The Journey
1977
Shreya is Born
Born in South London, I grew up surrounded by activism and women’s rights. I was lucky—what I saw as “normal” was my family living their own version of activism.
1981-2000
The System
Juggled school, part-time jobs, and personal challenges through GCSEs, A-levels, and university. I didn’t excel at everything (except university!), but I made it. Faced judgment for my views, but kept pushing forward.
2000-2012
Work-Life Balance (not)
Landed various jobs, met amazing people, worked and saved hard. Got married, bought a house, had kids—and faced plenty of judgment along the way (from women too)...too strong-minded, too many views, too organised, the list goes on. Like many, I was blindsided by the reality of juggling parenthood, health, and building wealth. The gender gaps? Still didn’t see them clearly, except for the pay gap.
2013-20
The Founder of...
Launched some startups in tech, retail, and recruitment, met incredible people, and grew my network. Although the startups eventually closed due to funding and other challenges, the lessons were invaluable. Then, life got busier with the arrival of another child.
2020 - 2022
Covid-19 Drama
During Covid, I found myself at home with the kids and launched DiveIn, a volunteer-led Diversity & Inclusion group hosting monthly events and sharing resources (shoutout to Mevish Aslam for the push!). Expanded my network and met incredible people.
2022-2023
Renovations
Renovated our house, dived into health and wealth education, saved, invested, and searched for my next move. Reading Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez was a wake-up call—shocking me into thinking about how to create real change for women.
2023
EmpowHER is born
My confidence grew. In March 2023, I launched the EmpowHER podcast (now thefifty1percent), focusing on women’s health and wealth and featuring inspiring conversations, mostly with women.
2024/25
fifty1percent is born
I wanted to create a movement—a community for women and allies—to close the women’s health and wealth gaps. Led by Knowledge, Driven by Collaboration, Strengthened by Community. This is just the beginning. Join Us