Home: Dallas, TX. Birthplace: Chennai, India. Profession: Semiconductor manufacturing, technologist. Organization: Texas Instruments. Title: Vice President. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My biggest cheerleader, Jim Friedmann. Alma mater: SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India. Languages spoken: English, Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi.
Current project: Powering women in technology. Latest contribution to others: Always make a total effort, even when the odds are stacked against you. Hobbies: Long walks and Jon Meacham podcasts. Recent travel or adventure: Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, Atherton tablelands tropical rainforest. Recently viewed and recommended: The Fabelmans, The White Lotus, Bad Sisters, Severance. Recent unique acquisition: A squirrel picnic table feeder.
Personality profile: Energetic, youthful, fierce, happy-go-lucky. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Connector. Moral compass: Fairness. What is your greatest joy? Human connection. What is your greatest fear? Human nature. What is your guilty pleasure? Binging on true crime shows. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Your mind is very powerful. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Hiking with family.
What was your first paying job? As a research assistant in graduate school. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Badminton. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Inception. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Upstanders fighting for equity. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Confidence is half the battle. What is your go-to source of news and information? National Public Radio. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Immigrating to the United States from India.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Equity for all.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. What widely held belief do you reject? That everyone has an equal chance to succeed irrespective of circumstances. What mega-trend most excites you? Leveraging social media for good. What mega-trend most concerns you? Leveraging social media for misinformation.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Don’t Stop Believing. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mother. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My grandmother’s jewelry. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Sharing memories of a blessed life with friends and family while enjoying a home cooked meal. What advice would you give your younger self? Love without judgement. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I became a parent. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My thirties.
Personal mission: Building equity for women. Personal motto: If not you, then who? Favorite quote: “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your inner voice” (Steve Jobs). Desired epitaph: She lived in the moment.
