Breaking Stereotypes: Mental Health, Eating Disorders, and Entrepreneurship - A Candid Conversation In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the life of, Alekhya, a young woman who moved from India to the U.S. in 2020 to pursue college amidst the challenges of COVID-19 and political turmoil. She shares her journey from experiencing cultural differences in mental health perspectives to discovering her passion for entrepreneurship.

The episode explores her insights on mental health stigmas, the role of gender and race in shaping identity, and her decision to leave a traditional career path in international relations to start her own venture focused on eating disorders.

Through her startup, Ameliore, she aims to combine technology and advocacy to provide better support systems and autonomy for individuals struggling with eating disorders, emphasizing the importance of collective care and systematic solutions. The conversation highlights how societal issues are deeply interconnected and the necessity of addressing them with innovative approaches.

Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 00:08 Moving to the U.S. and Cultural Differences 00:55 Mental Health Perspectives Across Cultures 03:37 College Experiences and Womanhood 08:19 Desirability Politics and Friendship Aesthetics 13:21 Career Aspirations and Shifts 21:46 Founding Amelior: The Trigger Moment 32:12 Addressing Eating Disorders: Misconceptions and Solutions 42:34 Future Vision and Societal Impact 50:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts