Social Change Maker Profile: Suryabala Shenbagamurthy, The Media Store

Leading up to Changing the Ratio, B&T has partnered with UnLtd to showcase some of the heroes in our industry. Last week, we spoke to Aiden Dabbagh from Initiative Sydney. And now it’s someone else’s turn!

Suryabala Shenbagamurthy, 24, is a digital manager at The Media Store, and is currently working on the Weave Driving Change program.

First ever job: Film critic freelancer with free movie tickets every week!

If I wasn’t doing my job, I’d be: Working in a cafe in New Zealand just for the experience of it.

How I got where I am today: Accepting failure. I learned from my mistakes and never stopped trying. And of course, my family and friends were always supportive and motivated me through my setbacks.

Causes I care about/some social issues I’m passionate about are: Increasing literacy rate in developing countries to battle poverty.

Here at B&T, a cause we care about is equality. In fact, we’re hosting an event next week (!) to promote diversity and inclusion in the Aussie advertising, marketing and media landscape.

B&T‘s Changing the Ratio will provide attendees with game-changing ideas, practical tools and case studies to take back to their organisations. So to see captivating and inspiring speakers like Lisa Wilkinson, Deng Thiak Adut and Cátia Malaquias, grab some last minute tickets right here. Now, back to Suryabala!

The change I’d like to see in the world and why it’s important: It’s about time we stop being glued to our mobile phones. It makes us more dependent on our digital lives neglecting the good and beauty around us.

How did you first get involved with UnLtd: I was involved with UnLtd through the Media Store 2017 Young Guns training program. They introduced us to Weave Driving Change initiative and motivated the young and aspiring people in our agency to make an impact.

The charity projects I’m currently working on: I am currently working with my team at the Media Store to execute an awareness campaign for the Weave Driving Change program.

Studies show that people who struggle to make their own living end up breaking the law and are possibly addicted to drugs.

The Weave Driving Change program is an amazing initiative that offers support to such people and helps them with the driver licensing process. In other words, it’s more than a license to drive, it’s a license to live!

Why I want to give back: Because love is contagious! I might not be able to help everyone in need. But I hope my actions inspire those around me to take a step.

The best/most rewarding volunteering experience I’ve had: Tutoring underprivileged children in India. The kids were immensely grateful and I truly enjoyed spending time with them every weekend.

Back then, as a young person who had just finished undergrad, the experience changed my attitude towards life and I saw the world differently ever since.

My greatest achievement: Friendship peak expedition in 2012. 10 days trek, 5,289 metres above the surface at minus two degrees, and scenic panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. Simply mesmerising, and needless to say, I felt on top of the world!

The person/company I’d like to challenge to get involved & why: Financial institutions. So they can break the stereotype that they don’t give back to the community.

My advice for someone just starting their career is: Let your passion drive you. Sure, you have mentors, managers, and training programs to learn and upskill your expertise. But most times, it’s your curiosity and creativity that will let your work speak for itself.

If I could have one superpower, that would be: Fly! I know it’s cliché, but I am tired of the long lines in the airport. Don’t you agree?

UnLtd is a social purpose organisation connecting the media, marketing and creative industries with charities helping children and young people at risk. Find out how you can get involved at unltd.org.au.

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B&T Changing the Ratio 2018 charity work Social Change Maker The Media Store UNLTD