Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirti Srivastava.
Hi Kirti, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the small historic town of Jhansi, India — the land of the fearless Queen Rani Lakshmibai, whose spirit of courage and independence has always inspired me. My father, a mathematics professor, taught me discipline and logic, while my mother, a gifted artist and trained singer, filled our home with rhythm and art. This shaped my early world — one rooted in both intellect and creativity. Between solving equations and listening to my mother’s melodies, I learned that life is about balance — of logic and emotion, of strength and grace.
From studying engineering in Punjab during turbulent times to building a new life in the United States, my journey has been one of perseverance. At college, through resilience and hard work, I emerged as both a top student and an all-rounder in academics and cultural activities, growing into a confident young woman ready to take on the world. What followed were years filled with even more challenges — a difficult marriage, motherhood, and the struggle to keep my dreams alive. Yet, in those very struggles, I found my strength. I rebuilt my life with resilience and gratitude, raising my son as a single parent while advancing my engineering career. Those very challenges shaped the woman I am today — strong, self-sufficient, and deeply grounded in gratitude. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve built a fulfilling career as an engineer at Goldman Sachs while rediscovering my passion for music and culture — performing and curating events that celebrate our heritage.
As I grew stronger, I returned to the part of me I had long set aside — my love for music and culture. Singing at community events, curating cultural shows, and reconnecting with Indian traditions reignited something powerful in me. That rediscovery inspired my son, Aneesh, to create Sur N Swag, an entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating talent, culture, and creativity. This platform gives local artists a space to shine — where passion meets purpose.
Today, I also dedicate my time to empowering women through leadership roles in networks like Women in Engineering and Chai and Chit Chat (C3) — encouraging self-sufficiency, confidence, and pride in independence. I believe in celebrating singlehood as a choice of empowerment and have made it my mission to uplift those around me — professionally, emotionally, and personally. Through People’s Impact Network (PIN), I also advocate sustainability and the timeless beauty of Indian ethnic wear, especially the saree — a symbol of grace, strength, and tradition I grew up admiring on my mother.
From a small town in India to the vibrant stages of Dallas, my story is one of resilience, rediscovery, and purpose — finding my voice again, using it to uplift others, and proving that it’s never too late to follow your heart.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but I believe every challenge along the way shaped me into who I am today. Leaving my small hometown in India to study engineering in Punjab was my first test of resilience. Those were turbulent times, and being an outsider came with its own struggles, but I learned early how to adapt, persevere, and keep pushing forward.
When I came to the United States, I had dreams of building a new life, but the reality was far more difficult. I went through a challenging marriage, faced cultural adjustments, and had to balance motherhood with survival — emotionally, financially, and professionally. There were moments when my dreams felt completely out of reach, and my passion for music and culture had to take a back seat.
But it was through those struggles that I found my strength. I rebuilt my life as a single parent, raised my son with pride, and built a career I love. Most importantly, I learned to never lose sight of who I am. My return to music and cultural work through Sur N Swag wasn’t just a creative revival — it was a personal one. Every obstacle taught me resilience, gratitude, and the courage to keep rediscovering myself, no matter how rough the road may seem.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Professionally, I’ve built a fulfilling career as an engineer at Goldman Sachs, where I’ve spent over 16 years leading initiatives that blend innovation, process excellence, and collaboration. I’m passionate about solving problems through both logic and creativity — skills that I believe come from my unique balance of technical rigor and artistic spirit.
Outside of work, I’ve dedicated myself to cultural and community engagement through music and event curation. Under the banner of Sur N Swag entertainment platform my son with my support, conceptualized and produced several successful shows — including “Sur Mera Swag Tera,” a vibrant Bollywood-themed music and dance showcase, Karaoke Nights, and numerous corporate and community cultural events that bring together artists, families, and audiences from diverse backgrounds.
I also co-lead initiatives like Sur and Swad, which fuse cultural performances with culinary experiences, and I’ve curated end-to-end events that celebrate Indian heritage while promoting inclusivity and sustainability. My work often goes beyond entertainment — it’s about building bridges, giving platforms to emerging voices, and creating a sense of belonging for our community here in the U.S.
What sets me apart is the purpose behind everything I do. Whether it’s mentoring women through Chai & Chit Chat (C3), supporting sustainable fashion through People’s Impact Network, or producing immersive cultural experiences, my goal is always the same — to connect, to uplift, and to celebrate the beauty of our shared culture. I’m most proud of creating spaces where talent, tradition, and empowerment come together — and of showing that passion and profession can beautifully coexist when led with heart and purpose.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve always drawn inspiration from stories — both written and lived. Growing up with my grandparents, I was surrounded by timeless tales from the Ramayan, Mahabharat, and Panchatantra, which taught me discipline, humility, and the importance of good values. Those lessons became the foundation for how I approach life and work even today.
As I grew older, books like Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead deeply influenced me. They shaped my belief in individuality, integrity, and women leading their lives with strength and independence.
I also find constant inspiration in the world of art, music, and dance. I follow dance and music podcasts, reality shows, and live performances to understand how artists curate emotion and creativity. I try to bring that same energy into my own life — whether it’s organizing small stage plays, creative medleys, or lively community celebrations. For me, it’s not about perfection — it’s about connection, joy, and keeping people inspired through creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://surnswag.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surnswag/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surnswag
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurNSwagUS
Image Credits
Aneesh Saxena Rahul Vats Saravanan
