Influential Woman · Robotic Automation

Srujana Pentakota

NetSuite Business Analyst, Berkshire Grey

Arlington, MA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering Degree India Degree Master's in Engineering Management Degree Northeastern University Degree Boston Cert Lean Six Sigma Cert LinkedIn Logistics Course Cert NetSuite Certificate

Her Story

About Srujana

I have always been in the mechanical field, starting with my bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in India, followed by a master's in engineering management from Northeastern University in Boston. Before coming to the United States, I worked as a supply chain analyst at a small startup company in India, where I was the person dealing with all supply chain activities including receiving, shipping, and logistics. I wanted to upgrade myself academically and learn about different technologies in the United States, so I pursued my master's degree, taking courses in supply chain, logistics, and operations management. These courses and projects helped me secure my current position. I started at Berkshire Brave as a contractor in a technical purchasing admin role, supporting supply chain from the back end. I was the first person in that role and built it from the ground up, which my team and supply chain director appreciated. My performance led to a transition into a direct supply chain role as a NetSuite Business Analyst, where I now handle inventory, planning, and reports. After my transition, I successfully educated the entire engineering team so they could work without the technical purchasing function I had created. This transition from technical purchasing to supply chain is one of my greatest achievements to date.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Srujana

01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say you'll get a lot of people along your way who will say you can't do it. If someone is in the mechanical field, everyone around you would say you can't do it because you're a female. It's tough for a female to be in an industry where there are a lot of men, but I would say you should not stop just because people are saying that. I got a lot of comments from people saying that mechanical is tough, you should probably go into IT or computer science or something, but I didn't stop. I stuck to what I wanted, and I got what I wanted. Now, in my company, the majority of people are male, but there are a good number of females too. I think when we take a step forward, our younger generation will look up to us and get inspired, and they will also follow along. So I just don't want them to stop what they're doing, and I want them to look forward and just go and chase their dreams.

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