Fellow:Hema Sai

Hema Sai Ari is a University Innovation Fellow Candidate from KL University and a graduate with a Master’s in Business Analytics and Information Systems from the University of South Florida. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from KL University, where he graduated as the Silver Medalist of the 2017 Mechanical Engineering cohort. His academic journey reflects a strong blend of analytical thinking, engineering depth, and a commitment to continuous learning

HEMA SAI ARI

Professionally, Hema has worked as a Data Analyst at Vunique Solutions and a Junior Data Engineer at Centurion Software Solutions, gaining practical experience in data modeling, analytics, system development, and process improvement. He is currently the Business Data and Process Analyst at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, where he leads optimization, analytics, system improvements, and cross-functional operational processes. In this role, Hema supports the organization’s mission by improving data systems, streamlining workflows, enhancing technology adoption, and enabling data-driven decision-making across operations, logistics, and partner services.

Hailing from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Hema has lived in multiple cities, broadening his exposure to diverse environments and perspectives. Throughout his academic and early professional career, he actively engaged in curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities. Notably, he was part of the Winning Team of the E-Bike Racing Challenge 2019 and a Semifinalist Team at the Asian E-Bike Racing Challenge 2019.

Hema also served in several leadership and technical roles during his time at KL University, including:

Technical Chief, Team Gavisti (Electric Bike Manufacturing Team)
Vice Captain, Team Garuda Racing (Formula Car Manufacturing Team)
Technical Head, Mechanical Engineering Student Association (MESA)
Technical Lead, Yantrik Techno Fest
Organizing Committee Lead, Champions of Champions 2020
Member, Center for Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), where he organized and participated in various innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.

In addition to his academic and technical leadership, Hema has contributed to social impact through his work as a Vision Guardian and Fundraising Volunteer with Make A Difference (MAD), one of India’s top nonprofit organizations recognized for its impact on youth.

Today, Hema combines his technical expertise, data acumen, and leadership experience in his work at Second Harvest, continuously focusing on building efficient systems, improving organizational processes, and creating solutions that uplift both internal teams and the communities they serve.