarious Mannequin Pis liquor dispenser … [Read more...] about Smashing & Rebuilding on International Women’s Day
From Helicopter Parent to Lighthouse Parent
Healthy family relationships, like a healthy diet, are everything. Being a teenager is hard. Parenting a teenager is hard. The closest thing we have to a handbook is the Center for Parent and Teen Communication. Where was this when my dad and I were butting heads in the 80s? I am … [Read more...] about From Helicopter Parent to Lighthouse Parent
F*%# It List
Some of you might have a Bucket List. I tried that once. I had naively written down "run a 5k." Clearly that is not on brand for me so I threw out the whole list and went back to find the real Ilina. I decided that a bucket list is a bit too grim for my taste. I prefer to call it … [Read more...] about F*%# It List
Job Hunting Is Demoralizing
No one talks about how demoralizing it is to be unemployed. So much of ourselves is intertwined with our careers - self-worth, sense of accomplishment, power, influence. To be without work means my own self-worth wanes, my sense of accomplishment fades, and let’s be honest, in a … [Read more...] about Job Hunting Is Demoralizing
In Representation We Trust
One brown face is not enough. One brown face is just the beginning. I’ve had a hard time articulating what this Biden-Harris administration means, the obvious reasons aside, of course. I’ve been the only woman of color in the room, at the table, with the microphone, for most … [Read more...] about In Representation We Trust
Looks Like We Made It
I've seen Barry Manilow in concert three times and I'm not ashamed to admit it. His songs are the tunes of my youth that take me back to when my parents had parties in our wood paneled basement with the pleather recliner and vinyl topped bar. The kids played outside, having been … [Read more...] about Looks Like We Made It