True success is built on hard work and courage, not just money. Shaheena Attarwala’s story from the streets of Mumbai proves that dreams can be achieved despite adversity and poverty. Overcoming countless challenges, she rose to become the Senior Research and Product Design Manager at Microsoft, one of the world’s leading tech companies. Let’s read the inspiring journey of Shaheena Attarwala and the determination that fueled her success.

Background

Shaheena grew up in dire poverty. Her father used to sell bangles door-to-door to support the family. However, when he fell seriously ill and could no longer work, their financial situation worsened drastically. The family struggled to pay rent and ultimately found themselves living in the slums. During this challenging period, Shaheena’s education suffered, forcing her to drop out of her computer course.

Facing challenges

The family’s financial situation was so dire that Shaheena walked to school to save money. Despite the hardships, she remained determined to continue her education. Gradually, she managed to save enough to complete her computer course. In addition, she took out a loan to purchase a second-hand computer, allowing her to further her studies and pursue her academic goals more effectively.

Education

Shaheena graduated from Mumbai University with impressive marks. Following this, she completed a course in Visual Communication and Design from NIIT, which became a pivotal moment in her career. This course allowed her to advance in the field of design and opened up new opportunities for her professional growth.

Interest in designing since childhood 

Shaheena had a passion for design since childhood, often creating various products during her school days. However, she never imagined that this interest would evolve into a career. Her creativity caught the attention of companies like Shaadi.com, BookMyShow, Wynk, and InstaCred, where she took on roles in product design and research. There, she showcased her talent and expertise, leading to significant growth in her career.

Job at Microsoft 

A significant turning point in Shaheena's life occurred in 2021 when she received a job offer from Microsoft, one of the world's leading companies. She was offered the position of Senior Research and Product Design Manager, a dream come true for her. Since joining Microsoft, Shaheena has contributed to numerous projects, propelling her career to new heights.