Ashika Kalra

Behind Her Vision Ashika Kalra

Millennial media is increasingly enamored with stories of overnight entrepreneurs, artists, and change-makers. Fearless and confident moguls seemingly embody the “quit everything holding you back, live your passion, and find enduring happiness” mantra. Although these stories set out to inspire, they often leave a generation of dreamers feeling more intimidated and out of touch.

Behind Her Vision is a photo journey that contrasts this perspective by celebrating leadership through the lens of humanity. It features stories from 25 trailblazing women in New York City and their true struggles and sacrifices. The raw authenticity of this project reminds us that no matter how easy it looks, success is often built upon battles fought and won against failures, fear, and doubt.

Hinging on history-defining moments of female leadership in nearly every industry, Behind Her Vision invites the reader to step into the lives of pioneering female innovators across the arts, social impact, entrepreneurship, finance, and sciences. Readers will explore the corners of New York City through the eyes of each woman, whose shoot location uniquely defines her place of work, inspiration, or personal freedom. Photo features are accompanied by vulnerable stories told in first-person editorial format, which are written from extensive one-on-one interviews. Each story engages the reader in career-defining moments, personal struggle, critical turning points, and the realities of imposter syndrome. Following every trial is a story of triumph.

In an increasingly digital age, Behind Her Vision is a beautiful, keepsake literary product that readers can cherish. It is a meaningful reflection of diversity from every angle: career, struggles, age, and ethnicity. Behind Her Vision reminds us that no matter where we come from, our dreams and struggles unite us, and resilience is rewarded. This is the spirit of our generation.