Jayshree Desai has lived in Apple Valley, Minnesota, with her husband for the last 30 years. She has two
adult children: her son is a physician and her daughter is an attorney. She enjoys international travel,
visiting family, and speaking to her grandkids on Face Time. In her free time, she volunteers and plays
bridge and Mahjong.

Prior to moving to MN, Jayshree started her career as a Medical Technologist in Chicago, Illinois. After
moving to MN and 14 years after being awarded her first Bachelors of Science degree, she successfully
pursued a Chemical Engineering degree at the University of Minnesota. After working in the Energy Field
for 22 years, she retired in 2012. She continues contributing professionally through the Society of
Women Engineers. SWE focus their activities on promoting the representation of women in engineering,
and Jayshree mentors many young girls and women to help them achieve their long-term aspirations in
science.

Jayshree was born and raised in Mumbai, India, however some of her most fond childhood recollections
were her summers spent visiting her parents’ village in Gujarat, India. Extended family from both sides
of her family were also there, making these summers life long cherished memories.