Tech, Justice, and the Power of One Woman’s Voice – Uma Thana

In a world racing ahead with innovation, who’s making sure no one gets left behind?

Too often, the voices that challenge outdated systems and push for inclusion are drowned out by the noise of progress. But every once in a while, someone comes along who doesn’t just succeed in their field—they use that success as a megaphone for justice.

In this compelling episode of The AboutHer Show, I sat down with Uma Thana, a powerhouse in tech and a fearless advocate for social justice. Her story is one of purpose, resilience, and a deeply personal mission to amplify women’s voices across Asia.

Whether you’re in technology, social change, or just looking for your next big dose of inspiration, this conversation is a must-listen.

Meet Uma Thana: A Force of Change

Uma Thana is not your typical tech leader. She is the founder of Elevate, a group of companies committed to championing social justice and inclusion for women across Asia. She is also the founder of the Lean In Network in Singapore, a thriving community that empowers women to lead, speak up, and support one another in their personal and professional journeys.

With a background in engineering and leadership roles in the tech industry, Uma brings a unique perspective—one that bridges the structured logic of technology with the deeply human work of social change.

Her ventures under Elevate focus on creating platforms, programs, and policies that don’t just talk about equality—they build it. Her mission is rooted in her lived experience as a woman navigating the dual challenges of a male-dominated industry and societal expectations in Asia.

Uma doesn’t just speak about empowerment—she’s building the infrastructure for it.

Highlights from the Episode

Our conversation covered the full arc of Uma’s journey—from her formative years to her current impact across the region. Here are some key moments from the episode:

1. Setting the Stage: The Story Begins

Uma opens up about her personal and professional story—what inspired her to pursue tech, and how life slowly pointed her toward something larger than success: purpose.

2. Roots & Beginnings

From childhood influences to early career decisions, Uma reflects on how her upbringing and values shaped her approach to leadership and justice.

Also Read: Fabulloso Bonds- A Mother-Daughter Story of Building, Balancing, and Believing

3. Rising Through the Storm

No journey is without adversity. Uma shares stories of the personal and professional hurdles she faced—and how each challenge strengthened her resolve.

4. Tech-Powered Justice

This is where things get powerful. Uma talks about how her tech expertise became her toolkit for justice—using data, systems, and platforms to build inclusion, not just efficiency.

“If you can just focus on making an impact on one person through this difference that you want to make, you will be surprised about the ripple effect that will happen naturally.” – Uma Thana

This quote captures the very essence of her work: starting with the individual and creating scalable, meaningful change.

5. Challenges for Women in Asia

Uma gets candid about the unique cultural and institutional barriers women face across Asia. From entrenched patriarchy to unconscious bias, she unpacks the realities many are still afraid to name.

6. Guiding Lights: The Power of Mentors

Behind every woman who rises is a mentor who believed in her. Uma discusses the mentors who guided her—and why she’s committed to paying it forward.

7. The Success Blueprint: Tips to Thrive

What does it take to make it as a woman in tech or business? Uma shares tangible tips for resilience, growth, and building influence in spaces not built for you.

8. Bouncing Back Stronger: Setbacks to Comebacks

Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the path. Uma reflects on her hardest moments and how she turned them into springboards for change.

9. Voices of Power: Women Rewiring Asia

Uma celebrates the growing wave of women using their voices to disrupt, rewire, and lead change across the region—and how their influence is shifting norms for good.

10. Women’s Mental Well-being

Beyond professional success lies the need for emotional balance. Uma speaks vulnerably about mental health, burnout, and the emotional labor women often carry.

11. Reinventing You: The Midlife Reboot

Life doesn’t end at 40—it transforms. Uma talks about embracing evolution, taking bold steps mid-career, and staying aligned with your ‘why.’

Also Read: Charting Her Own Path- Kalyani Chawla on Power, Purpose & Perseverance

12. Onwards and Upwards: Future Aspirations

What’s next for Uma? Her vision for Elevate and how she plans to keep building for the women of tomorrow.

13. The Rapid Fire Arena: Fun, Fast, Fierce

To wrap things up, Uma takes on our signature rapid-fire round—sharing quirks, insights, and personal truths in quick succession.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:  Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Audible | YouTube

Ready to Be Inspired by Uma’s Journey?

If you’re passionate about:

• Women’s leadership in tech
• Gender equality across Asia
• Turning skill into purpose
• Mental health and midlife reinvention
• Creating inclusive workplaces

Then this episode is for you.

Uma Thana’s story is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and action. She reminds us that change doesn’t always come from loud protests—it often starts in boardrooms, codebases, and quiet decisions to stand up for what’s right.

Let this episode be a spark for your own journey—because no matter where you start, it’s never too late to lead with impact.

💬 What part of Uma’s story resonated with you most? Drop a comment or share the episode with someone who needs a dose of motivation today.