Devika Arora
Rising Star
India
The Mystic School of Arts • Diaara (at the) Cinema
Throughout my career in the STEAM field, I have been driven by a passion for innovation. With a strong focus on the intersection of art, science, and technology, I have gained valuable experience in diverse areas.
Notably, my first job in 2011 was at Alienware, a leading tech company, which allowed me to contribute to the voice and marketing channels of powerful gaming systems that brought people closer to their digital worlds, from a female perspective. An avid gamer, this experience shaped me and made me feel like I had an actual seat at the gaming table even though I was a girl. It was fantastic.
My time spent at MPC Film Vancouver in 2013 in Visual Effects production showed me a whole new world of art and technology coming together to tell stories. This left me in awe and made my inner geek come alive with dreams and ideas of how I could use this technology in the future to create meaningful cinema. Especially in collaboration with other artists and filmmakers.
Over the next few years, my roles as Head of Community Engagement at Shoonya Centre of the Arts and Head of Research at London forecasting lab FutureScape 248 honed my abilities to bridge the gap between arts, technology and building a community in those spaces. I dived deep into what connects us as humans and the future of culture as a whole. I am currently a global keynote speaker for the London Speaker Bureau.
Post that, I have had the privilege of being part of the coaching team at Leverage Edu since 2020, a leading edutech company in Delhi India. They were one of the first few companies in India to utilize AI in student-university matchmaking. As an IVY Career Coach and Editor, I guided students and professionals in their higher education plans and edited research articles focused on arts, culture, and education.
With a Postgraduate degree in Art and Design from Emily Carr University, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, I have always aimed to merge my passion for the arts and sciences throughout my career in a seamless manner. I believe we are all forever learning and that never stops because there is always more to understand.
Notably, my first job in 2011 was at Alienware, a leading tech company, which allowed me to contribute to the voice and marketing channels of powerful gaming systems that brought people closer to their digital worlds, from a female perspective. An avid gamer, this experience shaped me and made me feel like I had an actual seat at the gaming table even though I was a girl. It was fantastic.
My time spent at MPC Film Vancouver in 2013 in Visual Effects production showed me a whole new world of art and technology coming together to tell stories. This left me in awe and made my inner geek come alive with dreams and ideas of how I could use this technology in the future to create meaningful cinema. Especially in collaboration with other artists and filmmakers.
Over the next few years, my roles as Head of Community Engagement at Shoonya Centre of the Arts and Head of Research at London forecasting lab FutureScape 248 honed my abilities to bridge the gap between arts, technology and building a community in those spaces. I dived deep into what connects us as humans and the future of culture as a whole. I am currently a global keynote speaker for the London Speaker Bureau.
Post that, I have had the privilege of being part of the coaching team at Leverage Edu since 2020, a leading edutech company in Delhi India. They were one of the first few companies in India to utilize AI in student-university matchmaking. As an IVY Career Coach and Editor, I guided students and professionals in their higher education plans and edited research articles focused on arts, culture, and education.
With a Postgraduate degree in Art and Design from Emily Carr University, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, I have always aimed to merge my passion for the arts and sciences throughout my career in a seamless manner. I believe we are all forever learning and that never stops because there is always more to understand.
Sobre a indústria e a minha carreira
I am incredibly excited about the new frontiers of knowledge being explored in India and am currently building The Mystic School and Diaara (at the) Cinema.
The Mystic School of Arts is a platform where many mystic arts methodologies (tarot reading, rune casting, crystal healing) are being shared as e-courses and on an app for the first time in the country, in a host of local languages. Learners can become certified mystic artists and start to practise or teach in less than a year. By combining ancient wisdom with modern technology, we help people explore powerful divination tools, uncover hidden knowledge and enhance their spiritual journeys.
At Diaara (at the) Cinema, we are building a not for profit film community that helps students, women and minorities break into the world of VFX for film, tv and advertising with a host of completely free learning resources on our website. This creates a pathway for them to work in the media industry and also independently as freelance artists. We also post jobs and opportunities for artists of all backgrounds and ages.
As the G100 State Chair for Arts Leadership and Films and Vice President at the Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, I am proud to be able to give back and add value to the education, arts and tech sectors as a whole.
I firmly believe that the STEAM sector holds significant value, particularly in terms of fostering women's empowerment and generating employment through education, notably in nations such as India. It serves as a robust platform for women to demonstrate their expertise, knowledge, and ingenuity, thereby facilitating strides towards gender parity and bolstering economic progress.
