Dr. Shalini Kesar Among Utah's 30 Women to Watch by Utah Business
Published: June 23, 2021 | Author: Kenzie Lundberg | Read Time: 2 minutes
Southern Utah University’s Dr. Shalini Kesar has been named one of the 30 Women to Watch by Utah Business for 2021. Recipients of the award include women who are passionate and dedicated to bringing diversity and inclusion to the business and technology world. Celebrating women who are on their way to amazing things, the list includes presidents, CEOs, CFOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and educators in Utah.
“It is humbling and an honor to be included with a pool of such talented and empowering women within Utah,” said Dr. Kesar.
A global citizen, Dr. Kesar was raised to value education and pursue the heights of learning. She has found a niche in southern Utah and has become a role model while enhancing awareness and motivating girls in considering technology as part of their education and career goals. Her outreach efforts reach a number of rural counties in Utah and she involves her students as ambassadors, male allies, and role models and instills leadership qualities to prepare them for the workforce and future leaders.
Moving forward, her top priority is to create a pipeline for young women hoping to work in the technology industry.
“I would like to continue to create a technology pipeline for young women in Southern Utah by increasing their awareness about education and career opportunities in these fields,” said Dr. Kesar. “My target audience is especially in rural and remote areas where technology accessibility and resources are limited or none.”
Dr. Kesar has been recognized by the Women Tech Council, receiving the Education Excellence Award at the 2016 Women Tech Awards, and most recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the Utah Women in Higher Education Network.
“Dr. Kesar’s work and passion for elevating women both in higher education and the field of technology is endless,” said a nominator. “She sits on many boards to promote leadership and advancement for women. She is a mentor for women and is fearless in the face of gender equality.”
Having spent more than 27 years in front of the classroom, Dr. Kesar currently serves as a professor and director of the Master of Science Cyber Security & Information Assurance program at Southern Utah University.
Tags: College of Engineering and Computational Sciences Cyber Security