Revathi Advaithi, CEO of Flex, and her husband have pledged $1 million to establish scholarships for women at BITS Pilani, aimed at supporting low-income students in their educational pursuits.
SAN JOSE, CA – Revathi Advaithi, the chief executive officer of global manufacturing company Flex, along with her husband, Jeevan Mulgund, has announced a significant $1 million endowment to create scholarships for women at BITS Pilani, her alma mater. This generous pledge was revealed during the 2026 convocation ceremony at BITS Pilani, where Advaithi served as the chief guest and addressed the graduating class of 1,477 students.
The newly established scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance to women from low-income families who are pursuing their education at the prestigious institute. Advaithi and Mulgund have chosen to name the scholarship in honor of their mothers, recognizing the pivotal roles they played in shaping their lives and educational journeys.
Advaithi, who graduated from BITS Pilani in 1990 with a degree in mechanical engineering, was notably the only woman in her graduating class. She has since built a remarkable international career in manufacturing and technology, culminating in her appointment as CEO of Flex in 2019. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its operations to nearly 30 countries, catering to clients across various sectors, including healthcare, automotive, communications, and consumer technology.
Born in India and of Tamil heritage, Advaithi has often cited her mother as one of her greatest inspirations. After the passing of her father, her mother single-handedly raised five daughters, ensuring they all received a quality education. This experience has deeply influenced Advaithi’s lifelong commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for women.
Advaithi met her husband, Jeevan Mulgund, in Kansas, and the couple married in 1998. Their professional journeys have taken them to various locations, including England, Shanghai, Phoenix, and Pittsburgh, before they finally settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they now reside with their two children.
In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Advaithi is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She has been a vocal supporter of STEM education for girls and has championed broader access to computer science education. Advaithi frequently emphasizes the importance of creating pathways for young women to pursue careers in engineering and technology, aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders in these fields.
This scholarship initiative not only reflects Advaithi’s commitment to education but also her desire to empower women to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.
According to India-West, this endowment marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and support for women in engineering and technology education.