“Empowerment comes from within.” – Alisha Ahuja

In a world where technology constantly evolves and personal dreams often get shelved in the process, Alisha Ahuja stands out as a woman who has gracefully embraced both. A dynamic IT professional with over 11 years of experience and the current Digital Engineering Staff Engineer at NTT Data, Alisha’s journey is not only about cloud infrastructure and DevOps but also about inner resilience, breaking stereotypes, and the power of belief.

Rooted in Passion, Rising with Purpose

Born on December 18, 1990, Alisha hails from Delhi, and her professional journey is as multi-faceted as her personality. Armed with a B.Tech in Computer Science and an MBA in Information Technology, Alisha began her career with a campus placement at Dell Services. From there, her path was one of consistent evolution—moving into roles that deepened her expertise in IT infrastructure, automation, and cloud solutions.

“My mother is my greatest inspiration,” Alisha shares. “Her strength and grace have taught me that no challenge is too big when faced with determination.” Influenced by the wisdom of Sudha Murthy, the elegance of Sushmita Sen, and the creativity of Shalini Passi, Alisha has seamlessly integrated ambition with humility, and technology with empathy.

Turning Points and Defining Moments

Each step in Alisha’s career has been a bold leap. From her role in IT Infrastructure Capacity Planning to earning Azure certifications and working as a DevOps Lead Consultant at IBM, she has always looked forward, never back. One of her most defining roles came during her tenure with IBM’s Quantum Safe team, where she contributed to futuristic security solutions as a DevSecOps Consultant. Today, at NTT Data’s Centre for Cloud Excellence, she’s pushing the boundaries of cloud modernization with purpose and innovation.

And yet, her life isn’t confined to lines of code. Outside her technical domain, Alisha achieved national recognition by participating in the Mrs. India Pageant, earning the title of “Mrs. Congeniality India”—a celebration of her inner strength and authenticity. She also bagged the “Women Personality of the Year” award by SheInspire, marking her as a force to be reckoned with in both the tech world and beyond.

Challenges that Shaped Her Strength

While the accolades paint a picture of success, Alisha’s story is also one of perseverance. One of her toughest chapters came during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had to manage everything independently,” she reflects, “from professional pressures to ensuring my family’s mental well-being. It tested every ounce of my emotional and mental strength.”

But it was during this time that her personal mantra came to life: “Who else, if not me?” (Mai nahi to kaun?) A powerful reminder that she is capable of conquering challenges—an ethos she now carries with her into every boardroom and every personal decision.

A Woman of Many Roles, Worn Gracefully

Being a mother, a technologist, a fashion enthusiast, and a wellness advocate, Alisha embraces her multi-dimensionality with pride. She is particularly passionate about supporting the mental health of young parents—an initiative born from her own lived experience as a working mother. Her structured approach to work-life balance is simple yet effective: “When I shut down my laptop, work is over. And when I start again, personal life takes a backseat. Boundaries are everything.”

She credits her supportive family, especially her husband and 6-year-old daughter, for helping her maintain this balance. “Their understanding is my backbone. Together, we make this journey possible.”

Driving Change, One Cloud at a Time

Currently, Alisha is spearheading efforts to modernize cloud infrastructure—making systems smarter, faster, and more resilient. But beyond the code and configurations, she is most passionate about using her platform to create safe, inclusive spaces in the tech world, particularly for women.

She has been approached by international Mrs. Pageant platforms and nominated by Success Today for her outstanding contributions to the IT industry. But perhaps her most cherished recognition comes from the lives she touches and the women she inspires to dream big.

Vision for the Future

Alisha’s future goals are nothing short of visionary. “I aspire to be the Director of Technology—where I can not only guide innovation but also nurture client relationships and build inclusive, future-ready teams.” But more than titles and milestones, Alisha hopes to continue being a beacon for those looking to balance ambition with authenticity.

“I want to help people live their lives to the fullest—without waiting for a perfect moment,” she says. “Whether it’s a mother returning to work, a student unsure about her path, or a woman with a dream she hasn’t yet spoken aloud—this is your moment. Take it.”

Message to Every Woman: Start Now

To the young women who look up to her, Alisha has this advice: “Don’t wait. The world is not waiting either. You are enough—right now, just as you are. Practice self-love, embrace mindfulness, and trust that the journey you're carving is uniquely yours.”

Her voice is calm, yet her presence is powerful. A woman who codes in the day, creates memories with her daughter in the evening, and walks the ramp with elegance—Alisha Ahuja is not just shaping technology. She’s shaping a generation of women who believe in their power and lead with heart.

As her quote reminds us, “Empowerment comes from within.” And Alisha Ahuja is living proof that when a woman taps into that inner strength, there’s nothing she cannot achieve.