Class of: 2006
College: Drexel University; Columbia Business School
Occupation: Entrepreneur & Author
Current City: Dubai, UAE
Shefali Karani ‘06 (née Ramsinghani) still remembers what it felt like to be a thoughtful and curious individual, shaped by a vibrant international upbringing between the United States, Mumbai, and Dubai. Her journey reflects the richness of global experiences and the confidence that comes from learning to adapt, connect, and lead across cultures. When Shefali joined the American School of Dubai in Grade 8, she couldn’t yet have imagined how deeply the school would influence her growing sense of identity, creativity, and purpose.
Her High School years included a brief return to Mumbai, where she attended the American School of Bombay, before coming back to ASD for her final two years. Rather than feeling like a disruption, the change became part of her broader story of resilience and self-discovery.
“It wasn’t easy changing schools, especially during High School,” she reflects. “But ASD felt like home once I came back.”
It was there that she found her rhythm and began to thrive—surrounded by mentors who encouraged her to pursue her passions, peers who became lifelong friends, and a community that helped her see the potential in her quiet determination. At ASD, Shefali began to believe in the power of her own voice and how it could one day help lead others.
Shefali pursued her academic studies at Drexel University, drawn to its entrepreneurial spirit and academic rigor. She graduated with honors in a dual major, minored in French, and later completed her MBA at the same institution, followed by a CIBE from Columbia Business School. But degrees and accolades only tell part of her story. At just 21, Shefali stepped into an executive role in her family’s publicly listed business—an opportunity that would be daunting for most new graduates. For Shefali, it was a calling she had long prepared for. “Because I had mentally committed to this path early on, I didn’t hesitate when I was asked to lead,” she says. “It felt like the natural next step.”
Shefali’s early entry into the corporate world came with great responsibility, but she embraced it with confidence and clarity of purpose. Stepping into an executive role shortly after graduation, she drew on her academic preparation, strong work ethic, and natural leadership instincts. What set her apart was her ability to bring a well-rounded perspective to her work—business-minded and strategic, yet also thoughtful, creative, and relationship-driven. Her success has been shaped not only by her professional skills but by her ability to lead with authenticity and vision.
That creativity eventually found another outlet: writing. Shefali is the author of Own It! Love What You Already Have, a personal and empowering reflection on gratitude, ambition, and self-acceptance. She’s written for Harper’s Bazaar, delivered a TED Talk, and become a voice for women striving to define success on their own terms. “Writing has always been part of my soul,” she says. “It’s where I process, connect, and share—and I love how it brings together both my personal and professional lives.”
In 2025, Shefali received Drexel University’s Distinguished Alumni Award—their highest honor—and yet, what she’s most proud of isn’t a title or recognition. It’s being able to continue her work while raising a young child, a reality she credits to her family’s unwavering support. “Success isn’t just about milestones,” she says.
“It’s about how you move through life with purpose, humility, and gratitude. And sometimes, just showing up and continuing is the greatest success of all.”
To current ASD students, especially those who might feel unsure of themselves, Shefali offers heartfelt encouragement: “Don’t do something because others expect it. Do it because it speaks to you. The moment I stopped letting others define me was the moment my path became clear.” She knows what it’s like to second-guess, to be criticized, and to wonder if you’re enough. But she also knows what it’s like to emerge on the other side—stronger, more centered, and deeply fulfilled.
Now based in Dubai, Shefali remains an active member of the Columbia Business School Women’s Circle and Drexel’s Women in Business Alumni Council. And she continues to find joy in staying connected to ASD, the place where her story truly began.
“You never know when your story might help someone else,” she says. “If my journey can inspire even one student to believe in their voice, then it’s all worth it.”
