Rahena Somdat
Rahena Somdat is a seasoned Organizational Design and Development professional with over a decade of experience in industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology, talent strategy, and enterprise transformation. She has partnered with senior leaders across global and regional organizations to design scalable solutions that align workforce strategy with evolving business priorities. Her expertise spans organizational design, change management, workforce planning, leadership development, and talent optimization, with a strong focus on creating inclusive and high-performing cultures.
Throughout her career, Rahena has progressed from a coordinator in talent development to a Senior Analyst at Citi, where she led projects involving spans-and-layers analysis, digital transformation of manual processes, and cross-functional workforce planning. She has a proven track record of streamlining operations, upskilling leaders, and implementing evidence-based solutions that drive measurable organizational effectiveness. Her analytical approach and ability to combine data-driven insights with systems thinking have consistently supported enterprise-wide improvements and long-term sustainability.
Rahena holds a Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Iona University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Capella University, with anticipated graduation in 2026. She is recognized for her leadership and academic excellence, including induction into Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Beyond her professional work, Rahena is deeply committed to philanthropic initiatives, serving as a board member of The Sandra Singh Foundation and a volunteer with Make-A-Wish Metro New York, reflecting her dedication to mentorship, resilience, and community impact.
• Advanced Certificate in Human Resources Development
• IRB Social/Behavioral Research Training
• Organizational Design: A Foundational Course for Practitioners
• Capella University – Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Organizational and Leadership Development
• Iona University – Master of Arts (MA), Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Queens College – Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology; Minor: Business and Liberal Arts
• Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society
• National Society of Leadership and Success (two-time inductee
• Served as College President during undergrad)
• National Engaged Leader Award 2018
• Outstanding Academic Record Scholarship at Iona University
• Delta Mu Delta
• National Society of Leadership and Success
• Society for Human Resources Management
• Psi Chi – The International Honor Society in Psychology
• Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)
• Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York
• The Sandra Singh Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to an eagerness to learn, taking initiative, and consistently going above and beyond. Being the daughter of immigrant parents and a first-generation college graduate, I faced small disadvantages early on, but I always worked through challenges and maximized opportunities. Starting from a coordinator role and working my way up to Senior Analyst reflects my dedication and persistence, and I aim to continue growing into management roles.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can have the career you love despite any setbacks that life can throw your way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women, especially those from minority or underrepresented backgrounds, to start at the beginning and work their way up. Do not let your background limit your ambitions. Consistent effort, continued learning, and demonstrating visible results can make a meaningful difference.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I encourage young women, especially those from minority or underrepresented backgrounds, to start at the beginning and work their way up. Do not let your background limit your ambitions. Consistent effort, continued learning, and demonstrating visible results can make a meaningful difference.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value resilience, mentorship, hard work, and a commitment to educational and professional excellence. I also believe in recognizing my achievements, motivating others, and supporting causes that are close to my heart, such as raising awareness for breast cancer through the Sandra Singh Foundation.