Reshma Saujani is a name synonymous with empowerment, innovation, and advocacy for women and girls. With a diverse background spanning law, politics, and grassroots activism, Saujani has dedicated over a decade to dismantling barriers and championing opportunities for women in various spheres.
Saujani's early years were characterized by her family's tenacity in the face of adversity. She was born on November 18, 1975, in Illinois to Gujarati parents. Her parents, expelled from Uganda by Idi Amin, sought refuge in Chicago, where her unwavering determination to effect positive change began to take root.
Saujani's educational journey led her to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned degrees in Political Science and Speech Communication in 1997. With a Master of Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in 1999 and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 2002, she improved her abilities even further.
Her professional career began in the financial sector, where she undertook pro bono work in securities fraud and asylum cases at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. This early experience laid the foundation for her subsequent roles at prestigious institutions such as Carret Asset Management, Carlyle Group, and Fortress Investment Group.
In 2010, Saujani made history by becoming the first Indian American woman to run for Congress, challenging Carolyn Maloney in New York's 14th district. Although she placed third in the 2013 Democratic Public Advocate primary, her foray into politics set the stage for her transformational work ahead.
The turning point in Saujani's career came with the founding of "Girls Who Code" in 2012. Witnessing the glaring gender gap in computing classrooms during her congressional campaign, she recognized the urgent need to bridge this divide. Under her leadership, Girls Who Code swiftly became one of the nation's largest and most impactful non-profits, training 300,000 girls in computer science and reaching millions through bestselling books and award-winning programs.
Saujani's advocacy extended even further with the creation of the Marshall Plan for Moms in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's disproportionate impact on American mothers. This initiative garnered support from celebrities, activists, and corporate leaders, reshaping the national conversation on parental support and leading to the introduction of federal legislation.
Beyond her role as a trailblazing activist, Saujani has been recognized for her innovative approach to movement building. Her accolades include being named on Fortune's World's Greatest Leaders, Forbes Most Powerful Women Changing the World, and Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People lists.
In addition to her professional endeavors, she serves on the boards of Harvard University and the International Rescue Committee and is an ex-officio MoMA trustee. She resides in New York City with her husband Nihal, sons Shaan and Sai, and their beloved bulldog Stanley.
Saujani's tireless dedication to empowering women and girls economically, closing the tech gender gap, and supporting pandemic-affected moms has not only transformed countless lives but also ignited a global movement towards a more inclusive and equitable future. Her legacy stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have in shaping a more just and equal society.