This Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Intuitive Pan-Asian Community (InPAC) Employee Resource Group (ERG) invites employees around the world to come together around the theme Power in unity: Strengthening communities together.
To learn more about the signature event and other InPAC activities, we spoke with Prakruti Talreja, a quality engineer and InPAC communications lead based in Sunnyvale. She also shares her cultural heritage, InPAC journey, and why Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month matters.
Tell us about your cultural heritage and what it means to you.
I was born and raised in India and moved to the United States at 25 to pursue my master’s degree in biomedical engineering. Growing up in India immersed me in incredible diversity—multiple languages, traditions, and festivals often shared across communities. I speak four languages, and that early exposure taught me how powerful connection can be even across differences.
What stood out most to me was the strong sense of togetherness rooted in family, respect, shared celebrations, and food. Carrying these values with me has shaped how I build relationships, stay grounded in my identity, and genuinely appreciate different perspectives wherever I go.
Tell us about what you do at Intuitive and how you contribute to its success.
During my seven years at Intuitive, I’ve gained experience across multiple roles, with responsibilities ranging from regulatory compliance to quality engineering. Early in my career, I gained firsthand experience participating in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration audit, and later I supported the transfer and training of new manufacturing lines internationally.
Today, as a quality engineer, I focus on ensuring that our products meet high standards of quality, reliability, and safety by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to identify risks, improve processes, and drive continuous improvement—helping deliver dependable solutions that support Intuitive’s mission of improving patient outcomes.
What gives you energy—inside and outside of work?
My parents are my greatest source of energy and strength, both inside and outside of work. Their blessings have guided me to where I am today, and their faith gives me the confidence to grow, take on challenges, and move forward—wherever my journey leads.
Prakruti (center) with her dad, Anil, and mom, Poonam.
Tell us a bit about InPAC and the work it does.
InPAC brings together employees and allies in an inclusive and supportive environment. Our focus is building community, celebrating cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for learning and growth. By taking the time to understand different backgrounds and experiences, we broaden our perspectives. Embracing this diversity strengthens collaboration and reminds us that our work has a meaningful impact beyond ourselves.
I’ve been part of InPAC since 2022 and have had the opportunity to serve in multiple leadership roles, including as chair for InPAC Sunnyvale in 2024 and 2025. My journey began when we resumed celebrating Diwali on-site post-COVID. It was my first in-person celebration and remains my favorite InPAC event. This year, I continue my involvement as the communications lead, staying connected and contributing in a new capacity.
Prakruti (center) at the ERG Fair in June 2025 with Atima Sharma, staff biosafety engineer, (left) and Vishaka Waghela, senior marketing automation manager (right).
What’s been your most meaningful experience with InPAC?
The most meaningful part of my ERG experience has been the people and the connections I’ve built along the way. I truly believe that any experience is better when shared with passionate, supportive individuals, and that’s exactly what ERGs have provided for me. Prior to joining InPAC, I served on the board of directors for the Women in Tech ERG—now part of Women Intuitive Network—and as a young engineer, that experience was invaluable. Being involved in ERGs at Intuitive has played a significant role in my personal and professional growth. These opportunities have helped me build confidence, expand my network, and grow into a more self-assured version of myself. The relationships I’ve formed through ERGs are what make the experience truly meaningful and lasting.
