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Newsmakers of the Week SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 | The Indian Eye 33

joined Manhattan University in 2008 States places on returning humans to the Moon during President Donald J
after earning her Ph.D. in Global Trump’s term, especially in the context of growing space competition with
Affairs and International Business China. “Promoting Kshatriya to NASA’s top ranks puts America’s return to
from Rutgers University. A respected the Moon through Artemis at the very core of our agency,” the agency said in
scholar and global business expert, its release.
she brings nearly two decades of ac- “Amit has spent more than two decades as a dedicated public servant at
ademic and international experience NASA, working to advance American leadership in space. Under his leader-
to this leadership role. Her research ship, the agency will chart a bold vision to return to the Moon during Presi-
on globalization, gender equity, and dent Trump’s term,” said Acting Administrator Sean P Duffy. He added that
cultural change has been featured in Kshatriya’s “knowledge, integrity, and unwavering commitment” make him
leading outlets, including the Har- uniquely qualified to lead.
vard Business Review, and she is a The agency also linked Kshatriya’s promotion to a broader strategy of
frequent presenter at international strengthening ties with the private sector. “Kshatriya’s promotion also signals
conferences. how the Trump Administration sees the commercial space sector as an Amer-
“My global experiences profoundly shape my approach to teaching and ican economic engine. By putting a proven leader at the top, NASA is set to
leadership—grounding my work in empathy, cross-cultural connection, and a partner even more closely with America’s booming space industry, grow the
classroom that reflects the real-world complexity of business and humanity,” space economy, and ensure the future of exploration is built in the United
said Dr. Shah. “As Associate Dean, I look forward to working with Dean Guir- States,” NASA said in the press release.
guis, our faculty, and students to expand cross-border partnerships, create im- Born in Wisconsin, Kshatriya studied at the California Institute of Tech-
mersive learning opportunities, and position the O’Malley School of Business nology and the University of Texas at Austin. He is among only about 100 peo-
as a hub for globally minded, socially conscious business education in a rapidly ple in history to have served as a mission control flight director, bringing rare
evolving environment.” operational and strategic experience to NASA’s executive leadership team, as
Since 2019, Dr. Shah has served as Director of Global Business Studies per NASA.
at Manhattan, where she has led immersive programs in India, the United
Arab Emirates, Greece, Malaysia, and Singapore. Through these initiatives,
students have engaged in real-world consulting projects with global compa- Vote Common Good
nies and nonprofits, applying their learning to challenges such as sustainable
product design and social enterprise marketing. These experiences reflect her Endorses Sanjyot Dunung for
commitment to experiential learning and align closely with Manhattan Uni-
versity’s Lasallian values.
“Dr. Shah brings extensive leadership experience in global business stud- Illinois election
ies and a strong commitment to volunteerism. Her scholarly contributions and
insights into gender identity and migration have thoroughly prepared her for DES PLAINES, IL
this important role,” said O’Malley School of Business Dean Hany Guirguis.
Beyond academia, Dr. Shah is a lifelong volunteer with Operation Smile, anjyot Dunung, Congressional
having participated in service missions to Honduras, the Philippines, Russia, candidate for Illinois 8th Dis-
India, Kenya, South Africa, and Ecuador. She is also a published novelist; her Strict, received the endorsement
debut novel, Anagram Destiny, explores themes of identity, migration, and of Vote Common Good, a leading
globalization, drawing inspiration from both her academic scholarship and national organization mobilizing
her upbringing as the daughter of Indian immigrants. faith-driven voters toward candi-
dates who prioritize the common
NASA appoints Amit Kshatriya good. This endorsement, in addition
to the recent ASPIRE (Asian Con-
as new associate administrator gressional Caucus of all 20 members)
endorsement, marks a significant
moment for Dunung’s campaign as it
continues to gain momentum among voters seeking commonsense solutions,
WASHINGTON, DC responsible change, and shared common values.
Said Robb Ryerse, political director of Vote Common Good, “Sanjyot is
ndian American Amit Kshatriya precisely the kind of leader our movement seeks to uplift. Her commitment
has been named the new associ- to people, her passion for community service, and her vision for an America
Iate administrator of the US space where all voices are heard align perfectly with our mission. We believe she will
agency NASA, the top civil service champion policies that serve not only Illinois’ 8th District, but the common
role within the organisation. The an- good of all Americans.”
nouncement was made on Wednes- Vote Common Good, known for its commitment to inspiring people of
day by Acting NASA Administrator faith and conscience to push beyond partisan divides, selected Dunung after
Sean P. Duffy. a thorough review of her campaign priorities, community engagement, and
According to NASA, Kshatriya vision for 21st-century governance. The organization’s endorsement process
is working with NASA for almost is rooted in principles of justice, empathy, and service, aiming to spotlight
20 years now. He was most recently candidates who are committed to “loving your neighbor through your vote.”
serving as the deputy in charge of “I’m passionate about building bridges across our communities by focus-
the Moon to Mars Program in the ing on our shared values,” said Dunung. “I am deeply honored to receive the
Exploration Systems Development endorsement of Vote Common Good. Their work reminds us all that politics
Mission Directorate (ESDMD) at NASA Headquarters in Washington. is, at its heart, a moral calling—a call to care for our neighbors and to build
In that capacity, he oversaw program planning and execution for crewed a society where every person can thrive. I am committed to representing the
missions to the Moon under the Artemis campaign, seen as the foundation for people of Illinois’ 8th District with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering
humanity’s first mission to Mars. dedication to the public good.”
NASA said that Kshatriya’s elevation reflects the priority the United Continued on next page... >>

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