Radhika Reddy came to the United States from India with an International Rotary scholarship and $20 in cash.
Two decades later, she’s the founder and partner of Ariel Ventures, which provides finance and IT services for complex real estate, international business and economic development projects.
After working in banking in India, Reddy came to Case Western Reserve University in 1989 to earn her MBA. She had a one-year scholarship, but when the first year was up, Reddy had to pay her own way since public financial aid wasn’t available to foreign
students.
Her father was a government official in India and refused to partake in the corruption of senior government at that time, Reddy says. “They tried to kill him and my family, but he withstood all that for honesty,” she recalls. “He taught me that no matter if people are doing wrong, you have to stand up for things that are unfair.”
It’s a value system that she’s carried with her.
After graduating from CWRU, Reddy worked in finance and operations for K & M International, an import-export firm that distributes the Wild Republic brand of realistic plush animals. During her time there, K & M grew from $8 million to $20 million in revenue.
But by 1995, Reddy wanted to start her own company.
“I want to use myself to my full potential,” she says. “If I feel I can add value, I want to add value. Whether I get paid for it or not, if it’s something I can contribute, I do.”
Ariel Ventures uses economic development incentives such as historic tax credits, public grants and loans, and green-building incentives to attract businesses and stimulate economic development in Ohio and other states.
Between 2006 and ’07, she worked with National City Bank to secure $200 million in New Markets Tax Credits for low-income communities in Northeast Ohio.
Her firm is also co-developing a 50,000-square-foot, LEED-certified office and research lab along the Euclid Corridor.
A staunch proponent of international trade, Reddy works with the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority as a strategic adviser on international business development and economic development incentives for the proposed International Trade District. She also serves on the city of Cleveland’s international advisory committee, helping to lure international businesses to Northeast Ohio.
Last year she was appointed to the state’s Global Markets Advisory Team.
As enthusiastic as she is about economic development, she is equally passionate about giving back to the community. Reddy believes she has a responsibility to stand up against social injustice and work to make a difference — something she says she learned from her father.
“Always do what’s right,” she says, “and never compromise your soul.”
Her life in India exposed her to many social injustices, including the general acceptance of abuse toward women and girls.
In 1997, Reddy and her business partners co-founded Ray of Light International, a charity that provides food, clothing, shelter, medicine and education for destitute women, children and the aged in Third World countries. A portion of her company’s profits is donated to the charity.
Although Ray of Light focuses its relief efforts on India, Reddy says eventually it will expand to places such as Africa, China and Guatemala. Her firm has also supported an orphanage and home for the poor in India.
“Growing up in India as a woman, seeing a lot of abuse, hearing about young girls being discarded as they were born because of the dowry system and how women are abused in marriages,” she explains, “I had that calling in me that I wanted to make a difference and help.”
Life Lessons
I’ve always had mentors along the way, starting with my parents, who formed my values. I’m always meeting and learning from people surrounding me. It’s nonstop self-improvement.
A good leader must possess a good attitude, remain positive, truly listen to others’ viewpoints and take the best to make a timely decision.
Balance is about choices — it’s when you don’t have choices that you’re out of balance. I’m a workaholic, but I love it! But if you resent what you’re doing, then you’re going to have this struggle in you.
What works for one person might not work for another.
There is a glass ceiling, and there are levels of the ceiling, based on race, sex, etc. Often times when you’re a woman, they immediately think you’re not as good as the man. So you have to work twice as hard, but then you’re twice as good and you accomplish more.
I love politics. I would love to be a politician, but could never compromise my values. There are few politicians who have the courage to stand up for what’s right.