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.

Return to Foundation Board Members page

Portrait of a woman wearing a sleeveless shirt, with shoulder length brown hair
  • Ballroom with round tables; in the foreground is a table of attendees. From left to right: Sara Desautel, Bank of America; Gab Decastro; Everett Elam, Computer and Assistive Technology Instructor; Jonathan Dymond Senior Donor Relations Manager; Greg Szabo, Director of Government & Public Relations; Raychel Callary, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Volunteer; George Abbott, President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

    Supporting People Who are Blind in the Greater Spokane Community – Opportunities Breakfast

    March 6th, 2024

    Last week, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. hosted our annual Opportunities Breakfast, a transformative morning dedicated to celebrating the lives of individuals who are blind and DeafBlind in the Greater Spokane Community. The [...]

  • Two men stand inside a machine shop, with their hands touching as they communicate via protactile.

    How Costco is Supporting Valuable Training for People Who Are DeafBlind

    February 29th, 2024

    In a world that continually strives for inclusivity and equal opportunities, there are shining examples of organizations that go above and beyond to make a difference. One such example is the remarkable partnership between Costco [...]

  • Two portraits, side by side. On the left is a light-skinned man with light brown hair, wearing a suit and smiling. On the right is a medium dark-skinned woman with brown curly hair, wearing a colorful floral shirt beneath a magenta blazer, smiling.

    John Craddock and Lachelle Smith Join the Lighthouse Board of Trustees

    October 18th, 2023

    The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is excited to announce two new exceptional additions to our Board of Trustees, John Craddock and Lachelle Smith. Their impressive backgrounds, dedication to their communities, and passion for [...]