Shilpa Banerjee, Community Member | Women’s Health Enthusiast
With a background in journalism, I began my career uncovering stories, perspectives, and the nuances of human experience. Reporting taught me to listen deeply, ask the right questions, and reveal insights that might otherwise go unnoticed. Yet, beyond storytelling, I felt a stronger pull—to understand people on a deeper level and ensure their voices actively shape the world around them. This realization led me to the field of user research, where empathy, advocacy, and collaboration are at the core of everything I do.
Transitioning into user research was a natural evolution, a way to channel my curiosity into designing experiences that truly serve people. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with organizations like eBay, Pinterest, and now Salesforce, where I am a Principal UX Researcher. In this role, I help shape product strategies rooted in user needs, translating research into intuitive, human-centered products that create real impact. For me, research goes beyond data—it’s about connecting perspectives, influencing strategy, and making technology more inclusive.
Where I am today feels like a significant milestone compared to where I started fifteen years ago. But growth, to me, is a continuous journey—every new goal brings its own set of lessons. My journey began in journalism, transitioned through technical writing, and eventually found its way to user experience research. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the fear of uncertainty. Leaving a well-established career to pursue UX Research required going back to school and taking a leap of faith. “The biggest growth often comes from stepping into the unknown,” and embracing that risk turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions of my career.
Among the achievements I hold closest to my heart is pioneering a research initiative within Pinterest’s backend engineering team—a space where research traditionally hadn’t been embedded. I saw an opportunity to bring the user’s voice into the heart of engineering processes. This risk paid off, improving Pinterest’s recommender systems and demonstrating that research isn’t just about uncovering insights, but about shifting mindsets and driving lasting impact. Beyond professional milestones, helping others grow—especially after navigating my own journey of resilience following a profound personal loss—has been incredibly fulfilling. Mentorship, collaboration, and leading by example have become vital parts of how I define success.
If I were to give one piece of advice to those starting out, it would be this:
“Focus on building transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—these are the foundation that will make you adaptable and ready to thrive in any professional environment.”
Although I do not work directly within the FemTech industry, I am deeply invested in advocating for the prioritization of women’s health. As a woman, I firmly believe that investing in FemTech isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart economic strategy.
A healthier, more empowered female workforce has the potential to reduce healthcare costs, boost productivity, and create ripple effects of positive change across generations. Supporting this space is an investment in a stronger, more inclusive future for all.
If you’re a trailblazer in women’s health or FemTech, we’d love to hear your story! Share your journey and insights with us at info@femtechindia.com. Together, let’s amplify the voices driving positive change.
