Neeli Bendapudi has created history by becoming the first woman and person of colour to be named as the president of Pennsylvania State University, USA. Bendapudi was born in Visakhapatnam and moved to the US in 1986 to pursue her higher studies. Bendapudi is a recognised leader in higher education and has specialised in marketing and consumer behaviour. During her 27-year career as an educator, Bendapudi has received numerous teaching awards, including the Academy of Marketing Science Outstanding Marketing Teacher Award.