Dr Abhilasha Vyas, Business & Technology Delivery Associate Manager, Accenture.

Your teaching career spans over 23 years. What inspired you to pursue a focus on experiential and innovative teaching methods, especially in technology education?

My passion for bridging the gap between theory and real-world application led me to focus on experiential and innovative teaching methods. In technology education, hands-on learning, case studies, and industry collaboration are essential to preparing students for evolving challenges. By integrating these approaches, I aim to make learning more engaging, practical, and impactful.

As a key advocate for bridging the gender gap in STEM, what drives your passion for empowering underrepresented groups, particularly women in tech?

My passion derives from the need for diverse perspectives in innovation and problem-solving. I’ve seen firsthand how representation empowers individuals and strengthens the industry. By creating opportunities, mentorship programs, and skill-building initiatives, I strive to break barriers and ensure women in tech have equal access to growth and leadership.

Here I would also like to mention about my family without whose support this journey would not have been possible.

My journey has been shaped by the unwavering support of my family at every stage of life. Before marriage, my parents always encouraged me to dream big and pursue my ambitions fearlessly. Their belief in me laid the foundation for my confidence and drive.

After marriage, my in-laws continued that encouragement, treating my aspirations as their own. Their support has been invaluable in helping me balance personal and professional responsibilities.

A special mention goes to my husband, who has been my pillar of strength. His constant motivation, understanding, and shared vision for my success have played a crucial role in my achievements.

Beyond that, my biggest inspiration comes from my son and daughter. Their curiosity, resilience, and belief in me push me to keep growing, learning, and setting an example for them. They remind me that every effort I make is not just for myself but to inspire the next generation as well.

You’ve integrated emerging technologies like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and simulation-based learning into your curriculum. Could you share how these methods have enhanced student outcomes?

Integrating GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and simulation-based learning has significantly improved student engagement, problem-solving skills, and readiness for real-world challenges. These tools enhance coding efficiency, foster critical thinking, and provide hands-on experience, making learning more interactive and industry-aligned. As a result, students become more confident, adaptive, and project-ready in a shorter time frame.

Your hackathons and bootcamps have turned students into industry-ready professionals within 60 days. What are the key elements that make these programs so effective?

The effectiveness of my hackathons and bootcamps lies in a structured, hands-on approach that combines:

1. Experiential Learning – Real-world projects, simulations, and case studies.

2. Industry Collaboration – Mentorship from experts and exposure to live industry challenges.

3. Accelerated Skilling – Focused training on in-demand technologies like GenAI, GitHub Copilot, and cybersecurity.

4. Problem-Solving Focus – Encouraging critical thinking through hackathons and challenge-based learning.

5. Continuous Assessment & Feedback – Regular evaluations and iterative improvements to ensure readiness.

This holistic approach enables students to transition from learning to execution rapidly, making them job-ready within 60 days.

In your leadership at Azure User Group Vadodara, you’ve organised numerous impactful sessions. How do these engagements help shape the local tech ecosystem?

Through Azure User Group Vadodara, I foster a thriving tech community by organising hands-on workshops, expert-led sessions, and hackathons. These engagements upskill local talent, introduce cutting-edge Microsoft technologies, and bridge the industry-academia gap. By promoting collaboration, mentorship, and diversity, we empower professionals and students to contribute actively to the evolving tech ecosystem.

With expertise in cybersecurity and generative AI, what do you see as the next big challenge for professionals in these domains?

The next big challenge for cybersecurity and generative AI professionals is balancing innovation with security. As AI-generated content grows, ensuring data integrity, mitigating AI-driven cyber threats, and addressing ethical concerns will be critical. Professionals must stay ahead with robust security frameworks, AI governance, and continuous upskilling to tackle emerging risks effectively.

You’ve been a speaker and mentor in numerous forums, from bootcamps to conferences. Which of these experiences has been the most fulfilling, and why?

Each experience has been rewarding, but mentoring and skilling initiatives stand out as the most fulfilling. Empowering students, women in tech, and professionals to build careers, gain confidence, and break barriers creates lasting impact. Seeing mentees grow, secure opportunities, and contribute to the industry reinforces my passion for knowledge-sharing and community building.

Your programs have had a transformative effect on both students and faculty. How do you measure the success of such initiatives?

I measure success through tangible outcomes such as:

1. Certification & Placement Rates – Tracking how many participants earn industry-recognized credentials and secure jobs.

2. Skill Application – Assessing project completion, real-world implementations, and problem-solving capabilities.

3. Engagement & Feedback – Gathering insights from participants, faculty, and industry partners on program impact.

4. Community Growth – Expansion of active learners, mentors, and collaborations within the ecosystem.

These metrics ensure that my initiatives drive meaningful, long-term transformation.

What is your opinion on the role of Industrial Automation Magazine in showcasing industry trends and empowering women in technology and automation?

Industrial Automation Magazine plays a vital role in showcasing industry trends, fostering innovation, and highlighting advancements in automation and technology. Its coverage of emerging technologies, expert insights, and case studies helps professionals stay ahead. Additionally, by spotlighting women leaders in automation, it contributes to bridging the gender gap, inspiring more women to pursue careers in tech and industrial automation.

What are the three words that best describe how it feels to be a finalist in the Women in Tech 2025 competition?

Honoured. Empowered. Inspired.

Dr Abhilasha Vyas, an esteemed leader in the tech industry, working with Accenture. She holds prominent positions as an executive committee member of Women in Big Data (WiBD) and Board Member, WiCyS India, showcasing her commitment to diversity and cybersecurity advocacy. As a Microsoft certified trainer, she imparts her expertise to aspiring professionals. Dr. Vyas's groundbreaking research in Cyber Security and DDoS attack detection underscores her dedication to cutting-edge technology. Renowned for her captivating presentations and cybersecurity awareness sessions, she stands as a beacon of knowledge in the field. Her exceptional contributions have earned her recognition as a Top Indian Women Influencer in Security 2022, 2024, along with several prestigious awards, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the industry.