2019 Honoree

Subrata De

Snr. Executive Producer & Showrunner, VICE Investigates, Hulu

“A ‘Power Woman’ can be a mother who teaches her kids to be fearless and outspoken. She can be a boss who takes the time to pay it forward. She can be a woman who owns her role and identity and empowers others to do the same. Power women create spaces where people can thrive. Power women also generate powerful legacies by creating pathways to success for themselves and others.”

In your opinion, what qualities make a “Power Woman”?

A “Power Woman” can be a mother who teaches her kids to be fearless and outspoken. She can be a boss who takes the time to pay it forward. She can be a woman who owns her role and identity and empowers others to do the same. Power women create spaces where people can thrive. Power women also generate powerful legacies by creating pathways to success for themselves and others.

With all the different issues one could focus on, how do you balance your efforts in pursuit of gender equality? Is it a global approach or a specific issue that you are passionate about?

The pursuit of gender equality informs everything I do. And, now that we’re moving into an age where gender identity is being redefined, I think it’s critical to adapt and incorporate a range of identities into that vision.

Do you believe that there is any gender specific role for women to play in the Climate Change debate?

Women are incredible change agents when at the helm of any movement.

If you could have someone else’s job for a day, who and what would it be? Why?

I would love to be the mayor of New York city. I love this city. I love the people. I love the NYC spirit and attitude. Seeing how it all comes together from an executive perch would be amazing.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

I’m a great admirer of Viola Desmond. She was a Canadian civil rights activist and businesswoman and is now on the Canadian 10 dollar bill. Later in her career, after she’d achieved great success, she was ordered to leave a Whites-only area at a segregated Nova scotia movie theater. Her refusal to do so paved the way for an entire community to rise up. There can be moments along your personal and professional journey, when you think, “Okay, I’ve done it. I’m gonna be okay. I’ve figured this out.” And then comes a shocking moment–a hateful thing is said or you’re blocked from an opportunity. It’s then you realize that you always have to be ready to face resistance from those who think you don’t belong.

In what way do you work for women’s power and equality? What do you think is the number one action we as a society can take (e.g. affirmative action)?

It’s incredibly important to have women in decision-making roles. Particularly when it comes to our own health, safety, and education.

Can you tell us a short story in which you encountered a block in the workplace and what you did about it?

Early in my career, I believed I was on track for a senior role. In a conversation with my manager, I shared that hope with him based on the positive feedback I’d been receiving, while essentially performing the role already. He told me, point blank that a woman would not “work” in that position long-term. He even asked for my opinion
about which guy on staff would be the right fit. It was a clarifying moment. I realized then that being a top performer in my job was not a guarantee of growth and opportunity, and I understood that I’d have to make my case continually, and always be thinking many steps ahead. I ended up going above my direct manager, and made my pitch for the job to the executive producer. He was surprised to hear that I wanted it (even though I had been doing the job for many months at that point). I did eventually get the job, but I’ve never forgotten that road block.

Do you think that asking previous salary requirements in job interviews contributes to the pay gap between women and men? NY State recently outlawed this practice. Should we push for a nationwide ban?

Women make up almost half the workforce now and yet, the pay gap continues. Legal measures will help. But so will the Gen Y and Gen Z women who are demanding pay equity as a standard in the workplace.

Have you seen changes in the political landscape for women over the past few years? If so, what are they?

Women are running for every office across the country and now have senior leadership roles in shaping policy, law and political candidates in a way that didn’t exist ten years ago. Still, because government spaces were designed by men, women elected members of congress, until recently, were still fighting for more bathroom space and for accommodations for breastfeeding and child care.

Was there a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today? What was it?

There have been many experiences that have contributed to where I am today. It’s impossible to identify just one.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I received some critical feedback from my manager a
few years back. I was defensive and called my brother
to vent. He told me that even if the criticism felt wrong, I should try and address it, even a little. It was some of the best advice I’ve received. To pay attention to constructive feedback when it comes your way. Self-awareness needs a little help some times.

There are many studies that support the idea that a female presence in the board room increases the bottom line and leads to healthier work environments. What can we do to continue to support and enhance the growth and presence of women in high profile positions?

We can create work environments that don’t make women feel like they have to act like men to succeed.

Is “Education, education and education” one of the top three responsibilities of a civilized society? If so, why it is prohibitively expensive? If not, why not?

Education is important in every society. Those who get it right, ensure that it is available to all. Public education, when it works, is the key to a successful and vibrant democracy.

What is your favorite book (fiction or non-fiction)?

‘The Namesake’ by Jhumpa Lahiri

What do you most value in your friends?

Their honesty with me.

Which trait do you most deplore in yourself? In others?

I procrastinate.

In others: pessimism

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Stoicism. You can be strong and emotional.