Hetal Parikh
Co-Founder & President | Rangam
Platinum VIII Chapter & WPO Board Member
What inspired you to start your business?
Coming to the United States as an immigrant, I have always felt very fortunate to have the opportunities I have had throughout my career journey. I trusted my intuition that the opportunities ahead would lead me to growth and success. When I co-founded Rangam, I was driven by a deep desire to lead an organization with an empathetic culture and purpose-driven mission. We started Rangam to provide other individuals the ability to forge their own paths in their career journeys by connecting exceptional job seekers with organizations that value their employees. When we started working with children with Autism through a Rangam program, it completely changed our perspectives and brought us to where we are today. Rangam is inspired by a deep commitment to reshaping and reimagining what it means to be an inclusive workplace. Working with neurodivergent communities and learning about their pain points inspired us to focus on helping companies redesign their workplaces by embracing holistic, talent-centric workforce solutions and the latest technology innovations for DE&I. Having seen a lack of resources and accessibility for neurodivergent, autistic, and disabled talent, we have worked tirelessly to expand organizations’ understanding of and commitment to DE&I initiatives, creating workplaces inclusive of all talent. At Rangam, we are changing the way the world perceives disability, neurodiversity, and cognitive behaviors in the workplace which has a significant impact on our progress, innovation, and sustainability.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in business?
As a woman in the business world, I have experienced various challenges throughout my journey. As an entrepreneur and business owner, I have had to overcome implicit biases and still lead with empathy and vulnerability. As a member of WPO, I have been able to see my vulnerability as my strength. WPO has provided meaningful support over the years as Rangam has grown to help me overcome challenges and find that strength in vulnerability. These obstacles have only fueled my drive to make a difference in the global workforce. By persistently working to create equitable workplaces and inspire change, I aim to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation in the business world.
How has being a WPO member helped your business?
In the past 10 years, WPO has given me a platform to connect with incredible women leaders who have provided support, knowledge, and judgment-free advice when others experience the challenges of running a business. Being a member of WPO has given me the ability to be my authentic self and invest in myself by learning from and growing with fellow women leaders and entrepreneurs. This indirect growth helps me be a better individual and leader for Rangam. Having the opportunity to share my experience and expertise to help other women reach great success within their organizations has also been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience. When I decided to invest in furthering my education, WPO was influential in helping me grow my skills in management through partial funding, which allowed me the opportunity to attend Harvard Business School. WPO has been instrumental in bringing women leaders together to improve the future of women in business.
What is the best piece of business advice that you have ever received?
The best business advice I have ever received was from a fellow WPO member who said to me, “There’s a huge road ahead of you with all these incredible successes. Why be afraid to go for it?” This advice was a great reminder to believe in myself and never be afraid to aim high. Though there may be challenges along the journey, there is still so much to learn and so much to accomplish.
What is your favorite WPO event you've attended? Why?
My favorite WPO event is the Annual Conference, which continues to be a unique experience every year. I always attend the conference with an open mind and come back with a vibrant energy and great level of inspiration. This event recharges me every year in a meaningful and powerful way, and I return to Rangam feeling rejuvenated and empowered by everything I absorbed at the conference. I learn so much from the many inspiring leaders and appreciate the opportunity to grow alongside my fellow businesswomen to be a better version of myself, not only as a business owner but as an individual.
About Rangam:
Rangam is a global, innovative, total talent management firm with the mission of accelerating meaningful employment for everyone. Rangam is a minority-, woman-, and disability-owned firm with over 25 years of experience promoting sustainable and inclusive talent programs within their communities and employers. To learn more, visit rangam.com/about-us.