Invincible

My Power Was Never Hard to Pronounce—Just Hard to Contain

Growing up in a predominantly white community in Wisconsin, I was one of only three Indian students in my entire high school. For four years, I faced racism, bigotry, adversity, and xenophobia—experiences that made me acutely aware of my differences. My name, Alabhya, meaning "one who is invincible," was constantly mispronounced or reduced to nicknames for convenience. Instead of making the effort to learn my name, teachers, and classmates called me "Alabama" or "Labster," the latter sounding more like a seafood dish than a person’s identity. These weren’t just microaggressions; they were reminders that I didn’t quite belong.

As the daughter of Indian immigrants, I was raised in a household where perseverance and ambition were not just values but necessities for survival. My parents had uprooted their lives to move to a foreign land, determined to build a future for themselves and me. My mother, an entrepreneur, launched her event-planning business, Shobha with Shubhra, transforming her passion into a career despite the challenges of being a woman of color in an industry dominated by established, often white-led companies. My father, pragmatic and disciplined, emphasized financial independence and self-sufficiency. Watching them navigate these challenges instilled in me a deep respect for resilience and self-made success.

Yet, despite my parents’ unwavering determination, I couldn’t ignore the fact that our community didn’t always welcome us. Whether it was the awkward stares when we spoke Hindi in public, the assumptions that I would excel in math and science simply because I was Indian, or the subtle exclusion from social circles, I learned early on that I was different. Too Indian to fully blend in, yet not Indian enough to be fully accepted by the small South Asian community in our town, I lived in a constant state of in-betweenness. My culture—rich with history, tradition, and pride—felt like something I had to downplay to be accepted.

At school, I tried to fit in, but I also knew I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. I poured myself into academics, determined to prove that I belonged, but it was my involvement in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) that truly changed the course of my life. When I first joined FBLA, I wasn’t sure where I fit in. Business was often seen as a male-dominated field, and I didn’t see many students who looked like me in leadership roles. But I was determined to create my own space.

Running for office in Wisconsin FBLA was a turning point. I wasn’t just stepping out of my comfort zone—I was stepping into a position where I could make a real impact. Winning my election and becoming a two-time state officer made me realize the power of representation.

I was the first South Asian woman to hold this position in Wisconsin FBLA, and I knew my success wasn’t just about me. It was about showing other young girls of color that they, too, could lead.

As a state officer, I worked with national brands like Bubbl’r at the Wisconsin FBLA State Leadership Conference, collaborated with diverse groups of people, and learned to navigate professional spaces where I wasn’t always welcomed. I developed strategic initiatives, organized statewide leadership events, and mentored younger members, many of whom, like me, came from underrepresented backgrounds. Through these experiences, I realized that leadership wasn’t just about holding a title—it was about using my platform to uplift others.

However, despite my achievements, I still felt the weight of being an outsider. My success in FBLA didn’t erase the fact that my high school experience had been marked by a lack of diversity. I longed for an environment where inclusion wasn’t something I had to fight for—it was simply the norm.

That longing became a reality when I moved to Indianapolis for college. IU Indianapolis and the Kelley School of Business introduced me to a world of diversity and opportunity. For the first time, I was surrounded by students from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

I wasn’t the only person advocating for inclusion—I was part of a community that actively embraced it. The relief was immeasurable.

As an honors student, I have engaged in conversations and collaborations that have broadened my worldview. I have had the privilege of learning from professors and peers whose lived experiences are vastly different from my own, challenging me to think critically about business, leadership, and the role of representation. At IU Indianapolis, I have taken on leadership roles that allow me to continue the work I started in FBLA. Leading the IU Indianapolis FBLA Collegiate Chapter has allowed me to build a supportive network for students interested in business, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities that I once longed for.

Beyond academics and leadership, my college experience has also reinforced my passion for entrepreneurship. Watching my mother build Shobha with Shubhra from the ground up had always been a source of inspiration, but it wasn’t until I began studying business at IU Indianapolis that I fully understood the challenges and opportunities that come with being an entrepreneur. I have spent time researching market trends, developing business strategies, and understanding the complexities of brand development and management. More than anything, I have come to appreciate the importance of representation in business.

Too often, business leadership is dominated by a narrow demographic—one that does not reflect the diversity of our world. I want to change that. My goal is not just to build a successful business but to create spaces where women of color, immigrants, and individuals from all walks of life feel seen, valued, and empowered. I want to prove that no matter where we come from, no matter the obstacles we face, we are capable of achieving greatness.

My experiences—both the struggles and the triumphs—have shaped my vision for the future. I envision a world where diversity in leadership isn’t a rarity but an expectation. Where names like mine aren’t seen as “too difficult” to pronounce but as reflections of the rich cultures they represent. Where young women of color don’t have to fight twice as hard to be seen but are recognized for their talent and potential from the start.

This isn’t just a dream—it’s a mission. One that I am prepared to dedicate my life to.

The lessons I have learned along the way have been invaluable. I have learned that leadership is about resilience—the ability to stand tall even when the odds are against you. I have learned that representation matters—not just in business, but in every aspect of life. I have learned that where we come from shapes us, but where we choose to go and how we embrace change ultimately define who we become.

I am Alabhya, the one who is invincible. And I am just getting started.

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Written by: Alabhya Prasad

Creative Director: Lauren Lukitsh

Photography: Gabriella Donohue