Congratulations to Miti Desai, Dallas SWE’s October 2026 Member of the Month!
Miti is a data and technology professional with experience spanning data analytics, engineering, machine learning, and data quality. She holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from California State University, Long Beach. Throughout her career, she has focused on using data and technology to solve complex problems while building reliable, scalable solutions.
Her professional experience includes work across data engineering, analytics, machine learning, and quality engineering. She has worked with technologies including Python, SQL, PySpark, Databricks, Azure, Tableau, Periscope to develop and validate data pipelines, analyze large datasets, automate testing, and translate technical findings into actionable insights. She brings an analytical expertise to advancing data quality across large-scale, cloud-based analytics platforms at Walmart, focusing on validating complex ETL ecosystems, strengthening data integrity, & ensuring the accuracy & reliability of enterprise data products that support revenue-impacting decisions. She has also contributed to research at the METRANS Transportation Consortium, California where she analyzed transportation and mobility data related to the Port of Long Beach, including traffic patterns, safety hotspots, and electric vehicle infrastructure planning.
Beyond her technical career, Miti is passionate about creating spaces where women and early-career professionals can learn, connect, and grow in STEM. She is actively involved with the Society of Women Engineers and contributes to the Dallas SWE Professional Development Committee, supporting opportunities that encourage professional growth and community engagement. She has also participated in speaking engagements and panel discussions centered on career development, belonging in STEM, mentorship, networking, technical communication, and building visibility in the workplace at universities like the University of Texas at Dallas, University of North Texas, Dallas Baptist University as well as at professional communities like Women in Computing, SHPE, NSBE, herScript and is invited to speak the Grace Hopper Celebration 2026 and WE26 later this year.
As a speaker and mentor, Miti particularly enjoys sharing lessons from her own transition from academia into the industry and helping others navigate the less-visible aspects of career development from communicating technical impact to intentionally building professional relationships. Her community involvement reflects her belief that technical skills are only one part of building a meaningful career; access to mentorship, supportive communities, and opportunities to be seen and heard can be equally transformative.
Through her work and community involvement, Miti hopes to continue advancing both reliable, data-driven technology and a STEM community in which more people feel empowered to contribute, lead, and create opportunities for others.
Any advice for students or early-career engineers?
Don’t wait until you feel ready (because you never truly will) before putting yourself forward. Apply for the opportunity, ask the question, introduce yourself, volunteer for the project, and reach out to the person you want to learn from. Technical skills matter, but so do communication, relationships, curiosity, and learning how to advocate for your work. Your career doesn’t have to follow a perfectly linear path, sometimes the experiences that seem like detours end up becoming your biggest differentiators.
How has SWE supported your career growth?
SWE has given me something that is incredibly valuable in any career – community. It has connected me with women across different disciplines, career stages, and experiences, and those conversations have broadened the way I think about my own career. Through SWE, I’ve found opportunities to learn, contribute, build relationships, and become more involved beyond my day-to-day work.
Hobbies or fun-fact you would like to share?
Outside of work, I love finding small, creative projects to turn memories into keepsakes; my latest was preserving maple leaves that I picked from a recent New England trip to make souvenir coasters.
Miti can be found on LinkedIn here.
