Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Madhu Devi! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what led you down your current life path.
Earlier in life, I aspired to become a doctor because I wanted to contribute to improving people’s health and well-being. Over time, however, I realized that my strengths and interests aligned more closely with data and analytics. While I was not fully confident about pursuing the long and demanding path required for medical school, I still wanted to contribute to healthcare in a meaningful way. That realization led me to focus on applying my data analytics skills to support healthcare and decision-making, allowing me to contribute to the field from a different but impactful perspective.
What or who inspired you to pursue your major/career?
Usually, it is one or two family members who inspire someone’s path. In my case, I would say that everyone in my family played an important role in inspiring me to pursue my major/career. Each of them, in their own way, helped build my confidence and self-esteem, giving me the courage to dream and to dream big.
What is one thing you are proud of achieving in your life?
Financial independence is one of my most important achievements, and it is something I feel proud of. The journey toward becoming financially independent has taught me to be disciplined, patient, and resilient, ensuring that I be persistent towards my goal. It required making thoughtful decisions, staying committed to long-term goals, and believing in my ability to succeed. Along the way, it strengthened my confidence and self-esteem.
What keeps you motivated? What maintains your passion for and commitment to the work you are doing?
The belief that my work can create meaningful impact. Knowing that the insights and solutions I help develop can support better decisions, especially in areas like healthcare and analytics, gives my work a strong sense of purpose. I am also motivated by continuous learning—there is always something new to explore, improve, or solve. Challenges push me to grow, and that growth keeps my passion alive.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I have had many people who supported me along my journey, but I am especially grateful to one professor who gave me both wings and vision. It has been more than two decades, yet I still remember when I first started working part-time with my counseling professor, Dr. Yang. On my first day in her office, she asked me, “What do you see when you look at this office?” At first, I simply noticed the obvious—the piles of books and papers and what seemed like a messy, crowded workspace. Over time, I realized her intent was to teach me to look beyond the surface and see the bigger picture rather than focusing only on small details, while still recognizing that those details also have their place in understanding the whole.
Is there something exciting you are working on now? What is it and why did you choose to start it?
Lately, I have been exploring my creative side through writing. I enjoy traveling and have visited many places, often amazed by the beauty of nature and the experiences along the way. I recently discovered Medium, a platform that encourages new writers to share their stories, which inspired me to start documenting my travels and reflections. While I have not published anything yet, I am excited to begin sharing my experiences soon.
Share one professional development goal and one personal goal you have for the upcoming year.
One of my professional development goals for the upcoming year is to deepen my knowledge of applying AI to data and analytics use cases that improve business decision-making. I want to continue strengthening both my technical understanding and strategic perspective so that I can contribute more effectively to impactful, AI-driven solutions.
On a personal level, I want to continue exploring my creative side through writing. I hope to share stories and reflections from my travels and eventually publish some of them on platforms like Medium.
Why did you choose to be a volunteer for Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I chose to volunteer for Educate. Radiate. Elevate. because I believe education can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. Throughout my own journey, I benefited from people who supported and guided me, and volunteering is a way for me to give back. Being able to contribute, even in a small way, to helping kids build confidence and succeed in their education is very meaningful to me.
What about the Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speaks most to you and why?
What speaks to me most about Educate. Radiate. Elevate. is its commitment to making education accessible to students who may not always have the support or resources they need. I strongly believe that education can open doors and create opportunities that can change the course of a young person’s life. The organization’s focus on helping students overcome learning challenges while also building confidence really resonates with me. I also appreciate the emphasis on mentorship and encouragement, because support from others can make a lasting impact. Being part of a mission that helps students grow academically and personally is very meaningful to me.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy taking trips, sometimes nearby and sometimes to new destinations when I have the opportunity to travel. During the summer, I especially like visiting downtown Chicago and walking along Michigan Avenue. It’s a simple way for me to relax, explore the city, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Tell about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?
Last year, I took a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina to experience the fall colors. I had always heard about the spectacular display of vivid autumn foliage, but I had never had the opportunity to see it in person until then.
I hiked all the way up to the edge of a cliff, where the landscape unfolded in waves of radiant reds, oranges, and golds. The colors were breathtaking vibrant, warm, and almost luminous against the crisp sunlight, creating a view that was both inspiring and deeply calming.
The moment I enjoyed most was simply sitting there, quietly stared the endless stretch of colors spread across the mountain.
