Priyanka Franky Fernandes: Motivating Women to Balance Dreams and Family
For Priyanka Franky Fernandes, life has never been a straight line—it has been a journey of resilience, transformation, and reinvention. With over 6.7 years in teaching and 8 years in the hospitality industry as a manager, she has seamlessly balanced careers, personal responsibilities, and now, a new identity as a pageant queen and influencer.
Her story, however, is not just about professional milestones. It is about redefining womanhood, especially in the face of societal expectations.
“After marriage, during maternity, I saw how many women forget their worth and sacrifice their careers. I went through the same struggle,” she recalls. “Motherhood brought many ups and downs, but it also gave me the courage to shift my career.”
After a nine-year education gap, Priyanka stepped away from the hotel industry and pursued her long-standing passion for teaching. She completed her degree along with a Diploma in Early Childhood Care Education and a Maria Montessori Teacher Training program in Bahrain. This leap symbolized her belief that marriage is not the end, but a new beginning to explore, achieve, and dream—while balancing both family and career.
The road was far from easy. Being the eldest in her family, Priyanka had once quit her studies after the second year to support her household. Later, when she chose teaching as a new career, she faced the challenges of starting from scratch. Despite her qualifications, securing a teaching role was difficult, and the salary was humbling compared to her hospitality days. But her determination never wavered.
“From cutlery to the blackboard—my journey taught me that every fresh start comes with struggles. Self-motivation and surrounding yourself with people who add value, who discuss progress instead of gossip, makes all the difference,” she shares.
Her perseverance bore fruit. In Bahrain, she secured a position in a reputed school and steadily grew her career in education. Alongside teaching, she embraced her creative side as a content creator and influencer for more than three years—building a voice that resonated with thousands.
And then came a new chapter—pageantry. Within just six months of stepping into this world, Priyanka achieved remarkable recognition. She was crowned SK Top Universe India International Winner 2025 and SK Top Mrs. Maharashtra Winner 2025, while also earning the title of Mrs. Confident 2024 at Diva Pageant. Her journey as an influencer was equally rewarding, as she was honored with the International Influencer Award 2025 and featured in multiple magazines. Each crown and award became more than just an accolade; they stood as symbols of her resilience, her courage to embrace change, and her determination to rise above challenges.
Looking ahead, Priyanka dreams of launching her own startup and continuing her mission to motivate women. “I want to inspire others to believe that no matter the obstacles—family responsibilities, career breaks, or societal expectations—you can rise, restart, and achieve,” she says with conviction.