Monika BIO
Hello, I am Monika !
I am the CEO of DigitalA11Y, a company dedicated to making digital spaces accessible for all. But my journey here wasn’t a straight path—it’s been shaped by a mix of creativity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to inclusivity.
A lil bit about me!
I was born in Dehradun, but due to my father’s transferable job, we moved frequently, living in places like Assam, Mumbai, and several other cities. This constant relocation meant I attended multiple schools, adapting to new environments and curricula along the way. Eventually, I pursued a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) from SRM University.
Now, I focus on driving innovation, advocating for accessibility best practices, and guiding our company toward making a meaningful impact in the industry. In my free time, I enjoy singing, playing the piano, painting, spending time with my dog, and taking early morning drives.
A Purpose Rooted in Personal Experience
My childhood had its challenges. Growing up in a family with a sibling with hearing impairment had a profound impact on me, planting the seeds for my deep commitment to accessibility. Witnessing the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities shaped my desire to create a more inclusive world.
Although I initially followed my parents’ wishes by starting my career as a software engineer in a large MNC, the monotony soon caught up with me. I knew something was missing, which led me to take a career break and volunteer with an international non-profit focused on bridging gaps between people with and without disabilities. This experience, especially conducting human echolocation workshops for the visually impaired in the Maldives, was life-changing. It made me realize my true calling: digital accessibility.
Finding My True Passion
During this time, I was introduced to web accessibility by Raghavendra, and what started as making WCAG videos and revamping a website quickly turned into a full-fledged passion. I deepened my knowledge by taking a UX/UI course, where I was surprised to find no mention of accessibility—despite it being essential to user experience. This gap drove me to educate myself further, reading books, studying use cases, and learning from real-world projects.
Leadership at DigitalA11Y
After years of honing my skills, I became the Creative Director at DigitalA11Y, where I led the company’s vision for inclusive design. Eventually, I transitioned into the role of CEO, where I now lead our mission to create accessible digital experiences for all. I focus on driving innovation, advocating for accessibility best practices, and ensuring that our work has a meaningful impact in the industry.
Hobbies
In my early years, I was a shy child. However, I soon realized that I needed to open up. I began participating in drawing competitions and singing, developing these talents gradually. By age 3, I had already started singing, and by 7, I was in a music school. At 11, I earned my senior diploma in Hindustani Classical Music, a personal favorite achievement. Art and creativity were constant companions throughout my childhood—I vividly remember crafting matchbox houses and experimenting with cardboard.
A Commitment to Change
Today, I design and deliver accessibility courses, helping businesses comply with WCAG and equality laws. My journey is driven by a passion for inclusivity and a desire to make the digital world better for everyone, particularly those with disabilities. Accessibility is more than just a professional pursuit for me—it’s a personal mission.