ABOUT US
AND OUR PEOPLE
We wanted to create a connected space for South Asian and Brown Women here in Australia! Our why is a bringing these women together, who have the desire to make open, honest and solid connections. It can be challenging making new friends in adulthood – let alone meaningful, authentic connections with strangers.
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Our BBBs come from all walks of life and in different shapes, ages, background and life experiences. This can be seen amongst the three of us who began BBB, with how different each of us are to start with.
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BBB was founded in a living room in Western Sydney NSW. It was initially driven by the desire to initially connect brown & South Asian women who share the entrepreneurial spirit. It has now grown into so much more with the main goal to connect Brown and South Asian women here in Australia!
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We started by holding a photoshoot to showcase the solidarity and power of the women in our South Asian Community. The shoot shot by Vandort Media (Trevine Vandort) had multiple themes, the modern south Asian, the traditional and the fit south Asian. Using the shoot, we started our Instagram account and used the photos as content to share our message about women supporting and uplifting women – regardless of ethnicity!
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Since 2018, we have held various events, workshops, meet ups (virtual meet ups during COVID-19 lockdowns). We are pleased that every event we have held, the proceeds have all been donated to charities and organisations here in Australia that support Women and Women of Colour!
Vithyaa Thavapalan
Gadigal (Sydney) NSW
Founder & President
When Vithyaa was growing up, she had no choice but to assimilate into Australian culture, attending schools that lacked diversity. It was common for her and her twin sister to be the only women of color in their classes. Vithyaa had few brown women to look up to, aside from her mother and grandmothers. She didn’t watch many Tamil movies, nor did she attend Tamil school. Most of her friends were not women of color. These experiences had a profound impact on her life, leaving her without a strong sense of connection and leading to instances of bullying because of her skin color. Even in high school, she recalls being called a "Burnt Sausage." These experiences eventually steered Vithyaa toward her path of advocacy. Without them, she believes she would not have developed the same passion for the women of color movement, inclusivity, and feminism.  With over a decade of experience in business management, community service, and leadership, Vithyaa has been a driving force in creating platforms that support women’s personal and professional growth. ​ Her journey as an entrepreneur and community leader has been marked by multiple awards and recognitions, showcasing her commitment to excellence and making a positive impact. Through Brown Boss Babes, she has spearheaded a range of initiatives, from workshops and networking events all designed to uplift and inspire women to reach their fullest potential. ​ Vithyaa's vision for Brown Boss Babes is rooted in her passion for diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of women. She actively represents the organization at various industry, business, and community events, where she advocates for women’s leadership, rights, and opportunities. Under her leadership, Brown Boss Babes has grown into a vibrant community, offering resources and support that help women break barriers, build confidence, and achieve their dreams.
Sukanya Balachandran
Gadigal (Sydney) NSW
Founding Member
So that show, the one and only Never Have I Ever, that was basically my upbringing almost to an 80% tee. When that show first came out last year, I woke up to a bevy of messages from my friends and family telling me I either looked like/resembled/shared a life story with Devi/Maitreyi. For the longest time I struggled between feeling too much/not enough all at the same time, while navigating being too brown for the white/non-brown kids and too white for the brown kids. It was only when I moved out of home and lived in Canada for a year, was I truly able to understand the beauty of marrying a Western upbringing and Eastern heritage together. And how there is immense intricacy and beauty in both. I am a Film Marketing Specialist full-time (working for one of my dream Hollywood companies) and own an Art Business on the side. Vee also works full-time and owns multiple businesses but has powerfully championed so many of our BBB initiatives over the past few months in lockdown, while I started a new role and planned for my first art show. It’s about being able to step in and step up when support is needed.
Nithyyaa Thavapalan
Naarm (Melbourne) VIC
Founding Member
Whilst growing up in Sydney, my twin sister and I were raised with a relatively western upbringing approach, which altered my sense of identity and belonging whilst growing up. Once we commenced university, I actively endeavoured to connect and find opportunities to better understand and further develop my sense of self. The true catalyst occurred following a volunteering trip with my sister to Sri-Lanka. We were incredibly fortunate to visit a group home for girls and women who had lost everything but continued to empower and support one another to ‘show us the sky so we can spread our wings’. Following this trip, I was truly inspired and developed a strong interest towards the need for women to support one another, to speak up for our rights, and to advocate for our communities. I work as a paediatric psychologist full time, and I have been supporting BBB since Day 1. Personally, it has provided me with an amazing opportunity to work with a community where woman can communicate, affirm, and support one another.
Nisha Pillai
Naarm (Melbourne) VIC
Committee Member 2022
When I immigrated from India, I experienced a deep sense of loneliness. I tried hard fitting in the western culture but I never felt accepted. When I attended my first BBB event, I fell in love with the community of women I met. For the first time, I experienced true connection, genuine love and care from other WOC. I found a place where I belonged; I could freely share my struggles without fearing being judged or criticised. Women were cheering on for one another and celebrating each other. I truly feel privileged to be part of this community and I want to create an inclusive experience for other WOC where they feel loved, empowered and supported. I am passionate about empowering women to break through their mental blocks so that they can tap into their inner radiance and power to create a life they desire. I live my purpose as a Mindset Coach.
Shania Shaji
Gadigal (Sydney) NSW
Committee Member 2023
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Thiruna Selvaratnam
Naarm (Melbourne) VIC
Committee Member
Having been born & brought up in New Zealand in the 90s, I was always so conscious of my dark skin. There were very few people of colour, and even less so women of South Asian descent. There were pockets of people wherever I went and I was lucky enough to walk alongside them at some points of my life. I’ve always believed that I want to be the person who I needed when I was a kid. And that is why I do what I do - I want to change this narrative for the people of today. Having moved around, trying to explore life & understand myself, I felt a real absence of Brown woman magic. I stumbled across BBB and followed their movement from across the ditch in New Zealand and wished I had access to a safe space for South Asian women like this. 2 years ago when I moved to Naarm, Melbourne, I attended a BBB Brunch event, met so many beautiful women and knew this was it - this was where I was meant to be. After 1 year of attending events and 1 year serving on the committee, I'm ready to shine the BBB torch for another year on the committee! I'm a Talent Acquisition Specialist by day, and a Tamil, Curve Model, Singer and Photographer all day everyday. Looking forward to meeting you!
Sanj Kumar
Naarm (Melbourne) VIC
Committee Member
For those who don’t know me, I’m a proud Indian woman, dog mum and family lawyer. I enjoy a great meal with an equally great cocktail. Brown Boss Babes has such a great community of women, and I’m so excited to meet you all whether it’s for networking or friendship.
Girisa Balasubramaniam
Gadigal (Sydney) NSW
Committee Member 2024
Hi I'm Girisa, a biomedical engineer working and living on Gadigal Land. As a third generation Malaysian-Indian who relocated to Sydney for university, I missed a lot of things about home, espeically my family, friends and community. having attended BBB events, I was pleasantly surprised by this powerful platform and how it provided a safe space for South Asian women to connect, to be themselves and to empower each other. Having experienced this, I'm incredibly honoured to be given the opportunity to give back to this incredible community that has done so much for me.
Pooja Kaushal
Gadigal (Sydney) NSW
Committee Member 2024
I’m Pooja, a Business Analyst based in Sydney with over six years in the financial and insurance industries. I’m passionate about problem-solving and bringing people together. Outside of work, I’m launching a fashion brand that showcases high-end items made in India, with a goal to bring the rich, untapped potential of Indian fashion to the global stage.