By Pallavi Pande, Founder of Dtocs
If you had told my younger self—the one who nervously co-hosted children’s radio shows in India—that one day I’d be pitching my own business in front of top industry leaders in the U.S., I might have giggled in disbelief. But last week, that dream unfolded in full color at USPAACC CelebrASIAN 2025, during the “What’s Your Pitch” competition—and I won. 🎤✨
✨ More Than Just a Pitch
When I took the stage to present Dtocs, I wasn’t just showcasing a product. I was sharing a story—of palm leaves turned into elegant, compostable tableware, of replacing plastic with purpose, and of empowering women and children through every sale.
It wasn’t just about sustainability. It was about creating a movement—one plate, one platter, one conscious choice at a time.
🙌 The Community Behind the Curtain
What truly struck me about the experience was the energy in the room. This wasn’t a competition filled with ego—it was a celebration of bold ideas and shared vision.
To all the incredible fellow finalists—Michael D. Ham, Sonu Ratra, Neelima Parasker, Siddhartha Neerukonda, Manish Gorawala, Hee Jung, Doris Li Yeh, Gayatri Shahane, and Helen Zhu—I was so inspired by your pitches and your passion. You reminded me that innovation comes in many forms, and there’s room for all of us at the table.
🏆 A Moment I’ll Never Forget
When they called my name as the 2025 winner, my heart skipped. It felt like a full-circle moment—for every late night working on my business, for every time I doubted myself, for every eco-warrior and small business dreamer I’ve crossed paths with.
I’m especially grateful to our judges—Doug Kelly, Minh Le, Antoine Hinton, Drew Misher, and Charles White—for their tough but thoughtful questions. You helped me grow just by asking me to go deeper.
And thank you to Sophie Zhai and Sonia Cheema for bringing grace and guidance to the event—you led with such ease and professionalism.
💬 What’s Your Pitch… Really?
It’s more than a competition. It’s a reminder that stories matter. Voices matter. Purpose matters. Whether you’re building a tech app, a food brand, or a social enterprise—you deserve to be heard.
This is only the beginning. I can’t wait to keep sharing stories like mine—and the inspiring ones I heard from others—on my new radio show “Voices of Vision” on KBOO Community Radio.
Follow along. The mic is on. 🎙️
