Rewriting the Narrative
In the serene countryside where she grew up, surrounded by rolling fields and tranquil skies, Devaki’s journey began in a world that offered beauty but also tested her spirit. As a young girl, she found solace in creativity—drawing, painting, and imagining worlds beyond the picturesque, yet isolating landscapes of her hometown. But her early years were not without challenges. They were marked by the sting of stereotypes, the scars of exclusion, and the silence of emotions bottled up too long.
“Being ‘different’ felt like not belonging, even though I saw us all as equals,” Devaki reflects, her voice laced with both nostalgia and the strength of someone who has turned pain into purpose. “For a long time, I disliked my name because it rhymed with a racial slur. Now, I embrace myself. How boring would the world be if we were all the same?”
This profound self-awareness, forged in the crucible of adversity, became the cornerstone of her remarkable journey. While academic life initially proved tough—she stayed back a year after failing two science subjects during her A-Levels—Devaki’s resilience shone through. “It was difficult watching my peers move ahead while I stayed behind,” she admits. “But sometimes, staying back helps you spring forward.” And spring forward she did, pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences, where she discovered her passion for tackling environmental issues and later, neuroscience. These choices weren’t just academic—they were deliberate steps toward understanding the world and her place in it.
Her transition from academia to the professional world mirrored the challenges she faced in her formative years: barriers, uncertainty, and the ever-present need to prove herself. The global financial crisis made opportunities scarce, and rejections piled up. “I applied for countless jobs,” she says, “and every rejection chipped away at my confidence. But I learned patience and persistence.” Her break finally came when she landed her first role in clinical research and data transparency—a field where her talent and determination would leave an indelible mark.
Devaki’s professional journey exemplifies impact and ingenuity. She led the first three European Medicines Agency Clinical Data Publication submissions for the company where she worked at during this time, setting new standards in data transparency. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her expertise played a crucial role in advising a leading vaccine producer on data publication. “Being part of such a high-profile project during a global crisis was humbling,” she reflects. “It showed me that even small contributions can make a big difference.”
Her role at PHUSE, a global non-profit organization and the world’s largest home for data transparency, exemplifies her ability to lead with purpose. As a Project Lead and now a Working Group Lead, Devaki has been instrumental in creating accessible educational materials for the general public. Her team’s innovative video series and partnerships with institutions like Harvard’s MRCT Center are setting new standards for health data literacy. “Through collaboration, we’ve built something meaningful,” she says with gratitude. “It’s about ensuring that information is accessible to all, regardless of their background.”
Leadership, for Devaki, is about uplifting others, not wielding authority. “Every one of us is a leader,” she emphasizes. “It’s about empathy, flexibility, and helping others achieve their goals.” Her inclusive approach and ability to create safe spaces have earned her respect as a leader who listens and empowers. Drawing from her own experiences of feeling unheard, she now strives to ensure others feel valued and supported. “Unity is our strength,” she says. “When people feel valued, they give their best.” Despite her achievements, Devaki remains grounded. “Awards and accolades are wonderful,” she acknowledges, citing honors like the Health 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award and the PHUSE Data Transparency Plane Builder Award. “But they’re not the goal—they’re a reminder of the journey.” For her, true success lies in the impact she creates, the lives she touches, and the connections she fosters.
Outside of her professional life, Devaki’s world is filled with music, books, and simple joys. “Music has always been a refuge,” she shares, her love for electronic beats palpable. “There’s something liberating about losing yourself in sound.” Her dream of seeing orcas in the wild speaks to her lifelong curiosity and love for nature. “I can’t swim, but witnessing orcas from a research vessel would be magical,” she says with a laugh, revealing a sense of wonder that remains undimmed.
Through her journey, Devaki has learned to balance her empathetic nature with the need to protect her own well-being. “Empathy is a strength, but it can also be tough to feel emotions so deeply and without the power in certain situations to be able to help or resolve a crisis,” she admits. “I’ve learned to set boundaries, limit media consumption, and channel my energy into how I can work towards making a difference”.
Her message to readers is both heartfelt and inspiring: “Never give up on your dreams. You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room or have perfect grades to make a difference. Start with your strengths, evolve with your journey, and trust your heart—it will guide you to where you’re meant to be.”
From her early struggles to her groundbreaking contributions to data transparency, she embodies the idea that our challenges can become our greatest strengths. As she continues to inspire and innovate, her journey reminds us that when purpose meets passion, there are no limits to what we can achieve.