Indira Gunda Saladi, founder and president of Orchard, Inc., has been appointed to the Board of Trustees at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Saladi brings extensive experience from her career in technology and business, which includes roles in startups and large corporations. She has been recognized for mentoring women and immigrants through her various professional endeavors.

Saladi expressed her gratitude upon joining the board, stating: “I am deeply honored to join the Illinois Institute of Technology Board of Trustees. Illinois Tech has been a fundamental part of my journey, and I am excited to give back by helping to create meaningful opportunities for students to thrive in technology and business."

Her involvement with Illinois Tech is appreciated by university leaders. Raj Echambadi, President of Illinois Tech, remarked on her impact: “Our whole Illinois Tech community is profoundly honored that Indira is joining the Board of Trustees... Her impact will resonate deeply within our community.”

Saladi's commitment extends beyond her professional achievements; she honors her father’s legacy through initiatives like the Satyanarayana (Sam) Gunda International Student Thanksgiving Celebration Fund. This fund fosters inclusion among international students.

Throughout her career, Saladi has held significant positions including as chief intellectual property counsel at Zebra Technologies Corp., director of patents at Accenture LLP, and general counsel at Neelyx Labs, Inc. She also contributes as an adviser to several health care companies and serves on boards related to innovation and tech entrepreneurship.

Michael P. Galvin, chair of the Illinois Tech Board of Trustees, praised Saladi’s dedication: “Indira’s leadership and success in law and business are a testament to the impact Illinois Tech has on its alumni... Her dedication to mentorship... will be a source of inspiration for our students."

Saladi holds degrees in electrical engineering from both Illinois Tech and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, along with a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago.

The Illinois Institute of Technology remains committed to advancing technology education within Chicago's dynamic environment.