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Prafulla is a Masters student studying Business Analytics. Her research focuses on the intersection of marketing and data analytics to uncover the mystery behind consumer behavior. Prafulla was recently awarded a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award based on her commitment to making CU Boulder and the larger community a more inclusive space for everyone. We asked Prafulla a few questions to learn more about her work and get to know her better. Read more below!

Give us a brief overview of your recent DEI work.

At Highradius, I was surprised by the number of paper cups being used everyday in the pantry and the resultant environmental pollution that it was contributing to. I immediately reached out to all the stakeholders and convinced them to completely stop using the paper cups and donate the savings to buy books for the children of blue-collar workers in the office. I continued my work for inclusion and equity in CU Boulder as well. I volunteered with the Disability Services at CU as a scribe for the specially abled students during the exams. Thanks to the importance CU has given to Diversity and Inclusion, I am able to continue my service towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

What resources do you recommend for someone who is interested in getting involved with DEI?

CU provides numerous opportinities to be involved with DEI. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement is a good place to start.

How would you define Diversity, Equity, and/or Inclusion?

DEI in my view is enabling each and every individual to excel in the field of their choice irrespective of their ethnicity, race, gender, age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, political viewpoints, veteran status, gender identity or expression, and health status.

Tell us a bit about the people and communities you have connected with during your DEI work.

As a student at Leeds School of Business, I am lucky to get connected with peers from all over the world from various cultural backgrounds. It resulted in enriched learning experience for me and opened my mind to a lot of new things. I am also an active member of the Center for Disabilities and it made me more compassionate, empathetic and more importantly it gave me fulfillment.

How should one measure the impact of their work?

In my view, there is not one single metric to measure the impact of their DEI work. However, what one should look for is how many people's lives are you able to impact positively either in a big way or in a minute way. The amount of impact to each individual does not matter. What matters is the number of lives you are able to touch and uplift.

Tell us a fun fact about you that is not related to your research, advocacy, or academics.

I am the youngerst daughter of my mom, who herself is the youngest daughter among 14 children.

What is a good book you have read recently and why did you enjoy it?

Ikigai. Ikigai a very short book which touches the various aspects of life in very simple language. One of my favorite lines from the book "A cheerful attitude is not only relaxing—it also helps make friends. It’s good to recognize the things that aren’t so great, but we should never forget what a privilege it is to be in the here and now in a world so full of possibilities."

If you could have dinner with anyone (living or dead), who would it be and why?

My grandparents. They would be very happy to know what I accomplished with my life so far.