Nishita’s Bio
Nishita Henry is Deloitte’s US Consulting Chief Innovation Officer, advising clients nationwide on topics of modernization and innovation, digitizing government, cloud strategy, and customer experience. She will be driving forward the firm’s innovation agenda working with the external ecosystem including the startup community and growth companies, to evolve our solutions, offerings and delivery methods. Ms. Henry holds an MBA from Darden, University of Virginia, and a BS in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She has been with Deloitte Consulting since 2005. She lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband and two daughters who keep her busy with dance, dance, and more dance!
WITH GROUPS CREATING PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE FEMALES TO CONSIDER STEM, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST BARRIER TO ENTRY THAT IS STILL PREVALENT TODAY?
Self-confidence and lack of knowledge. Often I see women who don’t think they are smart enough or just think they aren’t good at math or science – it’s all in your head! Other times, women think they have to be isolated or just sit in front on a computer if they follow a STEM field – this is just not true. There are so many options to use your people skills, creativity, AND STEM skills. For examples, as a consultant, I work with clients to imagine new solutions; architects design buildings; doctors solve medical mysteries and work with patients. So please explore and be open to thinking differently!
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU?
People who are passionate about what they do – its infectious. Doesn’t matter what it is – when I see someone light up about what they do or are working on, I get excited!
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT/ACCOMPLISHMENT?
Watching my children grow into young ladies and develop into their own people! They amaze me every day with their initiative, poise, and sense of humor. Being a parent has a range of emotions and really makes you realize that nothing is actually in your control. It is incredibly grounding.