1Congratulations on your achievement in the TITAN Women In Business Awards! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your role, as well as your business or organization?
Thank you! I’m honored to be recognized. I’m Hitali Shah, currently an Advanced Insights Analyst at Electronic Arts. With dual master’s degrees in Business Analytics and Computer Science, I’ve had the privilege of shaping data strategies at leading organizations like EA and LinkedIn.
My work focuses on leveraging statistical modeling, behavioral analytics, and AI to optimize experiences for millions of users worldwide. Beyond my corporate role, I also serve on the Advisory Board for the Women Awards in Business Intelligence and act as a judge for global innovation awards, advocating inclusive excellence in tech.
2Winning such a prestigious award is a milestone for many. How did you feel when you first learned about your win, and what does this recognition mean to you personally or professionally?
When I learned I had won, it was both humbling and energizing. Personally, it validated years of persistent effort, learning, and sometimes taking the road less traveled. Professionally, it affirmed that responsible, impactful data work can and should be recognized. It’s also a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come as women in data—and how much further we can go.
3What inspired you to submit your entry for this competition, and what aspects of your submission made you feel confident it could stand out?
I was inspired by TITAN’s commitment to celebrating women who lead with both innovation and purpose. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working at the intersection of technology and business, delivering insights that have helped shape user experiences, product design, and organizational strategies.
What gave me confidence was the multidimensional nature of my journey: blending deep technical skills with a focus on mentorship and community engagement. I believed this holistic perspective on leadership through data could stand out.
4Is there a particular moment in your career or business journey that you consider a turning point? How did it shape your path to this achievement?
A real turning point came when I was tasked with driving insight for a high-visibility initiative that had a direct impact on user engagement and business outcomes. The stakes were high, and the challenge required not just technical excellence but clear communication, stakeholder alignment, and strategic thinking.
Navigating that experience helped me step into a more cross-functional, leadership-oriented role. It reinforced my belief that data work isn't just about numbers; it's about influence, empathy, and storytelling.
5Were there significant obstacles you faced along the way, and how did you or your team overcome them to reach this success?
One ongoing challenge is navigating underrepresentation as a woman in a technical field. I’ve faced skepticism and systemic biases, but I’ve relied on mentorship, continuous learning, and a strong support system. Building credibility through outcomes, staying grounded in purpose, and mentoring others has been my way of turning challenges into momentum.
6Winning is often just the beginning. How do you plan to leverage this recognition to further your business goals or inspire others in your industry?
I plan to use this platform to advocate more boldly for inclusive hiring and mentorship in STEM. This recognition opens doors to new collaborations, speaking engagements, and leadership opportunities where I can amplify the importance of using data responsibly and the value of diverse voices in shaping that data.
7Participating in awards can be a learning experience. What do you think is the greatest benefit of entering competitions like this?
The process forces you to pause and reflect on your impact—something we often overlook in fast-paced careers. It’s a chance to articulate your value, benchmark against industry peers, and gain visibility in ways that can catalyze growth, partnerships, and confidence.
8Is there someone in your team or organization whose efforts played a significant role in this achievement that you'd like to acknowledge?
Absolutely. I’m grateful to the cross-functional partners at EA and LinkedIn who brought curiosity, rigor, and collaboration to every project, as well as to the mentors who challenged and championed me throughout this journey.
9The business landscape is ever-changing. What trends or developments do you see shaping the future of your industry, and how are you or your business preparing to adapt?
AI continues to evolve rapidly, bringing both opportunity and responsibility. I see ethical AI, explainability, and user-centric design becoming non-negotiable.
10Looking back at your journey, is there any advice you would give your younger self or someone just starting out in your industry?
Trust the compound effect of small, consistent efforts. Be curious, not just about tools but about people. And don’t underestimate the power of storytelling—it’s what transforms data into decisions.
11For those who are considering to enter, what advice would you share about crafting a strong submission or maximizing their chances of success?
Focus on outcomes, not just outputs. Highlight the ‘why’ behind your work, the impact it created, and the innovation it embodied. And stay authentic—judges can sense when a story is genuine and purpose-driven.
12What’s next for you or your business after this recognition? Are there any exciting projects, collaborations, or goals that you would like to share?
I’m exploring opportunities to scale my impact through mentorship programs and thought leadership.
13Lastly, is there anything you’d like to share with us or the business community? Perhaps a final reflection, message, or insight?
Recognition like this is never the finish line; rather, it’s a checkpoint. Let’s keep building inclusive, ethical, and forward-thinking ecosystems where data empowers everyone. To the next generation of women in tech, I want to highlight that your seat at the table is not just earned, it’s essential.
