Inclusion Award
For Dhanishtha, inclusion has always been a human need, it only becomes real when we acknowledge that we are not all on the same playing field. Dhanishtha’s own journey began through academic research, which forced her to confront the discrimination she had internalised as a woman, an immigrant, and an Indian. That unlearning became the foundation of her purpose: to help others feel seen, heard, and able to belong without grief.
At CBRE, Dhanishtha has spent the last six years turning that purpose into meaningful, systemic change. She has built inclusion from within – leading the Ethnicity Network (REACH) Growth pillar, delivering bold conversations, and chairing the Leasing & Advisory Inclusion Committee to drive initiatives such as the Talent Sponsorship Programme, scenario-based inclusion training, and leadership dialogue. These programmes have shifted culture, elevated underrepresented talent, and embedded accountability at senior levels.
For clients, she co-created CBRE’s Human-Centred Inclusion Experience Diagnostic and delivered transformative work for organisations including a financial services client – bringing lived experience to workplace design. She has operationalised inclusion through Inclusion Stage Gates – enabling teams to embed inclusion in the delivery of a programme, not just the outcomes.
Inclusion is hard, uncomfortable, and deeply fulfilling – and Dhanishtha is committed to building environments where everyone belongs, from within CBRE, to our clients, and beyond.
View the profile in the MCA Members Directory.