Rhonda Vetere
Global STEM Ambassador and Board Member
University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM)
I am a Global Ambassador for STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) for USTM. I have been a catalyst role in making USTM a global university in various fronts including academic, research, development, outreach and humanitarian activities for social transformation. I have developed an overall integrated communication strategy through international liaison to promote the visibility of the university globally, consultation on organizational structure, governance and administration. A biodiversity park has been named after me because of my sustainability and STEM work around the world in addition to ground breaking ceremony for the 'I CAN I WILL Academy' focused on the underprivileged.
I enjoy being exposed to other cultures. People focus on their surroundings, and expanding those horizons is incredible. Working in a global capacity is thrilling, challenging, and evolving quickly. I like to learn different management styles in different cultures.
My mission is to use my experience and leadership to drive change in the world. I want to positively impact technology end to end, businesses, and institutions - and the people they serve. I am willing to go to the ends of the Earth (literally) to get things done correctly and efficiently alongside my team – and I have the passport stamps to prove it. With over 25+ years of experience and having managed IT divisions of over 20k+ people across multiple continents, I have lived and worked all over the globe with people from a variety of culture and managed up to 162 countries, global is my middle name. Even though I travel 75% of the time, fitness is an important part of my routine and something I encourage my team at work to maintain as well. I strongly believe in being a Corporate Athlete in and out of the Board Room. I’m proud to be a 2x published author, speaker, and recipient of multiple distinguished executive, technology awards. I appreciate opportunities to speak to students and contribute to professional & academic advisory boards and focus in STEM through sports.
I would tell women/girls a few pieces of advice. First, learn how to play golf. That has been huge for my career and something that I wish I learned earlier on. So many important conversations happen on the golf course. Second, know your elevator pitch. You may find yourself with the opportunity to connect with a senior executive in passing and having that information at the tip of your tongue is key to be able to impress. Finally, know that STEM is hip and cool.
To grow and evolve as a leader. I would love to spread my heart across the world and share my stories and methodology. I want to continue to be known as an iconic female presence who will be the voice when people call from all over the world about what good looks like in not only the technology but also running a global team.
I love to play golf. My life's passion is swimming so I swim almost every morning, but if I can't get to a pool, running is my other form of moving meditation.
“You can’t take care of your team if you are not taking care of yourself.” I am very passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For me, training is so important and helps me with decision making.