Rita Kakati-Shah is the Founder and CEO of Uma, an international strategic consultancy that builds confidence, resilience, success, and leadership in women and minorities worldwide. She is also the President of Uma Global, a philanthropic venture dedicated to empowering youth and girls in Assam and Northeast India through educational, cultural, and leadership programming. A Distinguished Alumna of King’s College London, Rita has served on the Advisory Council of King’s Business School and is the inaugural President of the King’s Business School International Alumni Council.

An Honoree of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from US President Joe Biden and recipient of the Mahatma Gandhi Samman Award at the Houses of Parliament in London, Rita is recognized for her wide-ranging impact across business, education, leadership, and society. She has guest lectured, taught seminars, and developed curricula for institutions including Harvard University, King’s College London, London Business School, NYU Steinhardt, Baruch College, the University of Southern California, and several IIMs and IITs across India. A dynamic keynote speaker, bestselling author of The Goddess of Go-Getting, media commentator, mentor, television host, and trained classical Indian dancer, Rita brings together global leadership experience, cultural advocacy, and a deep commitment to empowering women, youth, and underserved communities.