Following a comprehensive months-long election process for Harvard University’s top governance and alumni bodies, two Indian American women have secured prominent leadership positions, marking a notable moment in the university’s administrative landscape.
Arti Garg has been elected to the Harvard Board of Overseers, which is the university’s second-highest governing body. She will serve a six-year term, contributing to one of the most influential oversight structures at Harvard. Currently based in California, Garg serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Technologist at AVEVA, an information technology consulting firm. She is also an accomplished academic, holding a doctorate from Harvard University, along with degrees from Stanford University and the University of Washington.
The Board of Overseers, established in the 17th century, plays a critical role in Harvard’s governance. It oversees institutional review processes, including academic evaluations of various schools and departments, ensuring quality and accountability across the university’s academic ecosystem.
During her earlier remarks to the media, Garg highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue within academic institutions. She expressed concern that open and respectful communication is becoming increasingly difficult in modern discourse. She emphasized that universities should remain spaces where individuals can engage with differing viewpoints thoughtfully, even when consensus is not reached.
Alongside her appointment, Medha Gargeya has been elected to the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), the organization responsible for maintaining connections between Harvard graduates worldwide. Gargeya is a graduate of both Harvard Law School and Harvard College. She currently works as a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School and also serves as a senior associate at the international law firm WilmerHale, where she focuses on areas involving government, technology, and business.
The Harvard Alumni Association plays a key role in fostering engagement among graduates by organizing events, professional networking opportunities, and community programs that help maintain lifelong ties with the university. Gargeya will contribute to strengthening these initiatives and expanding alumni participation.
Both appointments reflect the conclusion of a structured university-wide election process. Arti Garg officially assumed her position on May 29, while Medha Gargeya is scheduled to begin her term with the Alumni Association on July 1. Their selection highlights the growing representation of Indian American professionals in influential academic leadership roles at globally recognized institutions.
