Shubhi S. Rao

Founder & CEO, Uplevyl

My career has given me incredible opportunities to be a board member, C-Suite executive, and a leader in my field. I’m very grateful for my professional wins. Although the accomplishments were hard-earned, they only tell part of my story. I’m a wife and mother, roles which I cherish above all else. I can confidently and empathetically relate to the complexities of what many (maybe even most) professional women experience in today’s environment.

Like many professional women, I’ve experienced moments of exhilarating success. However, as a woman working in male-dominated fields – automotive, professional services, and technology – I’ve also experienced profound loneliness even when celebrating those moments of success with my colleagues. Why? Because I was often the only woman in the room. I was equally capable and qualified as the professionals that I sat elbow-to-elbow with, and yet, I observed my male colleagues thrive in a league exclusive to their gender. That league was seemingly unavailable to me as a woman.

Uplevyl was born out of those moments when I felt utterly alone.
Being a woman of color sitting in a room full of men, I felt isolated and, at times, inadequate. I fought against imposter syndrome, but it took a toll; expressing my vulnerability to male colleagues was challenging. I yearned for my own network of women professionals. I searched for women mentors and sponsors. As I navigated my professional career, I searched with little success for resources to guide me through the inevitable personal, professional, and financial ups and downs that most women face.

Here is what I now know and believe:

We live In the digital age. Men have designed and executed much of the technology that dominates our lives. These platforms fall short in addressing the needs and aspirations of professional women. It is time for women to develop technology platforms solely for women. There's a need that hasn't been fully addressed until now.

My vision of a world redesigned for women has driven me to create Uplevyl for professional women to have a deep sense of belonging. Additionally, we all need access to resources that nurture growth in all areas of our lives. My dream for Uplevyl is that it’s not only a place of belonging, but also a safe and trusted platform where women can successfully navigate their lives today and for future generations.

Dr. Sarah Degnan-Kambou

Head, Strategy and Business Operations

I’m a purpose-driven intrapreneur. Throughout my career, I’ve built nonprofit businesses, creating enabling environments from the inside, and working with colleagues to develop exciting new products that both advance missions and generate revenues. I believe in the wisdom of teams, and have witnessed time and again the creative power of teams that work well together. I’m a lifelong learner and a bit of an explorer – I earned a Master and PhD along the way and have lived and worked all over the world. Last count, I’ve visited 72 countries. My career has spanned academia, global development, and international public policy. I served as CEO of the International Center for Research on Women, managed development programs in sub-Saharan Africa for Care International, and launched my career at Boston University where I co-founded the Center for International Health. I now have this amazing opportunity to work with Uplevyl – you just never know where life is going to take you.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

Life is too short to do something that doesn’t bring you joy or feed your soul. Guided by my North Star, I’ve always worked to secure women’s rights and advance gender equity and racial justice. It’s a delight to work alongside colleagues who share similar values and want to create a better world for women and marginalized peoples. I’ve found my tribe in the digital space - thank you, Uplevyl

Dr. Patricia Greene

Innovation and Data

I've always been passionate about empowering professional women to strive for growth and excellence, and this reflects in my work experience. I’ve been an entrepreneurship professor at Babson College where I led the development and deployment of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses as the Global Academic Director of 10,000 Women. I was also the 18th Director of the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor, championing women in the workforce, including women business owners. Most recently I’ve been COO for Tilted Windmill Games and educational advisor for Portfolia, a company with a new model for equity investing. I feel extremely proud to be leading the Innovation and Research activities at Uplevyl!

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

Working with Uplevyl is exciting as it brings together my personal mission of advancing women entrepreneurs, with an extreme focus on how we can use technology to change the world of work for women.

Maegon Sauer

Head of Operations

I am a former Sport Performance Coach who pivoted into tech, carrying over the spirit and virtues of sportswomanship into my work at Uplevyl as I lead the Operations team. In my role, I wear many hats and love the challenge of solving the myriad of unique situations that a start-up faces on daily basis. Outside of the office, you can probably find me on a trail somewhere, running, or exploring with my husband and two dogs.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

Uplevyl has truly been a game-changing experience for me, primarily because of the team behind it. Every day I'm surrounded by so many powerful women and thought-leaders from every demographic and background imaginable—both from the internal team and through our content. Their influence constantly pushes me to better myself in the professional, personal, and financial areas of my life. The team's hard work, dedication, support, and guidance inspire me to do the same for them and truly feel that we are making a difference for women all over the world.

