Erlin Kakkanad

 

Member profile details

Membership level
Membership Renewal
First name
Erlin
Last name
Kakkanad
Phone
309 242 2580
 

Additional information

Bio
Dr. Erlin Kakkanad's experiences have shaped her into a problem-solver. An Asian Indian American, she is a writer, entrepreneur, award-winning speaker, and business process transformation expert. Her journey started in India and led her to Canada. She and her husband now reside in Iowa with their two sons.

Erlin holds a BS in Computer Engineering with Computer Application, a Master’s in Human Resources and Total Quality Management - The Deming Way. Erlin has earned a (Ph.D) - Doctorate of Philosophy and Education, specializing in organizational psychology and adult learning from Drake University.

Dr. Kakkanad's professional journey has led her to her current role as Director of Operations Excellence at Principal Financial Group since 2018. Before Principal, Dr. Kakkanad led a successful career since 2013 at Wells Fargo as a Vice President in Consumer Lending.

Erlin founded Kids Care Share in 2019, a startup aimed at helping parents find quality childcare in Central Iowa.

In 2022, Erlin debuted as a children's book author. Erlin is the author of two award-winning children’s books, "Happy in Your Skin" and "I Love Curry and I’m Not Sorry.”

Since 2017, Erlin has served as a mentor to many Valley High School students from underrepresented communities through the iJAG program. In addition to that Dr. Kakkanad has taught financial and Investment literacy courses in Valley High School and Roosevelt High School through the Principal Foundation and Wall Street foundation program.

Dr. Kakkanad serves as the Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of West Des Moines. She also serves on the Board of the American Red Cross of Central Iowa, In addition, She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Talent Development – Central Iowa in the capacity of VP of Operations.

Erlin's philosophy centers on fostering creativity, building connections, and highlighting untold narratives.
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