Conversations with Arpita Sharma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arpita Sharma

Hi Arpita , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in my hometown of San Bernardino, where I returned after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley. At that time, my brother’s health was rapidly declining, and I wanted to be close to him while also giving back to the community that had shaped me. As a community organizer, I found myself deeply involved with the residents and business owners, striving to address the pressing challenges of a city grappling with one of the highest crime rates in the country. The experience of working so closely with a community in distress, combined with the personal challenges I faced with my brother’s health, instilled in me a profound understanding of resilience and the importance of creating meaningful, sustainable change.

It became clear to me that the issues facing San Bernardino were not just individual or isolated but were deeply rooted in structural inequalities. This realization led me to pursue dual master’s degrees in public policy and urban planning at the University of Southern California, where I sought to understand the mechanisms of law-making and implementation at the local level. This academic journey equipped me with the tools and knowledge to address these issues on a broader scale, further fueling my passion for social justice.

At Rethink Desi, our mission is clear: to connect with individuals and organizations making a profound impact in the South Asian community. We’re not just a platform; we’re a movement—a catalyst for collaboration, inspiration, and empowerment. Whether it’s spotlighting a grassroots initiative working to dismantle stereotypes or an innovative startup bridging cultural gaps, Rethink Desi amplifies the voices of changemakers who are redefining what it means to be South Asian in today’s world.

As the founder of Rethink Desi, I’ve dedicated myself to building a platform that celebrates the diversity and resilience of the South Asian community. Through our podcast, the Reframe Series, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing numerous changemakers, each with a unique story that offers valuable insights. These conversations serve as a guide for the future generation and highlight the power of storytelling in fostering a more equitable world.

In addition to my work at Rethink Desi, I’m a Senior Data Analyst at the USC Equity Research Institute, where I leverage my skills to make data more accessible and actionable for community organizers, policymakers, philanthropists, and researchers. Whether it’s producing indicators for platforms like nationalequityatlas.org or analyzing data to inform policy, I am committed to using data as a powerful tool for social justice and equity.

Reflecting on this journey, I realize that each step—from my time in San Bernardino to my current roles—has been guided by a deep commitment to social justice and the belief that meaningful change is possible when we combine storytelling with data-driven insights.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has certainly been anything but smooth, and there have been several challenges along the way. One of the most personal and difficult struggles was balancing my career aspirations with the emotional and physical demands of caring for my brother during his final years. Moving back to San Bernardino to be close to him while working as a community organizer was a decision that came with both rewards and sacrifices. It was an intense period of my life where I had to juggle the grief of knowing that my brother’s time was limited with the demands of working in a community that was grappling with its own set of challenges.
Professionally, launching Rethink Desi has been both rewarding and challenging. For several years, I managed nearly every aspect of the platform on my own, from content creation to marketing, with no external funding. This was both a challenge and a learning experience that pushed me to be resourceful and to continually adapt. There were times when the lack of financial support made me question how I could sustain the platform.
However, in recent months, I’ve been able to expand my team. I hired an SEO specialist to help optimize our online presence, and just this month, I started collaborating with an editing team in India to create more engaging reels. These steps have been crucial in taking Rethink Desi to the next level, even as we continue to operate with limited resources. The journey hasn’t been easy, but these challenges have only strengthened my commitment to the mission of Rethink Desi and reinforced the importance of building a strong, supportive network.
These experiences have not only shaped me as a leader but have also deepened my commitment to the work I do. I’ve learned that while the road may be rocky, the challenges along the way are what make the journey worthwhile and the successes all the more meaningful.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As the founder of Rethink Desi, I’ve poured my heart and soul into building a platform that celebrates the diversity and resilience of the South Asian community. Rethink Desi was born out of a deep desire to challenge stereotypes and provide a space where South Asians can share their stories, struggles, and successes. Through our podcast, the Reframe Series, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing numerous changemakers—activists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders—each with a unique story that offers valuable insights. These conversations are more than just interviews; they are dialogues that inspire, educate, and empower our listeners, particularly the younger generation, to think critically and act with purpose.

In addition to my work with Rethink Desi, I’m also a Senior Data Analyst at the USC Equity Research Institute. Here, I specialize in making data more accessible and actionable for community organizers, policymakers, philanthropists, and researchers. My work involves producing indicators for key platforms such as nationalequityatlas.org, bayareaequityatlas.org, and immigrantdataca.org. I’m committed to using data as a powerful tool for social justice and equity, ensuring that the information we provide can lead to real-world change. Whether it’s mapping inequities using ArcGIS or analyzing trends for the National Equity Atlas, my focus is always on translating complex data into clear, actionable insights that can drive positive outcomes for marginalized communities.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to bridge the gap between storytelling and data analysis. At Rethink Desi, I’m proud of how we’ve combined these two powerful tools to create a platform that not only tells the stories of South Asians but also grounds them in the data that illustrates the broader challenges and opportunities our community faces. This dual approach—narrative and numerical—allows us to connect with our audience on both an emotional and intellectual level, making our work both impactful and credible.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is the recent series we did on mental health within the South Asian diaspora. This series was particularly meaningful because it addressed a topic that is often stigmatized and overlooked in our community. By sharing personal stories alongside data on mental health disparities, we were able to foster a much-needed conversation that resonated deeply with our audience and helped to reduce the stigma around seeking help.

Throughout my journey, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of combining data with personal narratives. This blend of technical expertise and heartfelt storytelling is what drives my work, and it’s what makes Rethink Desi a unique and impactful platform. As I continue this journey, I remain committed to amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard and to using data as a force for social change.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’d like to encourage anyone reading this to embrace their unique journey, no matter how challenging it may seem. The path to creating something meaningful is rarely straightforward, but it’s in those twists and turns that we find our true purpose. For me, Rethink Desi has been a labor of love—a platform born from my desire to connect with my community and to amplify the voices that often go unheard.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the small, consistent efforts, the willingness to learn and adapt, and the courage to keep going, even when the odds are against you, that truly make a difference. Whether you’re starting a new project, advocating for a cause, or simply trying to navigate life’s ups and downs, remember that your voice matters and that you have the power to create positive change.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing Rethink Desi and to explore new ways to impact our community. We’re at a pivotal moment where the stories we tell and the data we share can help shape a more inclusive and equitable future. I’m grateful for the support we’ve received so far and look forward to what lies ahead.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires you to rethink what’s possible and to take the first step toward making your own impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rethinkdesi.org
• Instagram: rethinkdesi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rethinkdesi