Passionate about innovation and community building, Harbir K. Bhatia is a force for change as chief executive officer of the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce. Moreover, Ms. Bhatia is seeking the Santa Clara City Council District 1 seat in California, declaring “Leadership. Action. Results.” as her banner motto leading up to the November 2024 election and beyond. With a foundation in engineering and leadership, she earned a Master of Science in engineering management and leadership from Santa Clara University in 2004, following a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Toledo in 1995. Ms. Bhatia’s career has spanned technology, strategic management, and community engagement, making her a dynamic leader in Silicon Valley’s ever-evolving business environment.
Ms. Bhatia has held numerous leadership positions in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Before joining the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce in 2023, she worked as a technology, management, and strategic and community engagement consultant, helping organizations navigate complex challenges and achieve their goals. From 2018 to 2020, she was the director of community benefit, placemaking, innovation, and foundation at SiliconSage Builders, where she played a key role in revitalizing local communities through innovative real estate projects. She also founded and led ooNee Studios, a company focused on digital transformation. Ms. Bhatia’s extensive experience in technology also includes positions at prominent companies such as UST Global, Cognizant, and Salesforce. She managed large-scale programs and portfolios in these positions, working with clients in technology, media, and entertainment to drive digital transformation and innovation. Earlier in her career, as a systems engineer at Lockheed Martin Corporation, she contributed to the development of cutting-edge missile and space technology, further honing her technical expertise.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Bhatia has made significant contributions to civic and humanitarian causes. She serves on the board of Sister Cities International, where she represents Ukraine and helps foster global partnerships through cultural exchange and collaboration. She is also actively involved in Ukraine aid efforts, working with Rotary International to provide humanitarian support to those affected by the conflict. Her commitment to community service is further exemplified by her role as founder of IK Onkar Bridges, an organization dedicated to building bridges of understanding and unity across diverse communities.
Ms. Bhatia has received numerous awards and recognitions for her leadership and service. In 2022, she was honored by the California State Assembly as a distinguished honoree for Women’s History Month. She has also received leadership medals from the County of Santa Clara and accolades for her volunteer work from the Junior League of San Jose. Her dedication to empowering others and creating positive change has earned her a reputation as a dynamic and compassionate leader. Throughout her career, Ms. Bhatia has been motivated by a desire to fight for justice, equity, and inclusivity. As an immigrant to the United States, she understands the challenges faced by marginalized communities and has made it her mission to advocate for those who lack a voice. She credits her parents for instilling in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion. Their sacrifices and her experiences as an immigrant and engineer have shaped her commitment to creating opportunities for others.
As chief executive officer at the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Bhatia focuses on supporting small businesses and fostering economic growth. She believes the chamber serves as an engine for local economies, helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate challenges and succeed. She strives to empower small businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape by creating programming and facilitating connections within the business community. Her vision for the chamber includes expanding its reach and influence, transforming it into a regional powerhouse that supports businesses across Silicon Valley and beyond.
Ms. Bhatia is also known for her ability to generate innovative ideas that are ahead of their time. In 2010 and 2011, she conceived the concept of YouTube ads before they became widely adopted. She also envisioned an online broadcasting system that would provide real-life experiences, a vision that has since become a reality with the rise of live streaming platforms. Despite the challenges she faced in securing funding for these projects at the time, her forward-thinking ideas have continued to shape the future of technology and media.
Excited about the future, Ms. Bhatia has ambitious goals for her career and her community involvement. In the next three to five years, she plans to strengthen the Silicon Valley Central Chamber of Commerce, making it a regional leader in business advocacy and economic development. She is also committed to continuing her work in Ukraine, providing support to those affected by the ongoing conflict. Additionally, she hopes to develop new ideas for uniting people and improving their lives, drawing on her passion for innovation and community organizing. Ultimately, Ms. Bhatia aspires to secure one or more elected positions that will allow her to expand her impact on a larger scale. She believes that business is a form of social service, providing the financial systems necessary for a thriving society. Her goal is to use her leadership skills and engineering mindset to build bridges between communities, strengthen local economies, and create a more equitable and inclusive world.
Throughout her life, Ms. Bhatia has faced numerous challenges, but she has never shied away from difficult projects or causes. Whether it’s advocating for underrepresented communities, fighting for justice, or creating innovative solutions to complex problems, she approaches every task with determination and a sense of purpose. Her leadership is guided by the belief that we are all connected and that by working together, we can achieve greater success and create a better future for everyone.
In her personal life, Ms. Bhatia enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as dancing and traveling. She is fluent in multiple languages, including English, German, Hindi, Japanese, and Punjabi, and she takes pride in her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Her passion for service, innovation, and community building continues to drive her personally and professionally, making her a true leader in every sense of the word.
