Born: 1948, Kanpur, India
Occupation: Writer, Technologist, Philanthropist
Nationality: American
Education: Miranda House, Delhi University, B.Sc., M. Sc. Chemistry SUNY Stony Brook, New York, M. S. Chemistry
Genres: Fiction, Nonfiction
Notable Works: Moments in Transition: Stories of Maya and Jeena, The Chemistry of Belonging: Stories of Inheritance and Upbringing

Notable Awards: Hall of Fame, WITI; Outstanding 50- AABDC; Women of Influence- SVBJ

Website: neerjaraman.com; neerja.raman-net.com

Neerja Raman (born Neerja Gupta, 1948) is an India-born American research scientist and author. After graduating from Delhi University in 1970, she studied at SUNY, Stony Brook, New York. In recognition of her technical leadership in digital imaging at Hewlett Packard and for advocating STEM roles for women in the workplace she was inducted into the Hall of Fame, Women in Technology International. She had also been recognized as Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business by AABDC, and as Women of influence, Silicon Valley. At Stanford University her research included studying barriers and enablers for creating new operating models for education and health delivery enabled by digital technologies. As a writer Neerja Raman’s works include fiction, non-fiction, and a memoir.

Early Life and Education

Neerja Raman was raised in Dehradun, a serene town nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Her formative years in Dehradun left a lasting impression, shaping her appreciation for cultural heritage and the natural world.

Her mother, a trailblazer in women’s education, played a key role in establishing the first women’s college in Dehradun. This progressive environment deeply influenced Raman, fostering a sense of independence, resilience, and the importance of education that would become recurring themes in her life and work.

After completing her undergraduate studies in India, Raman moved to the United States as a graduate student. The transition was significant, marking the beginning of her journey as a technologist and later as an author. Her dual exposure to Indian and American cultures would later inform much of her writing, allowing her to craft narratives that resonate across diverse audiences.

Career

Hewlett-Packard (HP)

Neerja Raman’s career at Hewlett-Packard (HP) represents one of her most significant professional accomplishments. Joining HP at a time when technology was undergoing rapid transformation, she played a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge digital media technologies. Among her achievements was her leadership in addressing ethical challenges related to digital imaging, such as creating solutions to prevent counterfeiting.

Her work at HP exemplified the intersection of technology and social responsibility. As a result of her contributions, she was inducted into the prestigious Women in Technology International (WITI) Hall of Fame in 2005. This honor recognized her for her technological expertise and her ability to inspire and mentor women in STEM fields.

Stanford University

Following her tenure at HP, Raman joined Stanford University as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at MediaX and a Senior Research Fellow in the Digital Vision Program. Her research focused on fostering social entrepreneurship and identifying barriers faced by early-stage entrepreneurs in creating social impact.

At Stanford University, she mentored emerging social entrepreneurs and contributed to projects that explored the intersection of technology, education, and global business.

Literary Career

Neerja Raman is renowned for her ability to blend fiction and nonfiction, creating narratives that reflect her experiences growing up in India, her professional journey, and her life as part of the Indian diaspora.

Fiction:

The House on East Cainal Road: A novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and cultural transitions.
Moments in Transition: Stories of Maya and Jeena: This collection highlights the challenges of women navigating personal and societal expectations.
Short Fiction Publications: Once Upon a River (Penman Review, Verdad), Garden of People, Fearless Feet (India Currents), Uptown Girl (Golden Walkman podcast), Margarita Love (Nailed Magazine).

Nonfiction:

The Chemistry of Belonging: Stories of Inheritance and Upbringing: Combining memoir and fiction, this book explores the interplay of family values, cultural identity, and intergenerational wisdom.
The Practice and Philosophy of Decision Making: A Seven-Step Spiritual Guide: A guide offering insights into making decisions aligned with one’s values and spirituality.
Eco-Stacking: A Strategy for Success in Social and Business Agendas (contributor): A collaborative work discussing sustainable strategies in business and social enterprises.
Digital Provide: Education Beyond Borders (contributor): An exploration of digital solutions to enhance education accessibility globally.

Thought Leadership

Delivered insights on technological trends and societal impacts, including her perspectives on AI and automation in her piece The Bots Are Coming, and That’s Okay.
Advocated for compassion and curiosity in technological and educational advancements, as highlighted in her reflections on summer programs in Coimbatore.

