A Journey From India to Indiana

Name: Deeksha Kapoor

Job title: Director of Communications, Indiana Health Care Association

Location: Indianapolis

Favorite downtime activity: “Nothing sparks more joy for me than organizing a messy drawer. It is so satisfying and therapeutic.”

Favorite thing about living in Indiana: The spirit of Hoosier hospitality that I get to experience almost on a daily basis.

Any three dinner guests: My dad (I lost him in 2015), Steve Carell and Sundar Pichai.

Favorite way to start a workday: Coffee and a quick call to my mom in India!

Best leadership advice you’ve ever received: “Stay laser-focused on your goals and become a lifelong learner.”

You relocated to Indiana from New Delhi, India, in January 2007. What prompted this move?

Marriage! Soon after our big fat Indian wedding that took place in New Delhi, I relocated to Indiana to be with my husband who was employed at Columbus-based Cummins, Inc. 

I was very excited but also a tad nervous about embarking on this new journey almost 10,000 miles away from home, family and friends. I arrived at the Indianapolis International Airport with two 28-inch bags, a small box of homemade Indian savories, and unlimited dreams, courage and vigor. 

What was the initial transition like for you?

Overwhelming and intimidating but totally worth it. I had spent the first 24 years of my life in one of the world’s busiest and most populous cities, New Delhi, so relocating to the much smaller and quieter city of Columbus, Ind., was indeed a huge adjustment. 

I did not know anyone except for my husband in this new city and had to build my social network and support system from the ground up. Back in India, I had worked hard to earn a master’s in community resource management and extension and was happily employed as a research assistant at Delhi University. 

Here, despite my extensive work experience and academic qualifications, my visa status did not permit work authorization, which made things even more challenging. I was desperately trying to reestablish my career and professional identity in one of the most powerful and developed countries in the world but was extremely limited in the options that were available to me. 

Sooner than I expected, I started getting acclimated to Indiana’s cold and snowy weather, and got connected with some amazing people who showered me with immense love, care and sage advice. 

I also developed a newfound appreciation for traffic-less streets, became obsessed with waffles and croissants and even started volunteering at a local nonprofit to become better acquainted with the community which was now my “home.” Although a bit chaotic, the transition period is now part of my life’s most cherished memories!

How did you first learn about PRSA?

As I was trying to reestablish my career in Indiana, I knew it was important for me to maximize the time I had at hand by further upgrading my skills and educational qualifications. I always had a strong passion for communications, so I decided to pursue a master’s in public relations management from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI). 

My professor, Robert Dittmer, APR, introduced our cohort to the world of PRSSA and PRSA. I was intrigued and quickly joined IUPUI’s PRSSA Chapter as a member. During our graduate coursework, students got a chance to participate in one of the Hoosier Chapter’s professional development luncheons where I was fortunate to meet with Vanessa Stiles, APR, who strongly encouraged me to volunteer for the Hoosier Chapter. 

I followed her advice and soon after graduation, I started volunteering on the newsletter committee for the Hoosier Chapter. I was blown away by the warmth and support I received from the Chapter. In a short span of time, this incredible community helped me cultivate a sense of belonging that I was craving. 

You served as the Hoosier Chapter’s president in 2022, as well as in other volunteer positions previously. What inspired you to pursue a leadership role? 

I’ve had the pleasure of serving the PRSA Hoosier Chapter in a variety of roles since 2012. Each opportunity that came my way offered a rewarding and rich experience that has helped me grow professionally and personally. 

This highly positive experience motivated me to further expand my contributions by serving at the board level where I could make a strong positive impact and further elevate our Chapter’s programming and services. 

What did you learn about yourself from the move to the United States? How has this informed your career as a communications professional?

Relocation is inherently disruptive by nature, and nothing can fully prepare you for a new country and new culture. Although scary and oftentimes pushing me outside of my comfort zone, the adaptation journey transformed me into a much more confident person, and compelled me to be willing to try new things and seek new opportunities. 

I believe sometimes the hunger for growth and drive to succeed unknowingly instill tremendous amounts of resilience in individuals making them stronger and more grounded.

This experience has helped me develop a greater appreciation of the fact that we are all surrounded by people with unique points of view and life experiences. 

Since communications has the power to bring people together, which, in turn, brings immense opportunities for an organization or a community, it is imperative that as communicators we craft our messages with a wide-lens view and infuse diversity into all aspects of how our organizations communicate with internal and external audiences.  

You serve as the director of communications for the Indiana Health Care Association (IHCA). What are some of your day-to-day responsibilities?

IHCA is Indiana’s largest trade association and advocate representing more than 480 long-term care facilities across the state.

I lead all aspects of statewide communications for the association, including digital and social media communications, member communications, advocacy campaigns and media relations to advance the mission and strengthen the awareness of the IHCA.