Ankisha Rana

Head of Content Acquisition

As a marketing entrepreneur with extensive online and digital experience, I have spent the last ten years working in a number of roles. My professional background has provided me with solid practical skills as well as a thorough understanding of the digital space from both the client and agency perspectives. Having lived and worked in three continents (Asia, Europe and North America) I was fortunate to develop a global approach for marketing & I’ve covered every discipline from client account management, business operations, sales & marketing, graphic designing, people management and development and all of the other hats you can wear in the digital field. Fun fact about me: I love dancing and yoga and strive to be continuously learning in these areas as well.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

I discovered Uplevyl on LinkedIn while I was experiencing professional ambiguity. I had no idea where I was going because I couldn’t find a mentor or make any progress. Shubhi’s statement of feeling utterly alone struck a chord with me because that is exactly how I was feeling in my career path. And thanks to Uplevyl, can see why so many women all around the world are struggling with the same issues. Because of this, I felt less alone and was more inspired to improve things for them and, in doing so, for myself as well.

Kim Martin

Data strategy

I have been a professional computer scientist for over 20 years specializing in data engineering, machine learning, distributed systems optimization and scale, and tech leadership.I've created big data solutions, recommendation engines, and custom search applications for the Department of Defense, Cubic, Avis/Budget, Eli Lilly, and HBO, among others. In the past, I've worked for YouTube, Google, and Netflix—and currently I am a software engineering and data science executive at Indeed in Austin. I often include “changing hearts and minds about data” in the description of my day to day work. I hold a B.S. in Mathematics, a Masters in Interactive Telecommunications, and an MS in Computer Science. I sit on the Board of Directors for Mom Pro Network, an organization focused on providing resources and empowerment to single professional mothers. I am a mom, a member of the Austin Mediocre Golfers Association, an avid karaoke singer and pianist, and a passionate advocate for gender and ethnic diversity in tech.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

Uplevyl feels like a place where I can grow my interests, learn new things, and find a global community focused around the things I care most about. As a single new mom and tech executive, I don’t encounter a lot of women in my immediate circles, so it’s nice to know there’s a place to go to find people with similar experiences who are also just figuring it all out.

Phaedra Rogers

Content and Engagement

As a print and digital writer specializing in content strategy for Uplevyl, my passion is for the written word. With a degree in journalism, I assumed I’d write primarily for magazines or newspapers; I had no idea what the future held. Blogs, profiles, narratives, social media, and email campaigns - it's all under my umbrella, and I relish every minute of it. When not behind my laptop, you might find me sharing unsolicited bird facts with my family, who have never shared my obsession with backyard bird-watching.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

I've experienced many starts and stops throughout my career, making me feel like a professional outlier. My professional experiences weren’t similar to my colleagues who had linear career trajectories. Cross-country moves with three daughters in tow required strict focus on cobbling together a solid professional foundation - regardless of where I lived. Uplevyl is where I don't feel I have to compare myself to anyone else's standard. My mindset immediately shifted to accept my experiences as a strength instead of a disadvantage. I'm blessed to be surrounded by so many brilliant, diverse women who remind me there's more than one way to define success.

Deanna Marra

Content and Operations

A graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, I'm part of the Operations team at Uplevyl. As an initial team member, I have had the privilege and pleasure to watch Uplevyl grow from the very beginning. I love doing a bit of everything here at Uplevyl, and I feel a great sense of purpose in encouraging other women to grow into their power! My personal passions include dogs, reading, and hiking.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

I resonate with the company's mission to help women worldwide grow in all facets of their lives – truly a unique opportunity for me, made possible because of our digital platform. I value being a part of this noble cause, and I take immense pride in my contribution to it.

Marni Fidler

Executive Assistant & Customer Relations

With a degree in Finance, I have enjoyed working in many industries and organizations. My passion is supporting and assisting others, which I have done by running a wedding and event planning business for fifteen years while holding various administrative positions with corporations, schools and nonprofits. Born and raised in the Midwest, I moved to Austin, Texas in 2017. I now live in Lago Vista with my boyfriend, two cats, and a border collie, and my adult daughter is now "Uplevyling" her own life!

