When one speaks of leadership that inspires change both inside and outside the corporate world, the name Anu Chitrapu inevitably comes to mind. She is a woman who has not only excelled in the competitive world of finance and strategy but has also dedicated her life to creating opportunities for women, uplifting marginalized communities, and fighting for social justice. Her journey is a powerful reminder that leadership goes beyond titles—it is about impact, passion, and the courage to make a difference.
Anu Chitrapu: A Distinguished Corporate Career
Anu Chitrapu is the Senior Vice-President and Global Procurement Executive at Bank of America, where she has consistently demonstrated excellence and vision. Her ability to motivate teams, inspire colleagues, and deliver results has won her awards for exceptional performance. Recognized as part of the high potential women leaders group, she has also taken on the role of Executive Sponsor for the Asian Leadership Network in Boston, fostering diversity and inclusion at the highest levels.
Her professional rise is no accident. In her own words, success comes from exceeding expectations, cultivating strong mentorship networks, and never ceasing to learn. By breaking down complex problems into simple, actionable solutions, she has built a reputation as a strategic problem-solver who can lead with both clarity and empathy.
Leadership at TiE Boston and Beyond
Outside the corporate world, Anu Chitrapu has played an instrumental role in empowering women entrepreneurs. Since 2004, she has been actively engaged with TiE Boston, co-creating the TiE Women’s Initiative (TiEWIN). The initiative has inspired countless women by bringing global icons like Indra Nooyi to share their journeys. As a charter member and board member, Anu continues to guide the community with vision and dedication.
Her work with TiE is a reflection of her deep belief that women must be given the tools, networks, and platforms to achieve their dreams.
Nyrvaana: A Social Enterprise with Purpose
Passion for social causes led Anu to co-found Nyrvaana, a unique social enterprise created with her sisters. The mission was two-fold: saving fabric from landfills and providing meaningful employment to disadvantaged women. Through Nyrvaana, Anu demonstrates how business can intersect with sustainability and social impact, showing that entrepreneurship can create real change in society.
Anu Chitrapu: Service to Nonprofits and Community Impact
Beyond business, Anu has made a significant mark in the nonprofit sector. She served as President of Vision Aid, an organization helping the visually challenged, where she pioneered a fundraising model that transformed its growth trajectory. She also actively contributes to the boards of Saheli and Direct Action for Women Now (DAWN), and supports organizations such as the American India Foundation (AIF) and Ekal Vidyalaya.
For Anu, philanthropy is not just a responsibility—it is part of who she is. Inspired by her mother’s early work in charitable causes, she continues to dedicate her time and energy to empowering women, fighting gender-based violence, and promoting education.
A Passionate Writer and Storyteller
Writing has always been a creative outlet for Anu Chitrapu. Her short story, The Legacy, which highlighted inequity and injustice, won second place in the prestigious Katha International Short Story Competition. Today, she continues to write with purpose, aiming to raise awareness about social issues through her columns and creative works. Her writing is not only art but also activism.
Family and Personal Life
Anu’s personal life is as inspiring as her professional and philanthropic journey. She is married to Rama Ramakrishnan, a serial technology entrepreneur and current MIT professor. Together, they navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, with Anu playing a crucial behind-the-scenes role in Rama’s startups—from founding stages to successful exits. Their shared journey reflects her business acumen and emotional intelligence.
Originally from Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Asansol, West Bengal, Anu brings a rich cultural heritage to everything she does. Fluent in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Bengali, and English, she bridges cultures with ease. Together with her husband, she has raised two children, Rahul and Anjali, with values rooted in resilience, equality, and compassion.
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