Shemyla Anwar

Shemyla Anwar is a technology and product leader with more than 20 years of experience building AI, data, and platform-driven systems at companies including Amazon, Expedia, GEICO, and Microsoft. Throughout her career, she has led large-scale digital transformation initiatives focused on innovation, customer experience, partnerships, and scalable growth.

Shemyla is passionate about building inclusive systems and creating opportunities for underserved communities. Across her leadership roles, she introduced mentorship, sponsorship, and returnship programs that significantly increased diverse representation within engineering and technology organizations. She also actively supports women in technology through mentorship and engagement with organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers and Girls Who Code.

Outside of her professional work, Shemyla serves on the board of a K–12 school for underprivileged students in India. What began as a small kindergarten has grown into a broader educational and community institution supporting education, healthcare initiatives including cataract surgeries and vaccinations, and certification programs for the local community.

Her connection to the Lighthouse mission is also deeply personal as a parent navigating visual impairment within her family. She is especially interested in helping expand partnerships, employment opportunities, and innovation that can further empower people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with additional disabilities.

Shemyla is excited to contribute her experience in partnerships, technology, and community impact to support the Lighthouse’s mission and future growth.

Portrait of a woman wearing a sleeveless shirt, with shoulder length brown hair
  • Barbara Ross and Mary Cabrian dressed in post-Edwardian attire.

    High Tea Event Raised $10,000!

    February 5th, 2016

    Barbara Ross and Mary Cabrian dressed in post-Edwardian attire. The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. traveled back in time to the post-Edwardian era for a cup of afternoon tea. Lady Barbara Ross and [...]

  • President and Interim CEO Harry Egler

    Tenured Board Chair, Harry Egler, to Become Interim President and CEO at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.; Kirk Adams to Succeed President and CEO at The American Foundation for the Blind

    February 2nd, 2016

    Kirk Adams, President and CEO Our President and CEO Kirk Adams announced today that he will succeed longtime President and CEO, Carl R. Augusto, who is retiring after 25 years of distinguished service [...]

  • DeafBlind Retreat participant Steven Frank (left) in a yoga workshop during the 2009 DeafBlind Retreat at Seabeck, WA

    Foundation Board Members Needed – Help Create Jobs!

    July 15th, 2015

    For 97 years, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. has provided jobs, independence, and empowerment for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities in our community. As a nonprofit social enterprise, our mission [...]