Indiana Chamber names Dynamic Leader of the Year

The chief executive officer of Fishers-based tech and business advisory firm Trident Systems LLC has been named the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Dynamic Leader of the Year. Rupal Thanawala, who is also a long-time community advocate, will be presented with the honor at the chamber’s annual awards banquet in November.

Thanawala is a professional service provider specializing in business strategy and digital transformation for supply chain and global financial compliance. Thanawala’s company employs 50 people and is quickly growing its footprint, which currently includes more than 30 countries.

“When you think about leadership, you think about someone with initiative and drive to make things better for others,” said Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “Whether working on behalf of her clients, serving as a mentor for her employees or countless other groups – particularly those that are under-represented, or jumping in with both feet on any number of volunteer efforts, Rupal exhibits those traits.”

The Mumbai native, who moved to the U.S. three decades ago, has championed several under-represented groups over the years. Thanawala has served as president of the Asian American Alliance, board member of BDPA, formerly the Black Data Processing Associates, and technology editor for the Indianapolis Recorder.

“I’m truly a servant leader,” says Thanawala. “It’s my personal calling. As a business leader, we owe it to give back to our community. It’s imperative that we give back in terms of tech education, working on issues regarding diversity and inclusion, and preparing leaders of various backgrounds for tomorrow.”

Last year, the chamber says Thanawala spearheaded efforts to outfit Camp Atterbury with a commercial-grade computer lab for people uprooted from their Afghan homes. The digital literacy program initiated by Thanawala was expanded to nine military bases turned refugee camps throughout the U.S. and impacted 94,000 people.

The 2021 Indiana Chamber Dynamic Leader of the Year recipient was Megan Glover of 120Water in Zionsville.