Interview Times 
FEATURE: Teja Manakame’s story begins in Belagavi, Karnataka, where her early years were marked by an insatiable curiosity. Growing up with a father who was a doctor, she was encouraged to ask questions and explore the world around her. This nurturing environment ignited her passion for learning, leading her to engage in various DIY projects. While her journey has taken her far from the stars she once dreamed of studying, her path has been nothing short of extraordinary. Today, she serves as the Vice President (IT) at Dell Technologies, bringing over 25 years of experience to the table.
Manakame’s fascination with astronomy during her childhood was thwarted by the limited educational opportunities in her hometown. In the early 1990s, there were no nearby colleges offering astronomy, and her family was concerned about the night-time nature of the work. This led her to pivot towards engineering, hoping to someday focus on radio astronomy. However, life had a different plan in store.
A Turning Point in Uniform
While pursuing her degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering at Karnatak University, a significant shift occurred when the Indian Air Force opened non-medical roles to women for the first time. Inspired by her seniors in uniform, she decided to apply and was selected among the top 25 women for the second batch of women officers. After rigorous training at the Air Force Technical College in Bengaluru, she was assigned to Mount Abu.
The experience of donning a uniform was empowering, yet it came with its own set of challenges. As one of only two women in a station of 300 personnel, she faced obstacles, including a lack of basic facilities and the need to establish trust among her male counterparts. Despite these hurdles, Manakame excelled in her roles across various postings, including commanding the signals unit at a large station, defying expectations in a predominantly male environment.
Embracing the IT Revolution
After completing her six-year service in the Air Force, Manakame faced another crossroads. Her brother’s tales of the booming IT industry piqued her interest, leading her to make the switch. She completed her short service commission, acquired the necessary training, and joined TCS as a developer. Despite starting anew with a pay cut, her journey quickly took her to Denmark for an assignment, followed by roles at Wipro Technologies and Nationwide in the US.
In 2005, Manakame joined Dell Technologies as a manager and has since climbed the ranks to become Vice President (IT). Notably, she was the first woman in India to be promoted to a Director role within Dell IT, paving the way for future female leaders in the industry.
Technology for Social Impact
At Dell, Manakame has combined her passion for technology with social responsibility. She leads the Tech CSR initiative, which aims to leverage technology for social good. Under her guidance, Dell has partnered with organizations like Mitra Jyothi to create Braille textbooks, significantly reducing production time. During the pandemic, her team developed a mobile-based solution to assist migrant workers, demonstrating the potential for technology to address pressing social issues.
Cultivating Future Leaders
Throughout her diverse career, Manakame has explored various domains, including sales, marketing, and data science. Currently, she focuses on transforming Dell’s AI Ops platform through digital innovation. She is equally dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders, especially women in tech.
To support this mission, she introduced mentor circles at Dell, creating spaces for women to share experiences and challenges. These circles provide invaluable support, helping participants recognize that they are not alone in their journeys and offering collective wisdom to navigate obstacles.
A Bright Future for Women in Tech
Reflecting on the evolving landscape for women in technology, Manakame remains optimistic. She notes a significant increase in female representation in engineering, with her own experiences serving as a catalyst for change within her family and community. As the first woman engineer in her family, she now sees younger cousins pursuing careers in engineering, highlighting a positive shift in societal attitudes.
Teja Manakame continues to inspire both at Dell Technologies and in the broader tech community. With her unwavering focus on mentorship, innovation, and social impact, she is not only charting her own course but also creating pathways for future leaders. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of lifting others as we climb.
