Nina Davuluri made history as the first Indian-American to be crowned Miss America in 2014. Beyond the title, she's built a career as a speaker and advocate focused on cultural competency, diversity, and identity, using a platform that has taken her everywhere from college campuses across the country to the Oval Office.

I really enjoyed this conversation because Nina doesn't shy away from the complicated parts of her story. We talk about growing up as one of the only Indian kids in her school, the stereotypes she found herself answering over and over again, and how those experiences eventually became the foundation for the work she does today. She also shares what it actually felt like to become Miss America, the backlash that followed, and why she believes representation only matters if you're willing to use it for something meaningful.

We compare notes on meeting President Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, laugh about our parents' reactions to career choices that definitely weren't part of the original plan, and somehow wind up discussing everything from Veep and Stranger Things to Burger King and Mario Kart.

Nina is so thoughtful about success. She isn't interested in being defined by a crown, and she's refreshingly honest about the pressure that comes with being "the first." This was a conversation about identity, purpose, and figuring out how to use whatever platform life gives you.

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