The Recorder’s own tech editor, Rupal Thanawala, has achieved one of the state’s highest honors, receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash from Gov. Mike Braun on July 23, 2026. Thanawala earned the distinguished award for her “humanity in living, her loyalty in friendship, her wisdom in counsel, and her inspiration in leadership,” according to the official decree.
As a multifaceted leader, Thanawala is the CEO of Trident Systems, board president of the Asian American Alliance, Inc., and the co-chair for the 48th annual Black Data Processing Associates’ 48th national conference. This month, the Indianapolis Business Journal named Thanawala one of the 250 most influential and impactful leaders.
Thanawala sat down with the Recorder to discuss her leadership philosophy, what she’s most proud of and what earning the Sagamore of the Wabash means to her.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
You were recently awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, which is one of Indiana’s highest honors. How did it feel?
Rupal Thanawala: It is a very humbling feeling because I never expected that I even deserved it. I didn’t even know how to react, but it is a very humbling feeling.
Being an immigrant, coming to Indiana 28 years back, I never imagined that I would get so much love and support and acceptance in this community and getting those opportunities to serve with so many amazing people.
I think I just feel that we are being seen. And that is important because when you when people see you in this room, and the way I got recognition, I hope that encourages others to serve also. And it truly embodies the event I had that day called, “A Seat at the Table.” So, the true meaning is that … we have a seat at the table.
You hope this award inspires other people to “serve.” What is your philosophy on leadership?
Thanawala: So, I believe in servant leadership. I also believe that you serve without any expectations of any recognition from anybody. I also believe that you cannot serve alone.
You know, a long time back, somebody told me that ‘if there’s nobody behind you, then you are not a leader.’ A leader is somebody who leads others.
I believe that I’m not a leader if I don’t have people with me. That means I truly believe that this award or anything I achieve is because I have people who partner with me, who volunteer alongside me, who inspire me to do more than what I can do alone. So, I feel that it is not something that I do alone. It’s just because I have a tremendous (amount of) support from organizations and volunteers who are always, always taking my call.
I cannot do it myself. So, it’s a lot of collaborations and partnerships. My leadership is all about working with people.
Receiving this award in the state of Indiana puts you in a long line of people who have contributed to this state in a significant way, and it’s cemented your legacy in Indiana history. So, what does that mean to you to be a part of the history of Indiana in this way?
Thanawala: So, I always believe that as an Asian American, we cherish our heritage, but we are proud Americans. I’ve called Indiana my home. And it really feels that … this is a place where, I can proudly say, immigrants can come to work, study, build businesses, raise their family, and it’s a place that welcomes everyone.
And I hope that we can continue that because Indiana has been a melting pot of cultures, whether you come from just across the border from Illinois, across the state line, or from across the oceans; this place welcomes everyone. And I wish that legacy continues.
I really want to make sure that we can make this place welcoming, and … every citizen who calls Indiana their home, they feel respected and welcome here.
What are some of the things as a leader that you feel most proud of?
Thanawala: When I look at young people, I feel very optimistic and hopeful. I think they have much more enthusiasm. They are more patriotic. They are more committed. And when I see them, this is what I want to see in them.
I want to inspire the younger generation to do better than what we have done. Being a trailblazer, we had a need to come up over many obstacles, but I hope we can create a pathway for our younger people.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanawala: I’m so grateful to so many organizations like Indianapolis Recorder and so many organizations who have actually given me an opportunity to volunteer. I think that is huge. They mentored me, they guided me that this is how you can be efficient with your time and energy and resources to make meaningful impact. Otherwise, I didn’t even know how to do all that.
So, I’m so grateful to so many organizations, including Asian American Alliance, BDPA, Indianapolis Recorder. One of the things they also helped me identify (were) the gaps in our community and that gave me some directions to make an impact and then change.
Contact Editor-in-Chief Camike Jones at 317-762-7850.
Camike Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of the Indianapolis Recorder. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones has a lifelong commitment to advocacy and telling stories that represent the community.
