Seema Jain grew up at the intersection of two cultures. She is proudly Indian American, shaped by the traditions of her immigrant parents, while also embracing traditions of the country she calls home. Her upbringing taught her the importance of understanding and effectively engaging with people of other cultures and how this knowledge can enrich one’s life, both personally and professionally. Having the opportunity to walk for Milaan furthers Seema’s passion and commitment to supporting and empowering young women. She believes that when we invest our energy in girls, we strengthen families, communities and the future. Supporting organizations that champion girls’ potential also aligns deeply with her belief in seva: using your time, voice and resources to uplift others and create lasting change. Seema earned a BS in Finance from Miami University of Ohio and her MBA from DePaul University, Chicago. During her early career years, she worked in the healthcare industry, focusing on acquisition analysis and valuations of physical therapy centers. She then developed a successful career in the hospitality industry, working in sales for Marriott International. While in this role, the pandemic began. That’s when her keen business instincts and interest in introducing cultural competency skills to her colleagues – thus differentiating and driving market share for the company – landed her an intrapreneurial leadership position at Marriott International. As Senior Director, Multicultural Affairs, Marriot International, Seema was responsible for developing tools and resources for associates globally to enhance cultural competencies that better served the brand’s broad diversity of guests and customers. In 2020, Seema left Marriot International to found Seva Global, a Chicago-headquartered company specializing in custom cultural trainings for the hospitality, technology, education and healthcare industries. As a female entrepreneur of Indian heritage, Seema further aligns with the mission of Milaan because she believes when women are empowered, the impact reaches far beyond one individual. Seema is grateful for the many people who encouraged and elevated her when she founded Seva Global. She believes it is now her turn to “seva” it forward – especially by supporting young women who have the potential to change the world for the better. When women rise with confidence, everyone benefits. Just six short years later, Seema’s company, Seva Global, is recognized as a leader in custom cultural trainings for multiple industries. Seva Global’s team has expanded the business to bring knowledge of cultures, including Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Mexico, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and the United States, as well as the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities, to businesses across the globe. These organizations have benefited from Seva Global’s trainings by increasing employee engagement, enhancing customer experiences and driving revenue. For Seema, being Indian American means honoring her heritage, while shaping the future by carrying forward the best of both cultures. Her message to young girls everywhere: “Never underestimate the value of your voice, your perceptive or your dreams…You do not need to have every answer before you begin… Believe in yourself. If you do not believe in your own potential, who will?” Seema is deeply supportive of young women and entrepreneurs as they build confidence, pursue opportunity and create their own path forward. She is proud to walk alongside others who believe in the power of women during this year’s Milaan’s Women of Impact Circle.