About Me

Hi, I’m Praneeth, currently working as a Data & AI Manager based in the Washington, D.C. area. My journey into tech and analytics wasn’t a straight path—it was shaped by the people, places, and experiences that have defined my life so far.

I was born and raised in Hyderabad, India, in a hardworking middle-class family that took immense pride in values like work ethic, self-respect, and disciplined savings. My younger brother and I were raised primarily by our grandmother while our parents, both full-time employees, focused on giving us the best opportunities they could afford—especially when it came to education.

Growing up in the 90s meant no smartphones, no internet streaming, and summers that revolved around cricket, gully matches, and waiting eagerly for the school holidays when our parents would buy us a Nintendo. Mario was our favorite—we could play it all day without getting bored. Life was simpler, but rich in its own way.

While I wasn’t a top student in school, it wasn’t for lack of interest—it took me a while to truly understand the importance of learning and knowledge. That realization came gradually, through life experiences, as I watched my family slowly grow from modest beginnings to a more comfortable life, though our values remained unchanged.

Cricket was always a big part of my life, but as I grew older, football—especially Arsenal FC—became a second love. My brother and I would stay up through the night to catch live matches, win or lose. And through every Arsenal defeat, I learned a little more about resilience and how to deal with tough days—lessons that stayed with me far beyond the pitch.

I pursued my undergrad in Computer Science back in India but still hadn’t quite found my stride. It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. for my Master’s in Engineering Management that things started to click. The combination of technical and business coursework helped me see the real-world impact of data, technology, and structured thinking. That’s when I truly leaned in.

After completing my master’s, I began my professional career in Albany, New York, working as a Data Analytics Consultant for the New York State Government. I spent six years there, a period that was instrumental not just for my professional development, but also for significant milestones in my personal life. It was during this time that I reconnected with my now-wife—who happened to be my junior during undergrad. What started as a reconnection turned into a relationship, and eventually, we got married.

She now works at Amazon, and while her journey is her own, together we've been building a shared life grounded in mutual respect, growth, and balance.

Navigating life in the U.S. as a non-immigrant professional came with its own set of challenges—visa limitations, reduced visits to India, and the uncertainty that often surrounds long-term planning. But alongside those challenges came valuable opportunities. It was during this phase that I truly immersed myself in the world of data, and gradually developed a deep interest in AI and its practical applications, both in my work and personal projects.

In 2020, right in the middle of the COVID lockdowns, I moved to the DC area to join Guidehouse, where I now work as a Data & AI Manager. That year also brought major milestones—we bought our first home, welcomed our dog Loki, and were blessed with our daughter, Thara. My parents and brother (who lives in Canada) have been constant pillars of support, even managing to visit during key moments like weddings and childbirth.

Today, I wear multiple hats: I work full-time in a role I enjoy, take care of my family, and spend late nights building AI-powered side projects that reflect everything I’ve learned and continue to learn. My portfolio—and this “About Me”—is a reflection of that journey.