Suman Shekhar’s journey from being an ambitious student in India to a successful entrepreneur in Canada is a testament to her resilience, expertise, and visionary leadership. As a female Indian immigrant, Suman’s path has been marked by significant achievements and challenges, which she has navigated with determination and skill.
Educational Pursuits in the USA
Suman’s journey began in India, where she completed her Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from West Bengal University of Technology. Eager to expand her horizons and enhance her career prospects, she moved to the United States to pursue an MBA at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Her academic excellence was recognized with a merit-based full scholarship, and she graduated with honors, including membership in Beta Gamma Sigma and Pi Alpha Alpha honor societies.
Professional Growth in the USA
After completing her MBA, Suman embarked on a career in IT and project management. She worked with several prominent organizations, including Monsoon Commerce, Zimmer Biomet, and FordDirect. Her roles involved managing complex ERP implementations, data warehouse solutions, and CRM systems. Suman’s ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver high-quality projects on time earned her a reputation as a skilled IT manager.
At Monsoon Commerce, Suman provided management consulting and sales business process analysis to the CEO, customized and implemented Salesforce CRM, and created predictive revenue models. Her work at Zimmer Biomet involved managing master data management projects and ensuring compliance with US Justice Department reporting requirements. At FordDirect, she managed multiple agile software development and data migration initiatives, showcasing her versatility and expertise in both Agile and Waterfall methodologies.
Transition to Canada and Entrepreneurial Venture
In 2021, Suman moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where she took on the role of Project Manager at Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). Here, she managed the implementation of a Distributed Order Management application as part of a Global D2C program and played a crucial role in planning and executing a multimillion-dollar SAP S/4 HANA Ecosystem Implementation project.
Inspired by her extensive experience and a desire to make a broader impact, Suman decided to start her own IT consulting firm in Ontario. Her firm focuses on providing ERP implementation, project management, and business analysis services to Canadian clients. Suman’s entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of IT and business processes have enabled her to build a successful consulting practice.
Educating and Mentoring Fresh Graduates
In addition to her consulting work, Suman is passionate about giving back to the community. She dedicates time to educating and mentoring fresh graduates, helping them navigate the complexities of the IT industry. Through workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one mentoring, Suman shares her knowledge and experiences, empowering the next generation of IT professionals.
Suman Shekhar’s journey from India to the USA and then to Canada is a remarkable story of perseverance, skill, and leadership. Her success as an IT manager and entrepreneur, coupled with her commitment to mentoring young professionals, makes her an inspiring figure in the IT industry. Suman’s ability to overcome challenges and seize opportunities has not only shaped her career but also positively impacted the organizations and individuals she has worked with.
