Sarah Laiwala

Sarah Laiwala is an Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, specializing in innovation and product management. With expertise in general management of $120M profit-and-loss operations, digital/AI transformation, and high-growth team scaling, she has driven impactful consumer-facing products at Amazon (Android Shopping App) and Disney (Parks & Resorts digital initiatives). Her career spans tech, retail, travel, and healthcare sectors.

• Education: MS in Software Engineering & Development Management (CMU), BS in Computer Engineering (UC San Diego)
• Certifications: Finance for Non-financial Executives (Stanford), Women on Boards (University of Washington)

Her research focuses on digital innovation, AI-driven product development, and cross-sector transformation. While her recent publications aren't listed, her work appears to center on practical applications of technology in consumer experience optimization.

Scientific Awards

• PDX Women in Technology Community Change Maker (2023)
• Salesforce Woman of the Month (July 2021)
• CMU Dean’s Return on Education Award (2010)
• Gold & Silver Presidential Voluntary Service Awards (2018-2019)

Sarah combines academic work with industry leadership, having scaled teams through operating model consistency and led organizational restructuring initiatives.