As chief executive officer of Microteq Engineering Inc., Vaishali Prakash Dev has built a diverse and dynamic career driven by an unrelenting pursuit of excellence and innovation. With a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Science from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in India, she has successfully led multiple ventures across various industries. Her leadership at Microteq is complemented by her expertise in quality management and her dedication to creating a positive impact on the lives of others.
Ms. Dev’s professional journey began with her involvement at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Department of Veteran Affairs. However, her entrepreneurial spirit drove her to establish several successful businesses. In 2006, she became the manager and owner of Microteq Engineering Inc., a manufacturing and mechanical engineering company. Under her leadership, the company has thrived, with her hands-on approach driving the company to meet international standards. Ms. Dev educated herself on the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 9001:2015 standards and implemented a rigorous quality management system that earned Microteq ISO certification. Her dedication to the business also led her to become a certified lead auditor in 2023, further ensuring the company’s compliance with international standards.
Ms. Dev’s management style is driven by her passion for continuous learning and excellence. She acknowledges that communication has been key to her success within her company and strengthens relationships with clients, vendors, and employees. Over time, she has learned to adopt a more flexible and diplomatic approach in her interactions, allowing her to build strong, collaborative relationships across her professional network. In addition to Microteq, Ms. Dev manages and owns Spark Media and Viva Global Events, businesses that further showcase her versatility as an entrepreneur. She remains committed to empowering others, whether through her business ventures or her civic activities. She actively supports organizations like the Gender Side Project, Rotary, CRY America, and the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, using her influence to uplift women and children globally. Her plans include establishing the Bloom Foundation, which aims to support women at all stages of life, continuing her philanthropic endeavors.
One of Ms. Dev’s proudest achievements is balancing her professional life with her personal interests. Despite the demanding nature of her career, she has found time to nurture her creative side. She has produced short films and written a book on the challenges faced by women, contributing to the conversation about gender equality and empowerment. These creative outlets allow her to share her experiences and insights with a broader audience, further amplifying her impact. She attributes much of her success to the support of her husband, whom she views as a key partner in both her personal and professional life. She emphasizes that just as a woman is often behind a successful man, having a supportive partner has been crucial to her achievements. Together, they have navigated the challenges of building a business, and their partnership remains a source of strength in her endeavors.
After she retires from her current role at Microteq, Ms. Dev envisions transitioning into a new career in auditing and consulting, sharing her wealth of knowledge and expertise with other companies. She hopes to balance paid auditing work with pro bono consulting, giving back to the industry that has given her so much. In addition to her professional goals, she has set her sights on a personal challenge—walking the runway at the New York Fashion Show. At 56, despite dealing with back issues and nerve problems, Ms. Dev is determined to achieve this dream, viewing it as both a personal triumph and a testament to pursuing one’s goals, regardless of age or physical challenges.
As a leader, Ms. Dev maintains high standards within her company. Microteq Engineering Inc., under her direction, has become known for its expertise in machining, fabrication, welding, painting, and assembly, serving clients in the Department of Defense and beyond. The company’s ability to manage the entire production process in-house allows it to offer competitive pricing while maintaining strict quality control. Microteq’s ISO certification is a testament to Ms. Dev’s dedication to operational excellence. She also takes pride in the close-knit, team-oriented culture she has cultivated at Microteq. Despite being a smaller company, Microteq operates like a family, where employees support one another and work collaboratively to solve problems. Ms. Dev views this dynamic as integral to the company’s success and is particularly proud of her team.
Two moments stand out to Ms. Dev as highlights of her professional life. The first occurred one morning when she discovered that the shop had not been locked overnight. Despite her small stature, she bravely took charge of the situation, checking the premises with her machine shop supervisor by her side. This fearless approach earned her team’s respect and underscored her determination to ensure the safety and success of her business. The second significant moment involved an employee who had become close to the Dev family. During a personal crisis, the employee reached out to Ms. Dev’s husband, asking for the family’s presence at the hospital following his daughter’s suicide attempt. The request deeply touched Ms. Dev, reinforcing her belief in the importance of fostering a family-like bond within the company.
Ms. Dev’s leadership and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She has been featured in prominent publications such as BOSS Magazine, Entrepreneur, and USA Today, and is a member of the Forbes Council. This extensive recognition highlights her tireless work ethic and positive societal impact.Looking to the future, Ms. Dev is particularly excited about the potential of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and mechanical engineering. She has been actively researching how AI can be integrated into the programming and operation of machinery, partnering with organizations like Apple News and the Associated Press to stay informed about the latest developments. Although the process is challenging, she continues to pursue this innovative technology.
Ms. Dev advises aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace patience and perseverance. She believes that success comes through steady progress, even in the face of obstacles. Her journey inspires, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve great things with resilience, hard work, and a strong support system.