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Devika Kumar

With the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Devika rediscovered and embraced her authentic self at work, in her leadership style and in her daily life.

Devika Kumar, Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program participant

Devika is a senior manager in the Victorian Public Service currently working at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) as Manager of Regional Programs and Investment. Her work focuses on creating investment opportunities, programs and strategies which strengthen communities and enhance infrastructure, jobs, and liveability of Victoria’s vibrant regions. She is also co-chair of the People of Colour Network at DJSIR. She uses her leadership skills to create environments where every voice is heard.

What inspired you to apply?

I was seeking an opportunity to connect with Women of Colour peers and mentors, discuss our unique shared leadership experiences and collaborate towards enhancing the Women of Colour leadership and progression experience within the workplace. I was also really excited by the modules as they would enable me to build confidence in my identity, learn how to communicate authentically, be brave and courageous and provide me with the building blocks of creating transformative organisational cultures. I wanted to be the change agent in my organisation to transform the culture to be one which dismantles the barriers that Women of Colour face in the workplace and deliver on key initiatives which make the workplace safe, inclusive and one where progression is encouraged and achieved by diverse people.

What has been the biggest take away message for you?

The program provided me with the opportunity to introspect and start a journey where I can learn more about my culture and myself. My biggest take away is the network I now have with the incredible group who I undertook the program with. There is so much collective wisdom, support and strength in this network, and I am so grateful that I am a part of it.

How has this program helped you pursue your career goals and aspirations?

The program allowed me to gain confidence in my identity and harness my leadership potential. It has encouraged me to pursue opportunities, strengthen my networking and be a catalyst for change in my organisation. It also encouraged me to use my voice for advocacy, which led me to take on the role as co-chair of DJSIR’s People of Colour Network. Through this role I have been able to create more opportunities for people of colour to connect, share experiences and grow together.

Read other participants’ experiences

Equality

Elizabeth Reynolds

The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program closely aligns with Elizabeth’s career goals and redefined her approach to leadership, making inclusivity and diversity central to her professional ethos.

Equality

Arshin Zaman

The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program perfectly aligns with Arshin’s passion of working towards improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering industry.

Equality

Lama Tiavo

Lama is the first Pacific woman to complete the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program and is using the skills she learned to advance her career and uplift other Women of Colour alongside her.

Equality

Sana Aziz

The insights that Sana gained through the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program have empowered her to effectively advocate for herself in the workplace.

Equality

Stella Loong

Since completing the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Stella now feels she is part of a sisterhood with her fellow participants and has a lifelong support network around her.

Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program

This program is designed for Women of Colour including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who currently hold or aspire to hold senior leadership roles in their workplaces.

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Equality

Updated 12 January 2026

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