Punita Mehta
Punita Mehta is a seasoned Strategic Product and Implementation Manager specializing in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. With over 15 years of experience, she has delivered enterprise SaaS, AI/ML, and supply-chain solutions for Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. Her expertise lies in bridging the gap between business and technology, leading cross-functional teams, and launching scalable products using Agile methodologies, API integrations, data analytics, and cloud platforms. Punita is recognized for her ability to translate complex requirements into measurable business outcomes and drive innovation across diverse projects.
Throughout her career, Punita has contributed extensively to AI model training and data annotation, working with major tech companies such as Google and Meta. She has focused on enabling language and content for generative AI models, virtual assistants, and chatbots, while maintaining flexibility as a remote, independent contributor on global teams. Prior to her transition into technology in 2009, she gained valuable experience in social services and allied health as a clinical case manager at Aunt Martha’s, where she emphasized health and wellness from a psychological perspective.
Punita holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Business Administration from Lewis University and a Master’s degree in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. She actively engages in professional development and volunteer initiatives, including roles with the American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and other organizations. Passionate about innovation, mentorship, and the ethical impact of technology, Punita continues to drive transformational projects that combine technical expertise with societal benefit.
• AI for Product Management
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - M.S.
• American Red Cross
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• Kiwanis International
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
• ACES (Athletes Committed to Educating Students)
• UNICEF
• Seva Foundation
• PETA
• World Health Organization
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say my strong faith, just hard work, and working smart. I remain positive and persistent, and I persevere through challenges. I've learned to learn from my experiences and mistakes - they're really opportunities to learn something, as long as you don't repeat them again. That resilience and ability to keep going is what has helped me succeed.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received is that there's no such thing as failure. You should always try all the outcomes and approach problems strategically. Instead of hesitating or overthinking, you get the right resources you need and then move accordingly based on your knowledge and experience. You always persevere, and that's how you become resilient. It's important to understand the business objectives correctly, so you ask your reporting managers or team to ensure you give the right outcome delivery.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to have a good mentorship. If you have opportunities for internship, that's great - be an intern. But if not, when you're just getting your foot in the door, make sure you have some type of associate that you can believe in. Build that trust and loyalty so they can guide you with any questions you may have and be there for you as a good support system through any ups and downs. Having that mentor or trusted person is really important, otherwise it can be challenging.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the challenges are that AI is so fast-paced in how it's developing right now. It's ever-changing and evolving, and it will take some jobs later on in the future. That's something I still think about - where would I fit at that point in time. But the positive side is that I get to train these AI models and interact with them through chat and everything. Understanding their reasoning abilities and problem-solving, and just everything that the models have achieved so far, makes me feel really proud of being part of that team. There's a real sense of accomplishment - I'm one in a hundred, but that feels pretty self-fulfilling and rewarding.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values I hold most important in both my work and personal life are integrity and humility. I strive to act with honesty and transparency in all situations, while remaining open to learning from others and acknowledging the contributions of those around me.
Locations
APNI Services Inc.
Aurora, IL 60506