Meet Srujan Penta | Digital Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Srujan Penta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Srujan, how do you think about risk?
A zeal to explore the field of semiconductors took shape in me during my sophomore year. It propelled me to work on research projects in this area I eventually secured a summer research internship opportunity at IIT Bombay, the highest-ranked university in India. However, a persisting arm ache exacerbated, and I was hospitalized precisely a week before my internship. Several tests later, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a condition I’d never heard of before. Being 20 then, I was shocked and frustrated about how uncertain life could be. After this life-changing diagnosis, I had to decide whether to stay home with family for the summer or go alone to a faraway state to work at an exciting lab. I chose the latter path because I believed it would not only give me a sense of direction academically but also inculcate resilience and persistence in me. The summer internship gave me the skills and the confidence to follow my goals as an electrical engineer despite my chronic illness. In retrospect, this led me to secure a job at a renowned semiconductor company and eventually start my graduate studies at my dream university, Georgia Tech, Atlanta!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being queer, college was an alienating experience for me. India being very heteronormative, I had to resort to the internet to learn about myself. However, this process was difficult because I never saw a fellow queer person who was plus-sized, worked in STEM, and came from conservative Telugu culture (linguistically classified South Indian ethnic group) like me. I eventually realized such a lack of representation alienated queer people with complex intersectional narratives from a feeling of “oneness” with the rest of the “represented” LGBTQIA+ community. To be someone I would have wanted to see during my self-discovery, I started making short videos that promote body neutrality and discussed gender stereotypes from my perspective on Instagram (@panda_of_all_trades). This journey took off when I collaborated with“Anchor”, the gender & sexuality cell of BITS Pilani (my alma mater) two years ago, and made a video on “Makeup on Guys?” for the #BITSungendered campaign. When the video got 10k views and started a conversation about gender expectations, I realized the power of content and thus began my life as an engineer-cum-digital creator. I believe that my existence on social media solely is a representation of my narrative, so I leverage my platform to just have fun by creating colorful eye makeup looks, and dance to peppy Bollywood, Tollywood, and Pop Music. I especially love creating makeup transition videos inspired by pop culture, music, and the world of drag. I aspire to create more content to explore my cultural heritage. I also review beauty products and evaluate their inclusivity for people of color.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A perfect day for me would include a mani-pedi at Les Maines in Buckhead, followed by lunch at the Chattahoochee Food Works, with its many amazing food stalls and my favorite boba bar, Unbelibubble. A fun evening can either include strolling in Piedmont Park or prancing at Lenox Mall (especially, the Sephora) for some retail therapy. My favorite places for activities and to hang out with friends are the Puttshack in Midtown and Atlantic Station with many outdoor events and activities. A place that I would go for a special occasion would be the Garden Room at St.Regis with its whimsical decor and stunning dishes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being an international student of color who is also queer, I was quite apprehensive about my graduate school journey at Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, due to possible alienation or isolation. However, the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center at Georgia Tech has been a chosen family for many folks like me, who live with a complex nexus of various identities. They provide resources and organize various events for community members and allies for educational and recreational purposes. By participating in their events and discussions, I feel like I am a part of a community here in Atlanta that is warm and welcoming.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panda_of_all_trades/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srujan-penta/