Philanthropy

Raman actively supports educational and cultural initiatives, emphasizing storytelling as a means to connect and inspire. She has contributed to works like Innovative Approaches to Reducing Global Poverty, advocating for sustainable solutions to global issues. Her work emphasizes the importance of storytelling and technology as means of fostering understanding and connection between diverse communities. She has also served as a board member or advisory board member for education, health, and women’s empowerment non-profit organizations.

Awards and Honors

Professional and Academic Recognition

2010: Women of Influence – Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal
2009: Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business – American Business Development Center (AABDC)
2008: Outstanding Technical Achievement – Indian American Women Empowered (IWE)
2008: Recognition Certificates from the California State Senate and State Assembly
2006: Distinguished Citizen – Federation of Indo-Americans (FIA)
2006-2008: Served on the Advisory Committee for Cyber Infrastructure (ACCI), National Science Foundation
2006-2007: Reuters Foundation Digital Vision Fellowship Program
2005: Hall of Fame: Leadership – Women In Technology International (WITI)
2004: Featured Author – WITI Expo “Books that Empower Women”

Education and Early Career

1994: Executive Development Program – Kellogg Business School, Northwestern University
1993-1994: Accelerated Development Program for Leadership – Hewlett-Packard
1970-1972: Graduate Scholarship and Teaching Assistantship – S.U.N.Y. at Stony Brook, New York (M.S. Chemistry)
1968-1970: National Science Talent Scholarship – Government of India (M.Sc. Chemistry)
1965-1968: National Science Talent Scholarship – Government of India (B.Sc. Chemistry, Honors)

Interviews and Events

Raman was a featured author in the Kitaab World Author Event, discussing her inspirations and literary journey.
Her stories have been published in prestigious outlets like Verdad Magazine, showcasing her talent in blending fiction with cultural commentary.

Additional Talks, Articles, & Panels

Raman is a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, known for her engaging discussions on leadership, decision-making, and the intersection of technology and social innovation. Her notable appearances include:

Social Entrepreneurship Showcase: Stanford Entrepreneurship Week, Wallenberg Hall, February 28 2010

Microfinance 2.0: Is it Market or Strategy? Microfinance India Summit 2009, Plenary Session – Revitalizing the Rural Economy, Livelihoods Day New Delhi, Oct 28, 2009

Workshop: Media and Management Bridges between Head and Heart for Impact, Wallenberg Summer Institute, Stanford University, August 7, 2009

Workshop: Operations Plan: the path from vision to reality Dorothy’s Place, Towards a 21st Century Model of Service and Community Transformation, California, March 11, 2009

Values Based Leadership in a Globalised World: A Market Action Perspective, Cover story on a New Model of Leadership, ISB Insight, Indian School of Business Magazine, Dec. 2008

What is BOP and Why You Should Care: Hitting the moving market with diffusion programs, The Secret Sauce of Innovation, Stanford University Continuing Studies Program, Fall Quarter, November 12, 2008

Seven Steps to Powerful Decision Making: Influencing Up by Leveraging Your Personal Power WCAN Fall Forum, Unleashing Your Potential, San Jose, Nov 6, 2008

Wisdom Perspectives on Leadership, Centre for Leadership, Innovation and Change, ISB, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, India, 23-26 October 2008

Getting to Diamond, Center for Development Finance, IFMR, Nungambakkam, Chennai, October 15, 2008

Technology Innovation: Key to Unlocking BOP Markets? International Sustainable Development Research Conference, India Habitat Center, New Delhi, India, 21-23 September 2008

Passionate Leadership: Realizing your Vision for Women of Color, Anita Borg Institute, Tech leaders conference, Google, September 10-11, 2008 http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS118684+04-Aug-2008+BW20080804

How to Influence and Deliver Results, Indo-American Women Empowered (IWE) Professional Development Workshop, ICC Milpitas, August 2, 2008

World Future 2008; Seeing the Future through new eyes-Global Online Learning Pioneers (Panel of 7 students) with Ted Kahn of Design Worlds, Washington DC, July 2008

