The U.S. House of Representatives acknowledged Kamalakar “Kam” Shenai, an esteemed alumnus of the Saunders College of Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology, during the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebrations earlier this year. Shenai, who immigrated from India in 1976, reflected on his journey, emphasizing his determination and ambition upon arriving in the U.S. Armed with $208, an engineering degree, and a commitment to hard work, he pursued a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, before earning his business degree at Saunders College.
Launching his career in Buffalo, New York, Shenai began as a Xerox Corp salesman, progressing through various roles, ultimately serving as the head of marketing operations for Xerox North America. Later, he held the position of chief client officer at Sutherland Global Services in Rochester.
Post a kidney failure diagnosis and subsequent retirement, Shenai dedicated himself to community service. He co-founded the grassroots organization, Asian Pacific Islanders Coming Together (ACT), focused on amplifying AAPI voices through voter-participation initiatives. In an interview with Spectrum News 13, Shenai emphasized the organization’s mission to transform the AAPI voice from a whisper to a roar.
Additionally, Shenai contributes to health-related advocacy efforts through his role on the Kidney Advocacy Committee for the National Kidney Foundation. His multifaceted engagement includes serving on various boards, reflecting his commitment to community welfare and advocacy.
