Rashmi Kommidi
Rashmi Kommidi is a data analyst and business intelligence professional known for blending creativity, analytics, and automation to drive impactful business decisions across finance, warehouse operations, e-commerce, and the cruise industry. Currently serving as a Finance Data Analyst at Carnival Cruise Line, she develops Power BI dashboards, analytics workflows, and executive reporting solutions that support fleet operations and financial performance monitoring. With expertise spanning SQL, Python, Azure, ETL pipelines, and AI-driven automation, Rashmi has built a reputation for transforming complex datasets into actionable insights through compelling data storytelling and user-focused dashboard design.
Her professional journey reflects a strong passion for continuous learning and innovation. After realizing her interests aligned more closely with visualization, pattern recognition, and strategic problem-solving than software development, she pursued a Master of Science in Business Analytics from The University of Texas at Dallas, where she strengthened her skills in machine learning, business intelligence, and applied analytics. Prior to joining Carnival Cruise Line, Rashmi worked as a Process and Data Analyst Intern at Tesla, where she improved warehouse and operational workflows through automation and analytics initiatives. She also gained international experience as a Data Analyst at Intentwise, delivering reporting solutions and KPI-driven insights across multiple global markets.
Beyond her technical accomplishments, Rashmi is deeply committed to mentorship, leadership, and data literacy advocacy. She has mentored more than 50 employees in Power BI through immersive analytics workshops and internal training cohorts at Carnival Cruise Line, helping teams build confidence in data-driven decision-making. Recognized for her collaborative leadership style and dedication to professional growth, she actively contributes to communities such as Women in Data and regularly engages in conversations around AI, analytics strategy, and intelligent automation. Her work continues to center on empowering organizations and individuals through accessible, impactful, and innovative use of data.
• Applying SQL to Real-World Problem
• Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Power BI
• Intermediate SQL
• The University of Texas at Dallas - M.S.
• Women in Data
What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely attribute my success to the opportunities that my family put me in - that foundation has been crucial. I also attribute it to my mentors who have had my back in pushing me to achieve great heights. And I attribute it to myself as well - being very focused in what I do, no matter how my day goes by. If I have to show up tomorrow, I make sure that I accommodate that within myself, so that level of focus has also helped me to get here. It's really been a combination of family support, excellent mentorship, and my own determination and focus.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is that you need to show up, even when you're not ready. This advice really resonates with me because showing up when you're not fully prepared will either teach you how far away you are from where you need to be, or it will surprise you with what you're actually capable of. It's about taking that leap and learning from the experience, regardless of whether you feel completely ready or not.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My first advice is to have great mentors around you. When choosing your mentor, choose someone who you want to be - whether it's their title, the way they show up in public, or the amount of responsibility they have. Choose the mentor in that way, and then have touchpoints with them weekly, bi-weekly, or something. It'll help you learn from their experiences, and I think it would be a faster pace to success that way. Second, go out there and build, fail fast, and learn fast. Don't be afraid of failure because it's how you grow. Third, I always say that your net worth would be your network. Network as much as possible, because you will only know so much until you keep exploring. The more you network, the more ideas and out of the box thinking you're going to have. This is especially important with the transition that's happening with AI and all the automation - having strong mentors, learning from failure, and building your network will help you navigate these changes successfully.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the challenges would be that this AI wave just hit, and everyone's trying to get there and use it. The challenges we're facing are both cost-wise and talent-wise - we need to have the exact right amount because with automation, costs would be on the rails, and we wouldn't be able to meet the talent needed for running things and systems smoothly. But on the opportunity side, if you upskill at the correct time, I think there are great opportunities out there. AI is automating a lot of things, but that's equally opening up a lot of opportunities. I think now is the time to hustle - if there's any day to hustle, it's now and today. Whoever gets on with this wave, I think they would have a lot of opportunities. It's a good, scary situation - challenging but full of potential for those who can navigate it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, the values most important to me are accountability, collaboration, and being very clear with your communications. I believe in being outspoken and clear in your speech, not being influenced or intimidated by anyone when communicating. On the personal side, I would stand with keeping up the promises that we make to ourselves first. I also value never giving up, no matter what challenges come my way. And finally, I think it's important to face fears one at a time - to face those fears and enjoy while you're doing it, taking things one step at a time rather than being overwhelmed.