Meet Divya Sharma

We had the good fortune of connecting with Divya Sharma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Divya, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I believe there’s really no such thing as giving up when your goals are genuinely meaningful whether they contribute to society or help you grow as a person. There will always be moments when things feel difficult, when progress seems slow, or when doubt creeps in. But if your “why” is strong and you stay consistent, you’ll always find a reason to keep going. For me, it’s about stepping outside my comfort zone again and again. Growth is never easy, but that’s exactly what makes it worth pursuing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey has been anything but easy it’s been emotional, unpredictable, and full of lessons that shaped who I am today. In 2012, when I was in my third year of college, I lost my father unexpectedly. That moment changed everything. Until then, I was living a carefree student life, surrounded by comfort and protection. Losing him pushed me out of that comfort zone and taught me that life can change in an instant. It took me a long time to recover, but that experience built my inner strength.

After graduation, I decided to work and started giving interviews. Getting my first job wasn’t easy, but it helped me rebuild my confidence. Over the years, I grew from a data analyst to a manager, earning awards for best performance and leadership. Each role taught me something different how to adapt, lead teams, and connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. During college, I was nominated for a leadership award, won the Best NCC Cadet title, earned a gold medal in shooting, and participated in several stage performances, experiences that taught me discipline, teamwork, and courage.

In 2013, I brought home a dog who became our family’s biggest source of healing after my father’s passing. He filled our home with love and laughter and brought back the happiness we had lost. Leaving him behind when I moved to the U.S. was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Being away from family in another country is never easy. You start over completely, emotionally and professionally.

After moving here, I took some time off, which was difficult for someone like me who’s always been career-driven. To stay active and connected, I began volunteering at an animal shelter, which reminded me how powerful compassion can be. Later, I pursued my Master’s in Social and Applied Economics, completed a research internship, published an academic paper, and served as a volunteer judge at the Collegiate DECA conference in San Francisco helping students present their business ideas and strategies. Today, I’m working as a Product Manager, leading cross-functional projects and using data to create real impact.

What sets me apart is my ability to find strength in vulnerability. I’ve faced situations that broke me emotionally losing my father at a young age, leaving my family and my dog behind to start a new life in another country, and rebuilding my career from scratch. Yet, I’ve always chosen to keep going, to learn, and to turn pain into purpose. I don’t see challenges as roadblocks but as reminders of how resilient we can be when we truly believe in ourselves.

I combine empathy with analytical thinking whether it’s leading a product team, helping students as a volunteer judge, or creating data-driven solutions, I always try to balance heart and logic. My experiences across different countries, industries, and emotional phases have taught me that real success isn’t just about titles or awards; it’s about staying kind, grounded, and curious no matter where life takes you.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life will test you again and again. Every time you rise after falling, you become a stronger, more grounded version of yourself. My story is proof that even through loss, distance, and self-doubt, you can keep finding purpose, keep growing, and keep loving life deeply

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend lives in the UK, and we’ve known each other since childhood. We haven’t met in person for the last four years, so just the thought of seeing her again fills me with excitement and emotion. The first thing I’d do when she arrives is give her the biggest hug and probably cry for a few minutes not out of sadness, but from pure happiness and nostalgia. Some friendships feel like home, and ours is exactly that.

On the first day, I’d keep things simple just the two of us at my place in Mountain View, catching up on life, laughing about our old memories, and ordering our favorite comfort food so we can talk endlessly without any distractions. I think sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones, where you don’t need to do much just be together and feel that warmth again.

Then, for the weekend, I’d surprise her with a trip to Disney World in Florida. It’s something we always talked about as kids, so reliving those childhood dreams together would be magical walking through the parks, meeting all the characters, eating churros, and taking photos like two little girls who never really grew up.

Back in California, I’d take her to explore some local favorites maybe a sunset drive along Highway 1, a peaceful walk at Half Moon Bay, dinner in San Francisco, and a lazy afternoon in Napa Valley tasting good food and laughing until our faces hurt. More than anything, I’d just want her to feel how much she’s been missed and how even after years apart, nothing between us has changed.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I don’t have one particular person or mentor I follow, I believe life itself is a continuous journey of learning. Every stage, every person, and every experience teaches you something, whether it brings joy or pain. I’ve learned just as much from moments of struggle and disappointment as I have from moments of happiness and success. Both have shaped me into who I am today.

I want to give credit to everyone who has been a part of my journey, those who supported me and even those who challenged me, because they all played a role in helping me grow. And most importantly, I want to thank my husband. He’s my biggest strength, my constant source of peace and encouragement. Through all my highs and lows, he’s been the one person who reminds me that I am perfect. His presence gives me balance, courage, and the freedom to keep moving forward.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyasharmas/