AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Rita Kakati-Shah is an award-winning, gender, diversity, inclusion and career strategist, speaker, mentor and advisor to Fortune 500 companies. She founded Uma in response to her personal journey of motherhood, transitioning careers and entrepreneurship, and is dedicated to empowering women and minorities around the world. Prior to Uma, Rita lead Business Development globally in CNS healthcare. She began her professional career at Goldman Sachs in London, where she was awarded the prestigious Excellence in Citizenship and Diversity Award. She is also a Distinguished Alumna of King’s College London and serves on the Advisory Council of King’s Business School. Rita is an honoree of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from US President Joe Biden, and also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Commonwealth University. Rita is a three-time winner of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and judge for the Middle East Awards. She is the recipient of multiple international awards and accolades for her work in furthering gender equality, diversity and inclusion, youth and women empowerment. Rita is also a TV show host, frequent media contributor, and has authored books on empowerment, entrepreneurship, business and leadership. Her latest book is the bestselling The Goddess of Go-Getting.

Rita honored with the President's Lifetime Achievement Award from US President Joe Biden

Prize Highlights

Here are some award highlights:

  • Helen Hudson Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, King’s College London
  • President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, US President Joe Biden, AmeriCorps
  • Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa), Commonwealth University
  • Global Women in Leadership Award, Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade
  • Women Inspirational Award, Mother’s Day, International Women World Records
  • International Achievers Award, Indian Achiever’s Forum
  • International Women Achievers Award, International Women Awards
  • International Icon Award, Uttar Pradesh Book of Records
  • Stevie Awards in Business, Judge for Middle East Awards
  • Stevie Awards for Women in Business, Triple Award Winner  
  • International Alumnus of the Year, Distinguished Alumni Award, King’s College London           
  • Minority and Woman Owned Business Enterprise, New York City Small Business Services
  • Excellence in Citizenship and Diversity Award, Goldman Sachs International
  • Marquis Who’s Who in the World, exceptional services to business
  • Woman of the Year Award, International Society of Business
  • Windsor Fellow for Diversity and Leadership, University of London
  • Gold Award, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
Recipient of King's Distinguished Alumni Award, International Alumni Award

Cover Stories

Awards & Recognitions