Guest: Angelica Silva

When Angelica told people she wanted to pursue journalism, the response was often disbelief. "Why would you pick a career where you'll make no money?" they'd ask. As a South Asian Australian woman, she was expected to follow what she calls the "golden triangle" – medicine, law, or engineering – the only careers many deemed worthy of pursuit.

Today, Angelica stands firmly in her decision as an accomplished ABC journalist specializing in stories about the South Asian diaspora in Australia. In this captivating conversation, she reveals how cultural expectations shaped her early self-doubt and how finding her voice as a storyteller transformed not just her career, but her understanding of success itself.

"Success to me isn't how much money I make," she explains. "It's how meaningful my work is, how much it resonates with someone, whether it's making change." This perspective powers her groundbreaking reporting on issues affecting South Asian Australians – from women's health taboos to financial dynamics in relationships that challenge traditional gender roles.

Born in Australia to parents of Indian origin from Singapore, Angelica navigates complex cultural waters both personally and professionally. Her work exposes critical gaps in media representation, like her recent investigation into why South Asian women have the lowest cancer screening rates in Australia. Behind her success lies a stark reality: journalism isn't the glamorous career outsiders imagine. She details the grueling shift work, emotional toll of verifying distressing content, and constant pressure of public scrutiny.

For aspiring journalists from minority backgrounds, Angelica's journey offers powerful guidance: network relentlessly, seek mentors, develop thick skin against criticism, and remember your purpose. "You can't be what you can't see," she emphasizes, underscoring why diverse voices in media matter. Whether you're considering an unconventional career path or seeking authentic stories about multicultural Australia, this conversation will leave you inspired to challenge expectations and tell the stories that truly matter.

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Brown Queen Diaries by Priyanka Nomula

Directed by Sandeep Raj

Presented by Aussie Talkies

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