Create belonging: Meet Siddhant Mohapatra, PIndigenous Co-Lead

This November, we’re celebrating Native American Heritage Month tied to the theme, “Live in Balance” – reflecting Indigenous teachings about harmony with nature, community and self. As we kick off our month-long celebrations, we wanted to introduce our newest PIndigenous Global Co-Lead, Siddhant Mohapatra. In addition to his role as Manager II, Data Analytics in Dublin, Siddhant has stepped into this position ready to create meaningful change through awareness, allyship and cross-cultural dialogue. 

Hi Siddhant! What drew you to the opportunity of being a PIndigenous Co-Lead? 

What drew me to the opportunity of being a PIndigenous Co-Lead was the chance to help strengthen awareness and allyship for Indigenous communities within Pinterest. After attending the AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) National Conference and engaging with Indigenous students and elders, I was deeply inspired by their stories and the importance of cultural visibility in tech. Beyond work, my personal travels across Arizona and Banff exposed me to Indigenous stories rooted in deep respect for land, nature and community. Hearing these perspectives — from the desert landscapes of the Southwest to the sacred spaces of the Canadian Rockies — broadened my understanding of how storytelling, tradition and environmental stewardship intersect. These experiences inspired me to continue learning, supporting Indigenous initiatives, and creating spaces at Pinterest where education, celebration and cross-cultural dialogue can thrive.

Were there any goals you set for yourself taking on this new position? 

Yes, stepping into this role, I set three main goals for myself. The first was to expand education and awareness across Pinterest by organizing events and workshops that uplift Indigenous voices and teach about cultural significance, history and allyship. The second was to strengthen the internal community by creating opportunities for Indigenous employees and allies to connect, celebrate and support one another through authentic storytelling and shared experiences. Finally, I aimed to grow personally — to deepen my understanding of Indigenous cultures and perspectives through continued dialogue, learning and collaboration. These goals align with the broader vision of making Pinterest a place where every cultural identity feels seen and valued.

How are you and your fellow PIndigenous leads recognizing Native American Heritage Month? 

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month and the theme ‘Live in Balance,’ my fellow PIndigenous Co-Leads and I are planning a series of engaging activities to honor Indigenous culture and perspectives. These plans include a virtual nature walk to highlight Indigenous views on environmental stewardship, social gatherings and themed lunches across various Pinterest offices to foster community and cultural sharing, panel discussions featuring Indigenous community speakers to provide meaningful insights and a virtual quiz to encourage learning about Indigenous history and traditions. Our goal is to create opportunities throughout the month for education, celebration and connection, reflecting the balance and harmony central to Indigenous teachings.

In what ways is Pinterest currently bringing you inspiration? 

Pinterest serves as a rich source of inspiration across various aspects of my life. Recently, I've been actively exploring and saving content related to sneakers, keeping up with the latest styles and trends that align with my passion for fashion and collectibles. My travel plans for this month to Japan are also heavily influenced by Pinterest, where I research shopping destinations, local experiences and essential cultural attractions. Additionally, with the upcoming holiday season, I've found creative inspiration for decorating both my office gatherings and my home, blending traditional festive elements with modern design. Pinterest consistently provides a visually engaging and organized platform to bring my interests and plans to fruition.