Purpose-driven advocacy

For Amita Karadkhedkar, who works as the Head of Core Payments, Real-Time Payments Technology Quality Engineering (CoE), at Mastercard, inclusion is all about equal opportunity and equity, and going beyond her work she brings the same in reality for others. She plays the role of change agent through Trans Equality Advocacy on prestigious platforms, to bring systematic change within the society, and works on skilling and employment opportunities for transgender

"True impact isn’t measured by recognition or applause, it’s measured by the doors we open, the systems we transform, and the futures we empower"

Gender transition for Amita Karadkhedkar has been a true metamorphosis. Reshaping not just who she is, but how she leads. “Embracing womanhood gave me resilience, clarity, and the confidence to step fully into my power. That transformation infused my work with empathy, creativity and purpose,” she says.

Today, she defines her leadership in technology as standing for inclusion, innovation and courage—helping others discover their wings, through her Trans Equality Advocacy on various platforms.

Going beyond work

Inclusion for Amita has never been just a concept, it’s been a calling. Over the years, she has spoken on more than a hundred platforms — from TEDx and NASSCOM to IITs, IIMs and multinational organisations. Through her Trans Equality Advocacy, she says she has had the privilege of influencing over 10,000 minds, sparking conversations that move them closer to real equity.

But, for her advocacy alone is not enough. “That’s why I’ve also worked directly on skilling and employment opportunities for trans persons, because true inclusion must create pathways, not just promises,” she emphasised.

As part of her Trans Equality Advocacy, Amita has shared her perspectives on the prestigious Grace Hopper platform dedicated to celebrating innovation and diversity in technology. At the Grace Hopper India Celebrations 2024, she had the honour of being on the panel discussion on the topic, “Tomorrow’s Workplaces” fostering environments where everyone, regardless of gender, background or ability, can thrive. For the AnitaB.org India’s Grace Hopper Celebration 2025, she was featured as the poster face—being part of the narrative as a technologist, a changemaker, and an advocate for inclusive product thinking.

The India Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) is India's only comprehensive benchmarking tool for organisations to measure their progress on LGBT+ inclusion. At their 2024 summit and awards, Amita was honoured by The LGBT + Trailblazer of the Year Award. She has spoken at the 5th Batch of the REVIVE Training Programme inauguration event, in Pune. The REVIVE initiative, part of PeriFerry’s mission, is a holistic residential training programme tailored to equip transgender persons with essential skills for employment and societal integration.

For her she says, “It’s not about the numbers, though I’m proud of them. It’s about the people behind them — the lives touched, the doors opened, and the belief that each action, no matter how small, contributes to lasting change.”

Bringing systematic change within the society

Creating change that matters, has always been part of her personal growth. As a change agent, she uses her voice on various platforms, to challenge the status quo and spark systemic shifts.

“What drives me most is action—turning advocacy into real opportunities, especially in inclusion, equity, and employment for marginalised communities, including trans persons,” said Amita.

True impact, Amita says, “Isn’t measured by recognition or applause, it’s measured by the doors we open, the systems we transform, and the futures we empower. Every talk, every initiative, every step I take is guided by that principle—to create lasting and meaningful change that shapes a more inclusive world for generations to come.”

Corporate leadership rooted in empathy

As a corporate leader, Amita believes, leadership rooted in empathy goes beyond words. She says, “It’s about truly understanding and valuing the perspectives of your team. It means listening deeply, fostering inclusion, and making decisions that reflect genuine care for people’s well-being.”

True leadership for Amita isn’t just about guiding work, “It’s about uplifting the people who make that work possible. I strive to bring empathy into action by building a culture of trust, supporting career growth, and ensuring every voice is not just heard, but respected,” she adds.

Reaching far beyond myself

It all began at a pivotal moment of Amita’s life. “A moment when I realised that true leadership isn’t confined to office walls. Perhaps it was a personal experience, witnessing inequality or simply a moment of reflection that made me ask: What’s my larger purpose? That question sparked the journey of going beyond work and giving back,” she said.

She realised her success could be a platform for others—a way to create opportunities, drive inclusion, and make a real difference. That’s what set her on the path of purpose-driven advocacy, turning personal growth into impact that reaches far beyond herself.

Leave a lasting impact

“The thread that binds me to the cause of compassion is a simple yet powerful belief — every individual deserves dignity and opportunity. Whether shaped by personal experiences, moments of witnessing injustice or a deeply rooted empathy, this conviction drives everything I do,” she said.

Every act of compassion, every choice to step forward, can create change—one life at a time. It is in these small intentional efforts that we find the power to transform communities, inspire hope, and leave a lasting impact.

"What drives me most is action—turning advocacy into real opportunities, especially in inclusion, equity, and employment for marginalised communities, including trans persons"

Embracing her authentic self

Amita’s career journey from those early days of coding to now shaping technological directions, is inseparable from her personal evolution. She believes that embracing her authentic self has made her a stronger, more creative, and more empathetic technologist.

Currently heading the Core Payments, Real-Time Payments Technology Quality Engineering (CoE), at Mastercard, she doesn’t just lead complex projects and drive innovation, she also helps others discover their wings.

Talking about her career path, she said, “Twenty years back I stepped into the tech world, still discovering who I truly was. Back then, I was a curious and passionate developer, writing lines of code and building systems, but I hadn’t yet emerged as my authentic self.” She describes her journey as a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.

As she transitioned, it wasn’t only a personal transformation. “It reshaped how I approached technology. I began to see systems, teams, and challenges with greater empathy, creativity and innovation,” she said.

Over time, she moved from purely technical roles into leadership, where she could mentor others, build inclusive environments, and bring a broader vision to the technology we create.