From Big Tech in the US to Social Impact in India: Chandana Shivanand’s Journey

Chandana Shivanand, an Indian national and cofounder of the nonprofit Polygnan, shares her journey from working in Big Tech in California to returning to India to support engineering students. As a child, Chandana grew up about 60 miles northeast of Bengaluru. Encouraged by her mother, she pursued a master’s in electrical engineering in the US following her undergrad graduation in 2016.

Chandana’s career began at Meta, where she held the position of senior technical program manager. She briefly joined Microsoft but returned to Meta within seven months to continue growing in a familiar environment. In 2021, she married Prajwal, and they settled in Santa Clara, renting an apartment before buying a home.

The couple was keen on more than just sending money back home. Having founded a charity that their parents managed in India, they sought a more hands-on approach. In 2023, they established Global Engineers Connect alongside 35 friends and professionals globally. The group aimed to empower rural Indian engineering students to address community issues through mentorship, mock interviews, résumé reviews, and referrals.

In early 2024, after hosting a significant event at Chandana’s alma mater, the couple considered returning to India. Despite a stable career at Meta, the prospect of pursuing their passion motivated them to relocate by the end of 2024. They initially rented out their US home, maintaining an option to return. Eventually, they sold the house, realizing a financial gain from its sale.

Upon their return, Chandana and Prajwal explored pathways for social impact, intending to focus on education without immediate plans to create an organization. Leveraging their engineering expertise and a global network of over 150 mentors, they designed two primary programs: entrepreneurship and AI. The entrepreneurship initiative helps students develop ideas into viable products over a 10-week incubation period.

Adjusting to life in India was challenging. Navigating the local work culture, societal norms, and environmental factors required conscious effort. They chose to live independently, renting a five-bedroom villa that also served as their office space.

Reflecting on her decision to return, Chandana feels no regret. Her experience in Big Tech provided the skills, confidence, and financial security to pursue new ventures. While life in India presents high peaks and low valleys, it offers the freedom to follow a self-directed path. Chandana believes that her experiences in the US enriched her perspective, enabling her to make informed choices about her future, dreams, and passions.