By actively advocating for women's involvement in STEAM domains, we can tap into an extensive reservoir of untapped potential, fostering fresh viewpoints and groundbreaking concepts. This, in turn, kindles innovation and propels advancements across diverse industries.
Moreover, the expansion of the STEAM industry engenders a plethora of job prospects, offering women a pathway towards financial autonomy and professional gratification. Through educational and targeted initiatives, we equip women with the technical abilities and versatile aptitudes essential to thrive in an increasingly technology-oriented era.
By championing inclusivity and nurturing women's leadership within the realm of STEAM, we forge a more egalitarian society while simultaneously expediting economic growth and changing lives, one person at a time.
The Mystic School of Arts is a platform where many mystic arts methodologies (tarot reading, rune casting, crystal healing) are being shared as e-courses and on an app for the first time in the country, in a host of local languages. Learners can become certified mystic artists and start to practise or teach in less than a year. By combining ancient wisdom with modern technology, we help people explore powerful divination tools, uncover hidden knowledge and enhance their spiritual journeys.
At Diaara (at the) Cinema, we are building a not for profit film community that helps students, women and minorities break into the world of VFX for film, tv and advertising with a host of completely free learning resources on our website. This creates a pathway for them to work in the media industry and also independently as freelance artists. We also post jobs and opportunities for artists of all backgrounds and ages.
As the G100 State Chair for Arts Leadership and Films and Vice President at the Women's Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, I am proud to be able to give back and add value to the education, arts and tech sectors as a whole.
I firmly believe that the STEAM sector holds significant value, particularly in terms of fostering women's empowerment and generating employment through education, notably in nations such as India. It serves as a robust platform for women to demonstrate their expertise, knowledge, and ingenuity, thereby facilitating strides towards gender parity and bolstering economic progress.
By actively advocating for women's involvement in STEAM domains, we can tap into an extensive reservoir of untapped potential, fostering fresh viewpoints and groundbreaking concepts. This, in turn, kindles innovation and propels advancements across diverse industries.
Moreover, the expansion of the STEAM industry engenders a plethora of job prospects, offering women a pathway towards financial autonomy and professional gratification. Through educational and targeted initiatives, we equip women with the technical abilities and versatile aptitudes essential to thrive in an increasingly technology-oriented era.
By championing inclusivity and nurturing women's leadership within the realm of STEAM, we forge a more egalitarian society while simultaneously expediting economic growth and changing lives, one person at a time.
Sobre uma Women that Build valores
A woman who builds and creates needs to possess a diverse range of hard and soft skills to excel in her endeavours and promote her work effectively.
This includes technical proficiency in her area of expertise, such as coding, graphic design, science or anything she so chooses. Creativity and innovation are essential for generating new ideas and pushing boundaries. Adaptability and flexibility allow her to embrace change, new technologies, and different perspectives.
Collaboration and communication skills enable her to work effectively with others, fostering successful collaborations and bringing projects to fruition. Project management skills and foresight help in planning, organizing, and executing complex projects. Resilience and perseverance are crucial for overcoming challenges and learning from failures.
Self-promotion and networking skills are valuable for advocating for her work and accessing opportunities. Finally, empathy and inclusivity create a more vibrant and diverse creative community, fostering equal opportunities for all individuals in the field. By embodying and promoting these skills, women builders and creators inspire others and contribute to a more inclusive and innovative creative landscape of multifaceted scientific prowess.
I truly believe we are living in a time of diversity and inclusion, balancing the masculine and feminine energies within ourselves to create a more peaceful and balanced world. That is perhaps the most beautiful element to have and exude as it shows in your work, and creates real human connection.
The most powerful tool we all have is our voice - and self promotion goes a long way in helping others hear your story and get inspired. We need to all be catalysts and help each other see how much potential we have, even in the darkest of times. Hence sharing our own stories via social media, a letter or a blogpost, can spark a flame and change someone’s entire life.
This includes technical proficiency in her area of expertise, such as coding, graphic design, science or anything she so chooses. Creativity and innovation are essential for generating new ideas and pushing boundaries. Adaptability and flexibility allow her to embrace change, new technologies, and different perspectives.
Collaboration and communication skills enable her to work effectively with others, fostering successful collaborations and bringing projects to fruition. Project management skills and foresight help in planning, organizing, and executing complex projects. Resilience and perseverance are crucial for overcoming challenges and learning from failures.
