About

Shanthala Gorur Ashwath is a dynamic professional with a passion for science, technology, and philanthropy. With a background in electronics and communications engineering, Shanthala has built a successful career as a product manager, working on innovative breakthroughs that help thousands of customers solve complex problems every day. Currently, she is a Product Line Manager at VMware, where she leads product strategy and roadmap for VMware Cloud Foundation HCI and external storage, scaling product reach and business growth. Shanthala is also a scientist at heart and is putting her curiosity and awe of the Universe to use as an aspiring scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab by volunteering in an outreach program to teach hundreds of high school students across the world about the science of Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). She is always interested in hearing from scientific researchers looking to unravel the mysteries of the universe. In addition to her work in science and technology, Shanthala is a passionate philanthropist with a strong desire to help achieve gender equality in the world. This has led her to start a nonprofit Project Paper Planes, which aims to eliminate set gender roles, gender biases, and gender gaps through education and awareness. At Project Paper Planes, she is working to create inclusive communities in developing countries by connecting underprivileged teenage girls with mentors and opportunities across the world. Her mentorship programs, workshops, and awareness programs for students, parents, and communities are all aimed at reducing the gender gap and bringing girls and women at the forefront of frontier roles that are defining the future of humankind. Shanthala has a diverse educational background, including a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications Engineering, an MBA from Georgetown University - The McDonough School of Business, and a degree in Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology from Stanford Continuing Studies. She is always looking to expand her knowledge and has recently completed an Astronomy Summer Program from the University of California, Berkeley. With 5.93 years of relevant experience, Shanthala is a highly skilled professional with a broad range of skills and expertise. She is a product manager and research scientist with a strong tech stack that includes product management, research, and development. Shanthala is passionate about making a difference in the world and is always looking for new opportunities to learn, grow, and give back.