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
  • March Kindness graphic with an illustration of a student and instructor connecting through computers

    March Kindness 2022

    February 28th, 2022

    With your help we can spread kindness this March, raise support for our critical remote training programs, and empower people who are blind and low vision in our community.

  • Image of the outside of the building with "Inland Northwest Lighthouse" in large letters above the doors.

    Meet Laura Hard, Inland Northwest Lighthouse Advisory Council Chair

    September 16th, 2021

    Inland Northwest Advisory Council I have been fortunate enough to be on the Inland Northwest Lighthouse (INL) Advisory Council for over six years. I recently joined the Foundation Board in early 2020. It has been [...]

  • Portrait of George Abbott standing inside. He is wearing a suit and smiling.

    Senior VP George Abbott Selected as New President & CEO

    July 16th, 2021

    We are thrilled to announce, along with Chairman of the Board of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Jude Johnson, that Senior Vice President George Abbott will succeed President and CEO, Cindy Watson, and [...]