Neela Rajendra – Organizational Strategist & DEI Leader
Neela Rajendra is an accomplished American professional of Indian origin, known for her extensive work in the fields of organizational development, leadership strategy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With a career spanning over two decades, she has made significant contributions to both the public and private sectors, particularly in creating inclusive workplaces and driving systemic change through innovative leadership practices.
Educational Background
Rajendra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she also pursued Music as a secondary interest. She later earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Wake Forest University School of Business, gaining expertise in organizational behavior, strategic management, and human resources.
Professional Journey
Neela Rajendra’s early career included leadership roles in corporate diversity programs, consulting, and social innovation organizations. She worked with various institutions to design programs that enhance leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and inclusive practices across different industries.
Her strategic mindset and passion for equity led her to co-found initiatives aimed at integrating behavioral science with DEI strategy. She was notably involved with organizations that used data and research to create scalable solutions for equitable workplaces.
Role at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Rajendra joined NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. In this capacity, she was a driving force behind NASA's internal DEI efforts, helping implement inclusive hiring policies, mentoring programs, and equity-centered leadership development.
Under her leadership, JPL supported key national initiatives such as NASA’s “Space Workforce 2030” pledge, which aimed to increase representation of women and underrepresented communities in space science and engineering.
Following an executive order by President Donald Trump in 2024 that sought to remove DEI initiatives from federal agencies, Rajendra was reassigned to a newly created position—Chief of the Office of Team Excellence and Employee Success—as an effort to retain her leadership within a non-DEI-specific framework. Despite this reassignment, she was later let go, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate around the role of DEI in public institutions.
Legacy and Impact
Throughout her career, Neela Rajendra has been recognized as a thoughtful and committed leader in the space of workplace inclusion. Her work has influenced talent strategies, equity frameworks, and institutional culture change efforts within NASA and beyond.
She also led the Black Excellence Strategic Team (BEST) at JPL and mentored numerous professionals aiming to grow in technical and leadership roles. Her legacy includes not only policy shifts but also personal development pathways for underrepresented professionals in STEM fields.
Personal Attributes
Known for her calm yet assertive leadership style, Neela Rajendra blends empathy with strategic execution. Her background in political science and music reflects a balance between analytical thinking and creative expression—a combination that has shaped her holistic approach to leadership.
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