Malarvizhi (Malar) Hirudayaraj

Director, AdvanceRIT and Associate Professor, Department of Management, Saunders College of Business

How long have you been at RIT?

I have been at RIT since 2014. This is my 10th year at RIT.

Describe your responsibilities at RIT.

I lead the AdvanceRIT program on campus which is focused on increasing the representation, retention, and advancement of women faculty. I work towards enhancing the sense of belonging of women faculty and building a supportive community for women faculty.

As an Associate Professor in the Saunders College of Business, I teach Technology and the Future of Work, Leading Innovation, and Leading Change at the graduate level. I also teach these courses in the Croatia and Dubai campuses. On the research front I examine the adoption of AI in organizations and the implications for employees and organizational systems.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My job allows me to make a difference in the lives of faculty and students and add value to RIT. I enjoy designing and delivering programs for empowering women faculty and creating and teaching courses that prepare my students for the ever-changing world of work. I enjoy expanding the horizons for my constituents.

Please share some of your professional journey.

Well, my professional journey began long before I joined RIT and has been very unconventional. I have had the opportunity to work in multiple sectors in a variety of roles. I have worked in education, international not for profits, news media and in executive training. Each of these experiences enrich my teaching and the work I do outside of my classrooms.

In addition to your work as a professor at Saunders College of Business, you also serve as Director of AdvanceRIT. Why is this important to you?

I am passionate about teaching and working for the cause of women, empowering them to be the best they can be. As a faculty member I get the opportunity to engage with students and add value to their educational experience. Serving as the Director of AdvanceRIT allows me to make a positive difference to the community of women faculty at RIT.

Briefly share some information on the Leadership Summit for Women faculty

AdvanceRIT organized RIT’s first leadership summit for women faculty on campus on February 23rd. We brought in speakers to lead discussions on topics relevant to women faculty who aspire to be leaders. AdvanceRIT is happy about being able contribute towards the advancement of women faculty within academia by equipping them for leadership roles. We plan to make this an annual event and will aim to expand the scope and reach in the coming years.

What are some of the key issues women in academia face?

Women in academia generally face gender bias and discrimination, salary inequity, underrepresentation in leadership roles, unconscious bias, incivility and hostility in the workplace, harassment, lack of mentorship and sponsorship, double standards in perception of competence, limited recognition for research in diversity/gender related topics, and challenges in work life balance.

Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self? Is this advice you would share with others who’re just getting started in their careers?

Do not look at the superstars in the field and create a sense of inadequacy; remember they did not start as superstars. Do not hesitate to reach out to people or create an opportunity to increase your visibility. Network intentionally and create a support group that can guide and mentor you and create opportunities for you. Speak up with confidence in forums as people need to hear you to understand how good you are. Believe that you have something unique to contribute to the world of academia and build on that strength.

We are celebrating Women’s History Month. Why is this important and who do you look to as role models?

Women's History Month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the diverse and invaluable contributions that women have made throughout history. It sheds light on the achievements, accomplishments, and impact of women in various fields and on stories and narratives of women who have been historically overlooked, marginalized, or excluded from mainstream historical accounts. Celebrating women's achievements serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment, especially for young girls and women. By showcasing diverse role models, Women's History Month encourages individuals to pursue their goals, break barriers, and contribute to society in meaningful ways. My inspiration comes from individuals who challenged the status quo, pushed the boundaries, worked to create a better future for women – the likes of the Tamil poet Bharathiyar and Susan B Anthony. Closer still, women in my family who have been trailblazers in many fields encouraged me to aspire.

Fun Facts:

If you were a gifted musician, what instrument would you play?

Drums or saxophone.

What emoji do you use most often?

😊

Best spot to grab a bite to eat on the RIT campus?

My favorite spot is the Artesano Bakery and café in the SAU building.

Please share a favorite childhood memory with us.

Playing cards and board games with my cousins, siblings, and family during holidays.

Pizza-thick or thin crust and what’s on it?

Thin crust with chicken, mushrooms, green peppers, and jalapeno.

We have an unexpected free day-all classes are cancelled. How will you spend it?

Oh…I want to say I will curl up with a wonderful book and coffee or watch Lionel Messi videos on You Tube. But, in reality I might be working on my research on my laptop for most part of the day.

What would your friends and colleagues be surprised to learn about you?

My colleagues will not know I have hiked up to 18,000 feet in the Himalayas. And may not know that I am a sports enthusiast or that traveling is my passion. They may not know I am a die-hard Lionel Messi fan, a news junkie or that I was a news editor in a television news channel before joining RIT. My day never begins without following up on news from around the world or ends without watching Lionel Messi.