From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Uma Shankari’s Journey

As the world celebrated International Women’s Day, it was the perfect moment to highlight the journey of a woman who defied societal norms and built an empire in the tech industry, Uma Shankari, Managing Director of Luckystar Computers LLC. From a small town in Tamil Nadu to leading a thriving IT business in Dubai, her story was one of resilience, vision, and unwavering determination.

A Childhood of Leadership and Learning

Born into a middle-class family in Tamil Nadu, Uma Shankari was the third child in a household that valued education and discipline. With two brothers and an elder sister, her childhood was filled with warmth, yet structured with expectations of excellence. Even at a young age, she was outspoken and bold, characteristics that often led to strict discipline from her parents. However, these same traits shaped her into a natural leader. From fifth grade through college, she was consistently chosen as a class leader, a role that helped her build self-confidence and sharpen her communication skills.

Excelling academically, Uma pursued a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and soon embarked on a journey that would take her far from home.

A Leap of Faith in New Delhi

Moving to New Delhi was a defining moment in Uma’s life. Coming from Tamil Nadu, she barely spoke Hindi, making her initial days in the capital city challenging. However, within just 15 days of arrival, she landed a job as a programmer at a software company. But sitting behind a screen, coding all day, did not align with her dynamic personality. She took a bold step, quitting her programming job to explore the hardware industry.

This led her to a quality control role at the Epson semi-assembled factory in Noida. The job came with a grueling four-hour daily commute between Delhi and Noida, but she thrived in the technical environment. Her deep understanding of computers quickly earned her promotions, shifting her from hardware to marketing, and ultimately to the role of Sales Head for South India.

From Employee to Entrepreneur

By 1991, Uma had carved a niche for herself in the male-dominated IT industry. She realized there was an untapped market in South India and decided to take another leap, starting her own computer trading business.

Her knowledge of the supply chain in the North and the demand in the South gave her an edge. By 1993, her company had made a significant impact, not just financially, but also in boosting her confidence as a businesswoman. However, another major life change was on the horizon.

A New Beginning in Dubai

Marriage took Uma to Dubai in 1993, a city brimming with opportunities. Within seven days of arriving, she secured a job as a System Engineer in the IT industry. Her expertise and drive propelled her career forward, and soon she transitioned into sales, showroom management, and ultimately, general management.

By 1995, she was one of the few female computer engineers in Dubai, making a mark in a rapidly growing industry. With strong relationships with vendors and customers, Uma saw the potential to establish something bigger.

Encouraged by her husband, Mr. Krishnamoorthy, she embarked on her most ambitious venture yet, Luckystar Computers LLC.

The Rise of Luckystar Computers

The journey of building Luckystar Computers LLC was not easy. Uma and her husband worked 12-hour days, determined to make their business a success. Their persistence paid off, and every three years, they opened new branches.

Today, Luckystar has five branches and a distribution office in India, serving over 10,000 businesses and individuals. The company has received multiple awards for its contributions to the tech industry, solidifying its reputation as a trusted name in IT solutions.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

As a woman navigating the IT world, Uma never allowed gender to limit her. “I always saw men as colleagues or subordinates, never as a challenge,” she shares. This mindset helped her thrive in male-dominated boardrooms and conferences, paving the way for more women in tech.

Her journey was made possible with the unwavering support of her husband and sister, Mrs. Umasunder, who played key roles in the company’s success.

Balancing Work, Family, and Philanthropy

Beyond business, Uma takes immense pride in her son, Sakthi Krishnamoorthy, who aspires to be a pilot. Despite the demands of their careers, Uma and her husband have supported his dreams wholeheartedly.

In 2018, she expanded her focus to philanthropy, helping underprivileged students complete their education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she collaborated with the Indian Consulate and humanitarian groups to assist 375 individuals in returning home. More recently, she was involved in amnesty programs for underprivileged migrants.

A Message to Women in Tech

As she reflects on her journey, Uma offers a powerful message:

“Never stop reading, never stop dreaming big, and always work hard toward your goals. Distance yourself from negativity and keep your head held high. Karma plays a significant role, do good without expecting anything in return. Empower those around you and help at least 10 underprivileged children complete their education in your lifetime.”

Uma Shankari’s story is a testament to perseverance, courage, and the power of self-belief. As the world honors women who break barriers, her journey stands as an inspiration to every woman striving to carve her own path in the world of business and technology.