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Spotlights by HRCap: Top 11 South Asian American Influencers to Follow in 2025

  • noemy40
  • Jul 31
  • 4 min read

Published by HRCap, Inc. on July 31, 2025


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South Asian Americans are powering a new era of progress across technology, finance, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. In celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, we proudly present the "Top 11 South Asian American Influencers to Follow in 2025", a group of standout individuals who are leading in their industries and reshaping the national and global landscape with ingenuity, purpose, and cultural depth.


Their accomplishments reflect more than just success stories. They reveal a shared narrative of persistence, bold thinking, and meaningful leadership. Whether transforming digital infrastructure, elevating wellness rooted in heritage, or building billion-dollar ventures from the ground up, these trailblazers are setting bold precedents for what modern leadership can look like.


Each voice in this spotlight signals a new paradigm, where purpose fuels progress and identity informs impact. Leaving set movements in motion, leading with intention, shaping systems with care, and leaving behind more than legacies.



Top 11 South Asian American Influencers



As the CEO of YouTube, Neal Mohan stands at the helm of one of the world’s most influential platforms. His product-first mindset and digital foresight continue to shape how billions consume content, engage with creators, and access information.


Mohan is a thought leader in tech strategy, known for blending user-centric design with ethical innovation. He exemplifies the power of quiet influence, driving change not with noise but with intention and scale.



Serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Truebill (acquired by Rocket Companies), Haroon Mokhtarzada is revolutionizing personal finance. His work simplifies financial literacy and empowers users to take control of their budgets with clarity and confidence.


As a proud Afghan-American changemaker, Mokhtarzada merges innovation with advocacy, encouraging greater representation and uplifting voices across the startup landscape.



Padmasree Warrior is a tech powerhouse, having led at companies like Cisco, Motorola, and NIO. Now as Founder and CEO of Fable, she’s creating a platform focused on mindful reading and well-being in the digital age.


Known for her boundary-pushing vision, Warrior is a role model for women in STEM and executive leadership. Her influence extends beyond corporate leadership, as she consistently pushes for inclusion and authentic representation in tech.



Qasar Younis, Co-Founder and CEO of Applied Intuition, leads a company shaping the future of autonomous vehicles. With a foundation built at Y Combinator and deep experience in engineering and operations, Younis is uniquely positioned to drive scalable, high-impact innovation.


As a Pakistani-American founder, Younis champions scalable innovation while advocating for greater representation in tech and entrepreneurship.



Currently the CEO of Tubi and former CEO of Vimeo, Anjali Sud has carved a distinctive path as a media and tech executive. She is recognized for scaling platforms with purpose and leading inclusive, high-performing teams.


Sud’s leadership style is marked by transparency and agility. As a champion for accessible storytelling and diverse representation, she is redefining what it means to lead in streaming and beyond.



As Co-Founder and CEO of Alchemy, Nikil Viswanathan is building the world’s leading blockchain infrastructure company. Often referred to as the “AWS of Web3,” Alchemy powers the next generation of decentralized apps across industries.


Viswanathan’s career is rooted in pushing technological boundaries while keeping users at the center. His relentless curiosity and builder spirit make him a key figure in the future of digital innovation.



As Founder and former CEO of Stax Payments, Suneera Madhani is a fintech trailblazer who turned a disruptive idea into a unicorn. Now as host of the CEO School podcast and advocate for women entrepreneurs, she’s amplifying access to capital and leadership.


Madhani’s journey is one of grit and self-belief. She encourages others to lead boldly, own their narrative, and build businesses that drive value and visibility.



Nikhil Basu Trivedi is a prolific venture capitalist and Co-Founder of Footwork, a firm backing early-stage founders with conviction and care. Previously a Managing Director at Shasta Ventures, he’s helped launch and scale iconic consumer brands.


Trivedi brings an editorial lens to investing, curating thoughtful insights on industry trends. His approach is rooted in authenticity, making him a trusted partner to visionary founders and a rising voice in venture.



Shiza Shahid is a globally recognized social entrepreneur and investor. As Co-Founder of the Malala Fund and Founder of NowVentures, she continues to uplift founders who prioritize social impact, education, and gender equity.


Her mission-driven leadership is grounded in empathy and courage, making her a powerful voice for change in both business and global advocacy.



Sri Lankan-American founder Sajani Amarasiri is bringing South Asian wellness rituals to a modern audience through Kola Goodies. By combining ancestral ingredients with direct sourcing and ethical practices, she is building a brand that celebrates culture while disrupting the wellness space.


Amarasiri’s vision is rooted in community uplift and authentic storytelling, both of which shape how her brand resonates with global consumers.



Founder and CEO of SecurityPal, Pukar Hamal is changing how companies manage security questionnaires through automation and AI. His work streamlines security processes for enterprise teams and improves efficiency at scale.


Hamal also champions broader inclusion in the tech space, drawing from his experience as a Nepali-American innovator in Silicon Valley.



Conclusion


Each individual spotlighted here carries a story that expands beyond personal triumph. Together, they reflect a vibrant mosaic of what South Asian American excellence looks like when infused with conviction, courage, and clarity.


Their influence is not confined to titles or milestones. It flows into the systems they reimagine, the communities they elevate, and the generations they inspire. They are not following blueprints. They are drafting them for others to rise.


As we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, we honor not just where they come from, but where they are taking us. Their leadership is a reminder that the most powerful legacies are those that plant new seeds of possibility, lighting the way for others to lead with depth, intention, and pride.



Sources: HRCap, LinkedIn, Insider Inc., Forbes, Rocket Companies Inc., Fable Group Inc., Fortune Media IP Limited, Tubi Inc., Mansueto Ventures, TechCrunch Media LLC., Alchemy Insights Inc., Applied Intuition Inc., CEO School, SecurityPal AI, Malala Fund, Kola Goodies Inc.



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