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
  • Portrait of Shawn Dobbs, a light skinned man, wearing a blue suit.

    Shawn Dobbs Becomes New VP of Marketing & Public Relations

    July 8th, 2022

    Join us in congratulating Shawn Dobbs as the new VP of Marketing & Public Relations. Shawn comes to this role with a strong history of work at the Lighthouse. He joined the Lighthouse in [...]

  • George Abbott smiling in a garden holding a white cane

    Letter from President and CEO George Abbott

    June 14th, 2022

    On August 1, 2021, it was my honor to accept the position of President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. and I’m proud to be part of this incredible organization.

  • Roya, a dark haired woman smiling with her small white dog.

    Welcome New Lighthouse Foundation Board Members

    April 5th, 2022

    We are excited to introduce our newest Foundation Board members! We are so inspired by their commitment to the Lighthouse mission, and are grateful they are bringing their diverse skillsets to the Lighthouse! If [...]