Her Story
About Anagha
Anagha Dharasurkar is a technology leader representing San Jose, California, with a distinguished career in cloud infrastructure, technical program management, and emerging technologies. As a Senior Engineering Program Manager at Apple, she specializes in managing complex technical programs involving cloud-native applications, microservices, Kubernetes, and large-scale infrastructure solutions. With extensive experience across leading technology organizations, including Google, SAP, and Microsoft, Anagha has built a reputation for driving innovation, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering impactful technology solutions.
Anagha’s professional journey reflects her commitment to continuous learning, leadership, and innovation. She holds her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, the Customer Innovation Award from Stanford University, and an AI-Driven Leadership: Strategies for the Future certificate issued by Stanford University. She also earned the ITIL V3 Foundation certification from AXELOS in 2016. Through her involvement with the Project Management Institute Bay Area Chapter in Silicon Valley, Anagha remains engaged with the technology and project management communities, continuing to share knowledge and contribute to industry advancement.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anagha is passionate about making a positive impact through service and mentorship. She volunteers with animal welfare organizations, including ASPCA and Silicon Valley Pet organizations, supporting causes close to her heart. She believes that success is not defined solely by attending prestigious institutions, but by having the right mindset, developing strong skills, embracing opportunities, and being willing to step outside of one’s comfort zone. Through her own career journey, Anagha inspires others to recognize their potential and pursue their goals with confidence, dedication, and perseverance.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anagha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to more than 15 years of experience in the technology industry, along with my continuous commitment to learning, adaptability, and growth. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering in India, I began my career as a software developer and built my expertise through diverse roles at leading technology organizations, including Google, SAP Labs, Microsoft, and currently Apple. Throughout my journey, I have embraced new challenges, developed hands-on technical expertise, and contributed to impactful projects, including DevBox at Microsoft and innovative storage solutions at Apple. My dedication to hard work, curiosity, and staying ahead of industry trends has been instrumental to my growth, and earning my recent AI certification from Stanford University reflects my ongoing commitment to expanding my knowledge and skills in an evolving technology landscape.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to embrace change, continuously learn, and never be afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. Over my 18-year career journey, I have learned the importance of adaptability and resilience, from starting as a software developer in India working with Java and J2EE frameworks to transitioning into business analysis and program management roles. When I moved from the East Coast to Silicon Valley in 2013, I faced the challenge of rebuilding my technical reputation and proving myself in a highly competitive environment. Through hands-on experience working on BigQuery and Big Data Analytics at Google, cloud-native technologies and containerization at SAP Labs, and now storage solutions, including iCloud, at Apple, I have learned that staying curious, taking on new challenges, and remaining committed to growth are key drivers of long-term success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the technology industry is to stay current with emerging technologies and embrace lifelong learning. The field is constantly evolving, and continuous growth is essential to remain competitive and create new opportunities. While my role is highly technical and similar to that of an engineering manager, I focus on leading cross-functional programs, resolving technical challenges, and collaborating with technical leaders and engineers to drive progress. I encourage women to build confidence in their skills, seek out opportunities to expand their expertise, and remain curious, as a commitment to learning and adaptability will be invaluable throughout their careers.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now are centered around the rapid evolution of technology, particularly the growth of artificial intelligence and the need to continuously adapt. As a technology professional, I recognize that staying ahead requires a commitment to ongoing learning and expanding my skill set. Recently completing an AI certification from Stanford University has allowed me to deepen my understanding of emerging technologies and explore how AI can drive innovation and improve processes. While the pace of change presents challenges, it also creates tremendous opportunities to develop new solutions, enhance collaboration, and leverage technology to solve complex problems. I believe professionals who remain curious, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning will be best positioned to thrive in this evolving landscape.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, continuous growth, and the ability to inspire others. I believe in sharing my journey to show young women that with hard work, dedication, and determination, it is possible to build the career of your dreams and create opportunities anywhere in the world. I value lifelong learning and professional development, which is reflected in the certifications and achievements I have pursued, including my PMP certification, Stanford Customer Innovation Award, and ITIL V3 Foundation certification. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors, especially connecting with nature. I am also deeply passionate about giving back to my community through volunteer work with animal shelters, including organizations such as ASPCA and Silicon Valley Humane Society, where I can make a positive impact and support causes that are meaningful to me.
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