AVANI DESAI

CEO, SCHELLMAN, TAMPA

Schellman is the largest cybersecurity assessment firm globally that specializes in attestation and compliance services. Under Desai, it has expanded its core services in the digital and crypto realms and has bolstered its global presence. Desai is co-chair of 100 Women Strong, a female-only venture capitalist-based giving circle that focuses on solving community-based problems specific to women and children by using data analytics and big data.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: My top priority would be advocating for gender equality and empowering women. Ensuring that all women have equal access to opportunities, health care, education, and protection from discrimination would be fundamental to building a fair and just society.

MENTOR: The most profound mentorship I’ve experienced has come from being a mother. My children have taught me valuable lessons about the importance of hard work, perseverance, consistency, grace under pressure, and of course … patience.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Creola Katherine Johnson. An American mathematician, she was a NASA employee, an early advocate for STEM, and she was critical for the success of the first and subsequent U.S.-crewed spaceflights.

LISTENING: WorkLife with Adam Grant