Raka Sandell is a strategic leader whose life is defined by a holistic pursuit of excellence. She spent her career balancing professional roles with a devotion to classical dance and yoga, and her roles as a wife, mother, and daughter. Dr. Sandell served as the Vice President of Program Management at Campus Advantage for over a decade, following roles at Motorola, Northrop Grumman, and AMD.
Her commitment to the Texas Book Festival stems from a belief that storytelling serves as a vital bridge between diverse perspectives and community engagement. This dedication to service extends to her Board role with The Kindness Campaign and as a CAB member with Austin PBS, where she champions initiatives centered on empathy and public discourse.
In the last five years, she has translated her tenacity into a passion for mountaineering, summiting Kilimanjaro and reaching Everest Base Camp. Driven by a lifelong passion for education, she received a Doctorate in Business Administration in 2024. She also holds a Masters in Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Born in India and a longtime Austin resident, she finds her greatest inspiration in the pursuit of new horizons, whether in the community or on a mountain peak.