Ravina Mehta is a human rights advocate, impact-driven entrepreneur, and the founder of Ventura—an AI-powered tool designed to uplift impact founders across emerging economies. Shaped by her family’s powerful story of resilience and forced migration, Ravina has dedicated her life to bridging opportunity gaps for marginalized communities. Humans of Fuzia is proud to feature her as part of our global mission to amplify voices that inspire, uplift, and spark real change for our 5-million-strong community. As a platform that believes in She-for-She and He-for-She, Ravina’s journey embodies the essence of inclusive leadership and compassionate impact.
1. What inspired you to become the person you are today?
Ravina: My journey is deeply rooted in my family’s history. I come from an East African Indian background—my parents and grandparents were born in Uganda before being expelled and placed in refugee camps in the UK. Hearing their stories of forced migration, resilience, and the compassion of people who helped them along the way shaped my entire worldview. My grandparents were teachers and even started a school inside the refugee camp for thousands of children, including my dad. Those values of service, humility, and creating opportunity stayed with me.
Growing up surrounded by strong women—cousins, schoolmates, and family members—also shaped my sense of identity. I never understood being told something “wasn’t for me.” If someone else could do it, so could I. That mentality led me to human rights, community work, and leadership.
2. From your perspective, what challenges do women face in leadership and entrepreneurship today?
Ravina: There are two layers. First, the systemic and geopolitical challenges—especially when you’re a woman of color navigating Western society. I grew up as one of the only brown girls in my school, so that experience came with its own obstacles.
But beyond systems, women often impose limits on themselves. We wait for permission, or we wait for perfection. I always tell young women and founders: don’t wait. Take what you have and make something of it. Growing up in a family of women made me believe everything was for me, and that mindset helped me push past societal constraints.
Leadership isn’t about being loud or being on stage—it’s also about the women quietly reshaping how things work behind the scenes.
3. You mentioned working in AI. What are your thoughts on the rise of AI and its global impact?
Ravina: When AI became mainstream, there was so much fear—similar to the Internet boom or even the industrial revolution. People worried about jobs, ethics, and the dominance of certain groups in the tech world. But I see AI as an opportunity for good, especially if built responsibly.
My company, Ventura, is an AI tool designed for impact founders in the global majority—emerging economies where access to opportunity is often unequal. I didn’t want AI to become another reason communities are left behind. AI should enhance human capability, not replace it. Responsible data and ethical AI are essential, and if done right, AI can unlock possibilities for millions who don’t usually have access.
4. What do you consider the best and most challenging parts of being an entrepreneur?
Ravina: For me, entrepreneurship isn’t about building a company—it’s about building a better way. Working in social impact for years, I’ve watched brilliant founders struggle not because their ideas weren’t strong, but because the playing field wasn’t level.
The best part is knowing you’re solving real problems and driving progress. It’s not just about profit—it’s about profit and progress moving hand in hand.
The challenge is resisting the pressure to fit into the Silicon Valley mold. Success isn’t measured only by exits or headlines. Impact—even on one person—is success to me. Business can be a powerful force for good, and that’s the philosophy I follow every day.
5. What message would you like to leave for our readers?
Ravina: Don’t wait for permission or perfection—start where you are with what you have. If you believe in something, pursue it with conviction. Systems change when we act from conviction, not just confidence. Leadership doesn’t always have to be loud; some of the most powerful change comes from those quietly transforming the world behind the scenes.
“Start where you are, with what you have—and let conviction guide your path.”
Connect with Ravina Mehta:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ravinanmehta
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