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Prachi Mahapatra’s story is a testament to how women excel in the tech industry, breaking stereotypes and leading the way.
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Highlighting the importance of familial backing, Prachi’s story reflects the success of initiatives like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,” where support from her father and husband enabled her to chase and fulfill her dreams.
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Prodigy Finance played a crucial role in Prachi’s journey, providing a swift, collateral-free loan that enabled her to pursue her education abroad, highlighting the importance of accessible financial support for students.
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Prodigy addresses a critical challenge faced by students whose families cannot afford higher education, empowering aspiring innovators, scientists, and future leaders to pursue their dreams.
Prachi Mahapatra from Odisha is a shining example of how education and family support can help women break barriers.
Prachi grew up in a defense family, with her father (Warrant Officer Prakash Mohapatra) serving in the Indian Air Force. This background taught her discipline and strength. After finishing her bachelor’s degree in computer applications at Madras Christian College in Chennai in 2013, she moved to Bengaluru to start her career as a tech analyst at Amazon. This experience sparked her desire for global exposure and leadership roles. She saw that women, although still in smaller ratios, held important positions and were committed to growing in their careers. It made her believe that women have an important place in technology.
“I’ve always been driven to push boundaries and seek new challenges,” says Prachi. “My goal has always been to contribute to the tech and cybersecurity world at a leadership level and demonstrate that women have a significant role to play, making a meaningful impact on national security, innovation, and economic growth—aligning with the broader interests of national progress and global competitiveness.”
After working at Amazon, Prachi joined Cisco as a Business Analyst in 2016. Her hard work and skills helped her get promoted to Project Manager within three years. Wanting to understand business better, she pursued an MS in Business Analytics from the University of Texas at Arlington.
“I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of how businesses and technology operate and how I could contribute to solving real-world problems e.g. threats and vulnerabilities to the new world caused by AI,” explains Prachi. “The U.S. offers a dynamic job market and a leading role in global innovation, providing an ideal environment for professionals to contribute meaningfully to society. Those with real talent in technology eg AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Data Analytics can help strengthen national security, protect critical infrastructure, and create safer digital spaces for individuals and businesses alike
Like many international students, Prachi faced financial challenges. With tuition fees amounting to ₹40 lakhs plus accommodation, and food, she needed a swift and reliable financial solution. Prodigy Finance came to her rescue, offering a loan without the need for collateral or a co-signer, which is a big problem solver for many students. This fast and efficient process enabled her to secure finances for her I-20 in just 20 days.
She feels the best part was that there were no collateral or co-signer requirements. Prachi’s father, even supportive, was even ready to sell the property to support her dreams. However, Prachi was determined to shoulder the responsibility herself. Prodigy Finance’s loan structure gave her the independence and confidence to pursue her goals.
Today, Prachi is a Product Manager in Cybersecurity at Cisco in the United States. Her journey reflects not only her success but also the growing presence of women in technology and women in cybersecurity —a field where women currently make up 26% of the workforce but only 8% hold leadership positions.
Prachi’s path was not easy. As the first person from her village to study abroad, she faced cultural shocks and fears of leaving her comfort zone. However, she embraced these challenges, believing that being “comfortable with being uncomfortable” is key to growth. Prachi added, “The support from her family played a crucial role; both her father and husband encouraged her ambitions, along with her mother, who was equally supportive.”. “Her father instilled in her strength and discipline, while her husband supported her with academic concepts like statistics and accounting. She mirrors her mother’s passion and determination, relentlessly pursuing her dreams until they become reality.”
“Every international student comes to the US with a dream,” says Prachi. “The universities and the community are incredibly supportive. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, I witnessed firsthand how universities prioritized student health and well-being, providing access to healthcare and even offering food assistance to those in need.”
Looking ahead, Prachi plans to gain extensive experience in cybersecurity over the next five years while contributing to the U.S. economy through innovative solutions and job creation. Her long-term goal is to return to India after 5-10 years to share what she has learned.
Sonal Kapoor, Chief Commercial Officer at Prodigy Finance, said, “Her inspiring journey shows the true spirit of the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” initiative. It shows that with the right resources, women can achieve remarkable heights. By making quality education more accessible for such students, we at Prodigy Finance are not just transforming their lives but also paving the way for future generations.”
Prachi’s story is a testament to the impact of supportive, humble families and accessible financial solutions like Prodigy Finance. She was able to repay her loan within six months, even before the grace period was up.
At a broader glance, her story represents a larger movement for women’s empowerment in technology, cybersecurity, and the workforce. As more women enter STEM fields—expected to rise by 11% by 2033 — her journey inspires future generations of women who want to break barriers. By creating an environment where women can thrive, we can pave the way for more leaders like Prachi Mahapatra, ultimately contributing to a fairer future for everyone.
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