Decisions…Decisions… Seven Steps to Powerful Decision-Making Indus Women Leaders (IWL), June 12 2008 http://www.induswomenleaders.com/

Creativity 2.0: Virtual Worlds for Education and Innovation Emerging Technologies in Teaching Languages and Culture DigitalStream Monterey, March 17-19, 2008

Creativity 2.0: Contrasts between Multimedia and Language Media X at Stanford University, February 25, 2008 http://events.stanford.edu/events/125/12583/

Social Entrepreneurship Showcase: Stanford Entrepreneurship Network (SEN), Wallenberg Hall, February 22 2008

Women in Science and Technology: Challenges and Changes through the Generations AMITA of Northern California and Google, September 20, 2007 http://www.mitcnc.org/amitanorcal/amitanorcal-eventinfo.html

The Next Step in Emerging Markets; TEKES profile August 07 http://www.tekes.fi/amerikka/monthlyfeat/amerikka_monthlyfeature0907.html

Virtual Life: Building Effective Virtual Teams, Stanford Summer Institute, Wallenberg Hall, August 1-3, 2007

Social Entrepreneurs: The New Breed – IIT 2007 Global Conference, July 6-8 2007, Santa Clara, California

Leading with Empathy: Corporate Skills Workshop Indo-American Women Empowered (IWE) Professional Development Workshop at Stanford University, June 07

Operations Plan: the path from vision to reality Digital Vision Fellows Workshop April 24, 2007

Language, Literacy and Sacred Cows: Using Multimedia to Radically Change how we Educate and Communicate
– CSU Monterey, March 23, 2007

Social Entrepreneurship: Unlocking Emerging Markets – Graduate and undergraduate classes
– Indian Institute of Technology at Kharagpur,
– Indian Institute of Technology at Delhi,
India, February and March 2007

Social Mission as Strategy, This article introduces the concept of creating competitive advantage by employing a social mission as a business strategy. Three women led enterprises spanning USA, Brazil, and India, were studied to develop the case for investing in technology solutions for poverty alleviation and social empowerment.
Published by Women In Technology International (WITI) Magazine, 2007

Getting to Diamond: Unlocking Emerging Markets Media X, H-STAR,
Stanford University, December 5, 2006

Getting to Diamond: Harnessing ICT as a Driver of Economic and Social Development – Frontiers of Knowledge for Africa,
University Leaders’ Forum, University of Cape Town, Nov 2006

Social Entrepreneurship as Strategy: Two Case Studies
– MBA class, Menlo College, August 2006

Ethical Conduct: A Workplace Oxymoron or a Business Need?
– Cal Poly Pomona, San Jose State University – 2006

Realizing Your Vision-Leading with passion: Being True to Yourself and Pursuing your Vision with Commitment
– Anita Borg Techleaders conference, Google, March 22-23, 2006

Seven Steps to Powerful Decision Making
– HPL Technical Women, HP Labs, Hewlett Packar, February 2006

New Economy, New Strategy: Digital Technology Innovations and Applications SPIE
– Electronic Imaging, San Jose, Jan 17, 2006

Technology Changes to the Marketplace:
WITI Annual Conference, San Jose, Dec 2005

New Economy? New Strategy: The Latest Technology Innovations and Applications Women In Business;
Santa Clara University, May 2005

Decision Making for Self-Empowerment: A Seven Step Guide – AWIS – Association for Women in Science, Palo Alto
http://www.pa-awis.org/newsletter/05_Jan_Feb.pdf

Technical Careers for Girls – Featured Speaker:
The Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose; Jan 2005

Where are the brave new mobile multimedia applications?
ACM Multimedia Conference ACM Multimedia 2004

HP Helps U.S. Clamp Down on Counterfeiting
http://www.hpl.hp.com/news/2003/july_sept/counterfeit.html

Globalization, Technology and Culture: Imaging Research for Global Art and Science Program
– University of Michigan http://www.umich.edu/~iinet/gtc/initiatives/london.htm

Legacy

Neerja Raman is celebrated for her ability to bridge technology, literature, and social impact. Her pioneering work at Hewlett-Packard and Stanford, combined with her contributions as a writer, have made her a trailblazer in her fields. She continues to inspire audiences worldwide through her storytelling, mentorship, and thought leadership.