UPPMA VIRDI

Uppma Virdi (she/her) is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur with a background in business, law, community development and the arts. As a first generation Indian Australian migrant, Uppma grew up in three different worlds. The world her parents and community expected, the Australian world that did not understand her culture and her own world that always told her to challenge what was expected of her. 

Uppma is a highly awarded entrepreneur who started the renowned Chai Walli business from seed to scale, whilst ensuring integrity of supply chain and values. Her commitment to preserving her culture through chai and sharing her grandfather's Ayurvedic blends with the world won her Forbes 30 under 30, the Indian Australian Business Community Awards Business Woman of the Year and The Project Channel 10's Woman to Watch. She was also awarded as a Woman of Honour at Sydney's Inner West Council International Women's Day, who commissioned a mural of her in Newtown (pictured above).

As well as being the founder of Chai Walli, Uppma is a highly sought after public speaker, a cultural advisor, a freelance writer for The Age, a board member and is in the process of launching a NFP help provide support to adult survivors of childhood sexual assault. Outside of work, Uppma plays soccer, writes poetry, is an avid hiker (with recently doing the Annapurna Base Camp) and enjoys spending time with her family in their garden and home in the Dandenong Ranges.