Devika Bhagwandas is the Regional Global Mobility Manager for the Americas at H&M, bringing over 25 years of experience in immigration and global mobility to her role. Born in British Guyana and raised in Suriname, she is of Indian descent and speaks Dutch fluently. Devika immigrated to the United States 30 years ago, starting her professional journey as a litigation paralegal at a prominent law firm in New Jersey.
Her early interest in immigration law led her to progressively advance through various roles, from assistant immigration paralegal to senior paralegal, and eventually into in-house positions with major global corporations. With a deep understanding of the complexities of cultural differences and relocation challenges, Devika is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and enhancing employee experiences. Her unique background and expertise make her a valuable voice in the conversation about navigating the evolving landscape of global mobility.
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Alka Bahal: Podcast powered by OGC Solutions, the podcast where we explore the ever evolving landscape of workplace dynamics. My name is Alka Bahal. I’m a partner with Outside General Counsel Solutions and the Chair of our Corporate Immigration Services group, and I am your host today. In the modern, interconnected world, the ability to navigate cultural differences, relocation challenges, and diverse workforce needs has never been more crucial. Join us as we dive into insightful conversations with industry experts, thought leaders, and those who have made the leap across borders. Together, we’ll uncover strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces, enhancing employee experience, and driving organizational success in a globalized economy. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in global mobility, there is something here for you.
Devika Bhagwandas: I’m delighted to have with me today Devika Bhagwandas, the regional Global Mobility Manager for the Americas at H&M. Devika, welcome to the podcast.
Alka Bahal: I am thrilled to have you here as our very first guest. It’s a very special moment for us. I can’t wait to hear your insights and experiences. Can you tell our listeners a little bit about yourself and your role at H&M?
Devika Bhagwandas: Sure. Thank you so much, Alka, for having me as your very first guest on this podcast. I’m totally appreciate it. So my name is Devika Bhagwandas. I was born in South America of Indian descent. I was actually born in the only English speaking country in South America, which is British Guyana. And I was raised in the neighbouring country of Suriname, which is Dutch Guyana. So that’s how I speak Dutch as well. I immigrated to the United States about 30 years ago, and my very first professional legal job that I had was as an litigation paralegal working for one of the largest prominent litigation law firms in New Jersey by the name of Gibbons del Deo. That firm had a very small immigration operation and I always would express an interest to help out in the immigration department whenever I could. Those initial interest actually led to a full-fledged career in immigration.
And so I started from the very bottom working as an assistant immigration paralegal, then as a full-fledged immigration paralegal, senior paralegal and have literally worked my way up the ladder in the the past 25 years of my career. I started out initially working in law firms, which I’m extremely grateful for because that’s where I obtained all of my legal background in immigration law and then transitioned over to in house roles. So I’ve worked for some amazing corporations, global corporations in the last 15 years in various in house immigration roles. And so that’s has been the trajectory of my career. And here I am now as the current regional global mobility manager for H&M.
Alka Bahal: That’s really an amazing journey.
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