Self-promotion and networking skills are valuable for advocating for her work and accessing opportunities. Finally, empathy and inclusivity create a more vibrant and diverse creative community, fostering equal opportunities for all individuals in the field. By embodying and promoting these skills, women builders and creators inspire others and contribute to a more inclusive and innovative creative landscape of multifaceted scientific prowess.
I truly believe we are living in a time of diversity and inclusion, balancing the masculine and feminine energies within ourselves to create a more peaceful and balanced world. That is perhaps the most beautiful element to have and exude as it shows in your work, and creates real human connection.
The most powerful tool we all have is our voice - and self promotion goes a long way in helping others hear your story and get inspired. We need to all be catalysts and help each other see how much potential we have, even in the darkest of times. Hence sharing our own stories via social media, a letter or a blogpost, can spark a flame and change someone’s entire life.
Sobre o meu futuro
In five years, I envision myself as a seasoned social entrepreneur in the STEAM industry, having made significant contributions to the field. Through my work, I aim to inspire and empower more young women to pursue careers in this arena. To achieve this, I actively engage in various initiatives and actions.
Firstly, I serve as a mentor and role model to young women, sharing my experiences, insights, and knowledge. By providing guidance and support, I help them navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with a STEAM career. I encourage them to embrace their passion and potential, instilling confidence and self-belief.
Additionally, I participate in outreach programs and workshops designed to expose young people to the exciting possibilities in STEAM. By showcasing real-world applications and success stories, I ignite their curiosity and ignite their interest in the field. I emphasize the importance of diversity and representation, highlighting the unique perspectives and contributions that women can bring to the table.
Furthermore, I collaborate with educational institutions, advocating for the integration of STEAM subjects into the curriculum, especially for girls. I work towards creating inclusive learning environments that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By promoting equal access to educational resources and opportunities, I strive to bridge the gender gap in education.
My companies The Mystic School and Diaara Cinema are both aimed at empowering women in the arts so they can be unapologetically strong, creative and independent for the rest of their lives. They will learn skills and tools no one can take away from them. I will continue to work on these and make their effect as widespread as possible.
Lastly, I leverage digital platforms and social media to amplify the voices of women in all fields. I share inspiring stories, achievements, and resources, creating a supportive community where young women can connect, learn, and grow. I actively participate in discussions and initiatives aimed at breaking stereotypes and challenging gender norms via my work at G100 and WICCI.
Overall, my goal is to inspire and empower young women to pursue their passions in STEAM by being a visible and proactive advocate for their inclusion and success. Through mentoring, outreach, educational advocacy, and digital engagement, I strive to create a future where more young women are inspired to embark on rewarding careers in any industry they dare to dream about. Onwards and upwards!
Firstly, I serve as a mentor and role model to young women, sharing my experiences, insights, and knowledge. By providing guidance and support, I help them navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with a STEAM career. I encourage them to embrace their passion and potential, instilling confidence and self-belief.
Additionally, I participate in outreach programs and workshops designed to expose young people to the exciting possibilities in STEAM. By showcasing real-world applications and success stories, I ignite their curiosity and ignite their interest in the field. I emphasize the importance of diversity and representation, highlighting the unique perspectives and contributions that women can bring to the table.
Furthermore, I collaborate with educational institutions, advocating for the integration of STEAM subjects into the curriculum, especially for girls. I work towards creating inclusive learning environments that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By promoting equal access to educational resources and opportunities, I strive to bridge the gender gap in education.
My companies The Mystic School and Diaara Cinema are both aimed at empowering women in the arts so they can be unapologetically strong, creative and independent for the rest of their lives. They will learn skills and tools no one can take away from them. I will continue to work on these and make their effect as widespread as possible.
Lastly, I leverage digital platforms and social media to amplify the voices of women in all fields. I share inspiring stories, achievements, and resources, creating a supportive community where young women can connect, learn, and grow. I actively participate in discussions and initiatives aimed at breaking stereotypes and challenging gender norms via my work at G100 and WICCI.
Overall, my goal is to inspire and empower young women to pursue their passions in STEAM by being a visible and proactive advocate for their inclusion and success. Through mentoring, outreach, educational advocacy, and digital engagement, I strive to create a future where more young women are inspired to embark on rewarding careers in any industry they dare to dream about. Onwards and upwards!