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

The mission and purpose of Uplevyl are both very in sync with how I approach my life. Life takes many turns: planned changes and surprises! Because of my varied background and experience, I am overjoyed to play any part in our team's abilities to provide women, in all their ever-changing tasks and goals, quality and relevant content that gives them support and encouragement.

Macy Vedder

Content and Operations

I have an educational background in Communications and Business Management as well as an advanced degree in Education with an emphasis in Trauma and Resilience. I came to Uplevyl with professional experience in education, having led the organization in overall student success and credit completion, as well as having been recognized for my initiative in innovation. In my personal life, I enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter, playing basketball, and taking in the sunset at the beach where I live in sunny San Diego.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

I have always felt a passion for empowering and uplifting other women. Uplevyl has allowed me the opportunity to apply my passion in a professional space. I wake up excited knowing that I’m a part of a team that is making a difference in the world for women.

Harsh Kumar

Delhi Team Lead

A cinephile with a degree in literature, I have a keen interest in human analytics and operations, which is why I derive great pleasure from my work at Uplevyl—be it market research, communications, PR, or working in India to build a strong community of professional women for the platform. I can talk endlessly about basketball, exciting volunteer programs, dogs, treks, and food, of course!

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

As an Uplevyl Ally for women in India, I believe there is no better place for me than Uplevyl. Thanks to Uplevyl, each day I get to learn something new from all the members of its powerful team. It's safe to say that Uplevyl has now become my second home.

Chetanya Godara

Social Media Engagement

Working for Uplevyl's social media is a dream and a delight for me because I get to constantly engage with remarkable women who are determined to create their own destiny. As a Masters-level student of English literature and a lover of art, I have a deep appreciation for the narratives that make up the lives of working women, and I feel lucky that I get to play a part in sharing these stories with the world. I am an optimistic child at heart, for everything I do is fuelled by love, curiosity, and a sense of wonder.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

Uplevyl feels like home to me—it is a rare space that offers women solace, solidarity, and support. I feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl because here my thoughts and ideas find room for expression and are met with sparkling enthusiasm!

Jamie Dapaah

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

I am a Football Governance and Partnerships Equality, Diversity and Inclusion specialist. Owing to my vast experience in the field, I am driven by the desire to create new pathways for fair access and opportunity in line with the policies of Football Governance. I am devoted to my goal to push for inclusivity in sports, as I have a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges that sporting organisations face, which impact adequate recruitment processes.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

Being a futuristic and innovative organisation, Uplevyl champions the virtue of equality. The principles at Uplevyl fall in line not only with me as a person, but also with what I stand for as a professional. No wonder then — I feel right at home at Uplevyl!

Kelly Murray

Content and Operations

I am a member of our Operations Team. I have worked in the Gaming and Hospitality industries in various capacities including Marketing, Hotel Management as well as Human Resources. I hold a bachelor's degree in History with an emphasis in Secondary Education. I enjoy traveling, antiquing, and am a self proclaimed foodie and francophile. I admit I have read close to 100 books on all things French!

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

I am truly honored to work for Uplevyl and with its talented team that is providing women with content resources under one umbrella to aid in navigating through life in all its complexities and in a manageable amount of time! I love how the content is packaged for the time-pressed woman needing to get out the door, like I was for much of my career. Uplevyl is what I have been looking for, both personally and professionally.

Sarah Price

Product Data Analyst

After receiving a Master's degree in biology, I joined Uplevyl to pursue my passion of uplifting women throughout their life journeys. In my role, I pull from my experience in diving through data to support all aspects of Uplevyl and bring out the story from the data. Outside of my role at Uplevyl, I love biking with my husband, spending time training our rescue dog, and scaling routes at the climbing gym.

Why do you feel a sense of belonging at Uplevyl?

Being surrounded by members of Uplevyl who share similar passions in supporting women is where I feel the most sense of belonging. Every dataset I analyze captures a unique corner of Uplevyl that can help close the gap that exists in marginalized communities. At every discussion, I have the privilege to hear perspectives from people of different backgrounds all aligned to enhance a platform that “Uplevyls" women to their best self. Here, I am inspired to be my true self.