By: Jay Feldman
In a time when discussions around immigration often become polarized, stories of resilience emerge, challenging preconceived notions. One such story is that of Tamanna Ramesh, Founder and Career Coach at Spark Career Services, whose journey embodies the power of breaking barriers in both the corporate world and entrepreneurship. Her mission is to create pathways for underrepresented minorities, particularly women and immigrants.
Tamanna’s journey began in her home country, where her dreams far exceeded the limitations of her circumstances for a young girl who grew up in a conservative society. Recognizing the pivotal role education plays in transforming lives; she pursued advanced education in the United States through an assistantship that not only equipped her with invaluable knowledge but also paved the way for securing a green card—in the pursuit of the American dream to unlock equal opportunities and freedom.
Her time in academia as a graduate research assistant during her MS program at the University of Maine was just the beginning. As she entered the corporate world as a Food Scientist, Tamanna quickly encountered the glass ceilings and invisible barriers that often hinder the progress of immigrants, women, and minorities. Tamanna took an offensive approach to every barrier she faced, refusing to be held back. Before she knew it, she was climbing the corporate ladder, advancing from a food scientist at a small family-owned business to becoming the Director of Global Innovation Programs at The Coca-Cola Company, a Fortune 100 company, while breaking many barriers for her and others along the way.
Photo Courtesy: Tamanna Ramesh
Tamanna’s true calling emerged in the realm of social entrepreneurship after completing her Global MBA from Kelley Business School and the University of Manchester. Realizing that individual success means little if not used to uplift others, she founded Spark Career Services—a beacon of hope for underrepresented individuals, particularly immigrants and women, navigating their paths toward career advancement and fulfillment.
“At Spark Career Services,” Tamanna reflects, “we don’t just coach; we transform lives by unlocking potential through empowerment.” This philosophy is central to her ambitious goal: to break barriers for 1 million underrepresented individuals. It’s not just about charting a course; it’s about changing the narrative around what women, immigrants and other minorities can achieve when given access to resources, mentorship, and community support.
Spark Career Services offers a range of services tailored specifically for those at the intersection of ambition and adversity, from guiding clients through alternative immigration paths, such as education with assistantship programs, which provide both professional growth and pathways to residency, to coaching budding entrepreneurs and small business owners on overcoming the systemic hurdles inherent in starting a business as an underrepresented minority.
The cornerstone of Spark Career Services’ approach is equity—ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities based on their potential, not their background or circumstances. This principle is woven into every workshop, every piece of advice, and every success story that Tamanna and her team help curate.
Amidst this transformative work lies an unwavering commitment to integrity. In an industry rife with predatory practices that exploit the dreams of hopeful immigrants and nascent entrepreneurs, Tamanna’s endeavor stands out as a beacon of ethical guidance. “We navigate complexities with honesty,” Tamanna asserts. “Our clients trust us not only because we’ve been where they are but because we tackle their challenges head-on, without resorting to shortcuts or unethical solutions.”
Tamanna’s impact goes beyond individual success stories; it’s about building a community where success begets success—a place where every triumph inspires countless others on similar journeys.
For those interested in joining this vibrant community or seeking guidance on their own path to breaking barriers in corporate spaces or entrepreneurial ventures, connect with Tamanna via LinkedIn or visit www.sparkcareerservices.com for more information on how Spark Career Services can help spark your career.
Tamanna Ramesh’s story, from immigrant students navigating unfamiliar terrains to becoming a guiding light for others, is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about redefining what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. It embodies hope—not as an abstract concept but as actionable change brought to life through hard work, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of equity.
As society continues to grapple with complex issues surrounding immigration and representation in professional spaces, stories like Tamanna’s remind us of what can be achieved when potential is unleashed, regardless of one’s origin story. They challenge us to look beyond traditional narratives and envision a future where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated as an essential thread in the fabric of our collective human experience.
Published By: Aize Perez
