The Journey

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.

Growing up in the 90s meant no smartphones, no internet streaming, and summers that revolved around cricket and Mario. Life was simpler, but rich in its own way.

While I wasn’t a top student initially, it took me a while to truly understand the importance of learning and knowledge. That realization came through watching my family grow from modest beginnings.

Cricket was big, but Arsenal FC became a second love. Through every Arsenal defeat, I learned 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 in India, but it wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. for my Master’s in Engineering Management that things truly clicked. The combination of technical and business coursework revealed the real-world impact of data.

I began my career in Albany, New York, working as a Data Analytics Consultant for the State Government. I spent six years there, a period instrumental for both professional growth and personal milestones. It was here that I reconnected with my now-wife—my junior from undergrad.

Navigating life as a non-immigrant professional came with challenges—visa limitations and the uncertainty of long-term planning. But it also brought immersion into the world of data and AI, which gradually became my primary passion.

In 2020, I moved to the DC area to join Guidehouse. That year brought major milestones: our first home, our dog Loki, and our daughter, Thara.

Today, I wear multiple hats: I manage complex data systems by day and build AI-powered projects by night. This portfolio is a reflection of that ongoing evolution.