Ms. Prajakta Chaudhari is a cybersecurity management and governance, and digital transformation professional with over 14 years of experience in the domains of ICT-enabled systems and Cybersecurity for Government and Public Sector organizations. Her professional journey spans e-governance, smart cities, public procurement, and cybersecurity integration within large-scale digital transformation initiatives, with a strong focus on building cyber-secure-and-resilient and policy-compliant digital systems, and helping monitor and govern their security and performance.

Ms. Chaudhari's academic background complements her professional experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and a Master's degree in Management Studies (Marketing). She earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning and Development from IGNOU, securing a University Gold Medal. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Cybersecurity Management and Governance at the National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, focusing on the intersection of cybersecurity, management, and corporate governance.

She has worked with leading global consulting organizations including Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, Ernst & Young (EY), and Accenture, where she played key roles in architecting and managing complex government-facing technology programs across multiple states in India. Her overall experience also includes Project Management Agency (PMA) roles, third-party audits, and advisory support for mission-critical ICT initiatives involving state departments, urban local bodies, and public utilities.

In her immediate past role at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, Ms. Chaudhari was involved in governance and project management of Security Operations Center (SOC) engagements across sectors such as BFSI, IT/ITeS, and retail. Her pioneering contribution during this stint involved the design of a cyber-secure, GRC-compliant ERP system integrated with SCADA systems for a state power distribution utility, ensuring alignment between operational technologies and cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, she participated in large-scale third-party audit programs for IT infrastructure and networks commissioned by government agencies.

During her tenure with Ernst & Young, she contributed to several flagship public sector transformation initiatives, including the development of unified citizen data platforms, ICT-enabled service delivery systems for Urban Local Bodies, smart city programs, and statewide e-procurement systems. Her work involved requirement analysis, preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), system architecture design, policy compliance mapping, stakeholder coordination, and implementation oversight.

Ms. Chaudhari has been associated with projects involving urban governance transformation, where she contributed to the operationalization of citizen services, standardization of data and processes, GIS-enabled systems, and digital platforms aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and service delivery outcomes. Her contributions extend to smart city initiatives, including ICT infrastructure planning, citizen engagement frameworks, and integrated urban management systems.

Her core expertise lies in embedding cybersecurity within digital transformation programs through governance, risk, and compliance (GRC)-aligned frameworks. Her work focusses intensively on cybersecurity, security operations, e-governance, public policy-driven digital transformation, project management and governance, and contract management. She brings a multidisciplinary approach combining technology, governance, and public policy to ensure that digital systems are both secure and scalable.

She holds multiple professional certifications in GRC, data privacy, artificial intelligence, ISO 27001 auditing, and Six Sigma methodologies. She has also completed specialized certification in public procurement from the World Bank and in e-governance from the Government of Maharashtra.

Ms. Chaudhari is an active contributor to thought leadership in cybersecurity and digital governance. Her publications and articles address topics such as data protection in urban governance, operationalizing information security in public systems, and digital transformation of municipal ecosystems. She has contributed to policy-oriented discussions and has co-authored thought leadership publications in collaboration with industry bodies and consulting organizations.

She is a registered Independent Director (having qualified the Independent Director's Databank assessment) and is associated with international policy and governance forums, including APRALO under ICANN. In addition, she has been actively involved in voluntary initiatives through Zonta International, contributing to social development and community-oriented programs.

Through her professional and academic journey, Ms. Prajakta Chaudhari has evolved as a specialist in integrating cybersecurity into the digital systems of governance, contributing to the development of secure, citizen-centric, and future-ready public infrastructure.