Indira Gunda Saladi, a distinguished alumna of the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) and the president and founder of Orchard, Inc., a healthcare staffing company based in Illinois, has been appointed to the Illinois Tech Board of Trustees. 

Her appointment marks a significant moment in her ongoing commitment to both innovation and mentorship in technology and business.

Saladi, who graduated from Illinois Tech in 1993, brings a wealth of experience spanning from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies, where her focus has been on optimizing operations, driving global innovation, and fostering cost efficiency.

A Career Defined by Innovation and Mentorship

Throughout her career, Saladi has played a pivotal role in shaping and driving innovations in both technology and business. As an entrepreneur, she has founded Orchard, Inc., a rapidly growing healthcare staffing company, and has become a prominent figure in the healthcare sector.

In addition to her work with Orchard, Saladi serves as a limited partner in an early-stage fund, where she is dedicated to mentoring women, immigrants, and tech-led ventures in underserved markets.

Her mentorship goes beyond financial investment, as she offers strategic advice and hands-on guidance to these startups, empowering the next generation of innovators.

Her efforts in mentoring women and immigrants extend far beyond her professional roles. Saladi has been a champion for women in technology, striving to create pathways for women and immigrant leaders to succeed in the business and tech sectors.

As part of her long-term commitment to mentoring, she has supported a variety of initiatives that provide opportunities for underrepresented groups in the tech and business spaces.

Giving Back to Illinois Tech

Saladi’s connection to Illinois Tech runs deep, not only as an alumna but as a proactive supporter of the institution. She is an advisory member for the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship at Illinois Tech, where she leverages her expertise to provide strategic direction and guidance.

Saladi is also the co-founder of the Satyanarayana (Sam) Gunda International Student Thanksgiving Celebration Fund, which annually hosts international students for Thanksgiving, fostering a sense of inclusion and community within the student body.

The fund was established in memory of her father, Sam Gunda, an alumnus of Illinois Tech, and a personal computer pioneer who passed away in 2020.

Saladi’s appointment to the Board of Trustees comes at a time when Illinois Tech continues to lead in providing cutting-edge education in technology and business. Her background in global operations, intellectual property, and law, paired with her vast experience as an entrepreneur, positions her as a leader who will help guide Illinois Tech through an exciting era of growth and innovation.

Leadership Across Multiple Sectors

Saladi’s diverse career has spanned roles at major tech and healthcare companies. Before founding Orchard, she served as the chief intellectual property counsel at Zebra Technologies and held leadership positions at Accenture and Neelyx Labs, where she applied her tech expertise to drive operational efficiency and global innovation.

She has advised various healthcare and medical companies, focusing on technological advancements and improving operational processes.

Saladi’s legal expertise, along with her technical background, allows her to approach complex challenges with a unique perspective that blends innovation with strategy. 

As an advocate for women and immigrant entrepreneurs, she brings a fresh and dynamic approach to her new role on the Illinois Tech Board of Trustees, aiming to shape opportunities that will benefit future generations of students.

Education and Legacy

Saladi’s academic credentials reflect her commitment to excellence in both technology and law. She holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Illinois Tech, a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago.

To further encourage research in engineering, she established the Indira Gunda Saladi Engineering Prize at UIUC, a fund designed to reward and support undergraduate engineering students pursuing research careers.

Saladi’s deep understanding of both the technical and business aspects of innovation, coupled with her passion for mentorship, will be invaluable as she joins the Illinois Tech Board of Trustees.

Her efforts in supporting international students, women in business, and underrepresented entrepreneurs continue to inspire and create pathways for success.

A Vision for the Future

In her statement regarding her appointment, Saladi expressed her excitement about giving back to Illinois Tech, emphasizing the transformative role the institution played in her own journey.

 “Illinois Tech has been a fundamental part of my journey, and I am excited to give back by helping to create meaningful opportunities for students to thrive in technology and business,” Saladi said.

“I am eager to work with Illinois Tech to build pathways for success for the next generation.”

Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi echoed Saladi’s sentiment, emphasizing how her leadership and mentorship have had a profound impact on aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women and immigrants.

“Indira is not only a visionary leader in business and technology, but also a dedicated mentor who has inspired and empowered countless others to pursue their dreams in tech. Her impact will resonate deeply within our community,” Echambadi said.

With Saladi’s expertise, leadership, and dedication to mentorship, Illinois Tech’s Board of Trustees gains a remarkable individual whose influence will be felt for years to come.

Her appointment represents a new chapter in Illinois Tech’s ongoing mission to educate and inspire the next generation of innovators and business leaders.