Sheela Murthy to be inducted into Maryland Business Hall of Fame

Indian American immigration lawyer honored “for her incredible leadership, entrepreneurial acumen, service and philanthropy”

Noted Indian American immigration lawyer Sheela Murthy will be inducted into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame during the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s Inspire MD event on May 11 at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

Murthy, founder and president of Murthy Law Firm, one of the world’s premier US immigration law firms, is an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, community leader, public speaker and internationally recognized US immigration lawyer.

Read: Don’t tolerate denials in violation of the law: Sheela Murthy (March 1, 2021)

Inspire MD, presented by AT&T, is an annual celebration that gathers Maryland’s community of leaders, changemakers, entrepreneurs, influencers and professionals for an evening celebrating the people and organizations that make Maryland unique.

“For her incredible leadership, entrepreneurial acumen and spirit, generous contributions through service and philanthropy, and for her passionate work at helping others achieve their dreams, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce is delighted to induct Ms Sheela Murthy into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame,” the chamber stated in an April 12 press release.

“Maryland is full of amazing businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals and public servants who make our state better and improve the lives of many through their dedication, hard work and commitment to community service and philanthropy,” said Mary D. Kane, President & CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.

Read: S.386/H.R.1044 legislation depends on how much pressure is exerted: Sheela Murthy (December 24, 2020)

“We are thrilled to gather the business community at Inspire MD to recognize Maryland’s most exceptional and dynamic leaders, and to celebrate the people and businesses that make Maryland so unique.”

“This honor is particularly meaningful as I believe in the mission of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Chamber Foundation to support a strong business climate, impacting the quality of life for businesses, individuals and families across our great State and country,” said Murthy.

Born in India, Sheela developed a passion for making a difference in people’s lives throughout her childhood and schooling, according to her official profile.

Upon graduating from the prestigious Stella Maris College in Chennai (Madras) and the University Law College in Bangalore, Sheela immigrated to the United States and enrolled in Harvard Law School.

Upon graduation, she began her accomplished career with law firms in New York and Baltimore, eventually working to found Murthy Law Firm, using her passion, experience and knowledge to support individuals and families with achieving their American dream of living and working in the United States.

Read: ‘Being Sheela’: Life and times of a powerhouse attorney, entrepreneur and philanthropist (December 24, 2020)

Today, Murthy Law Firm is recognized as one the world’s premier US immigration law firms. With headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland and satellite offices in Seattle, Washington and affiliate offices in Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai, India, Murthy Law Firm represents a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, mid-size and small businesses, entertainers, entrepreneurs, physicians, researchers and many others, pursuing both employment- and family-based immigration options.

In addition to her entrepreneurial leadership and success, Sheela is a dedicated public servant and leader who believes in giving back to the community.

Throughout her career, Sheela has dedicated her time, support and expertise to organizations including the American Immigration Council, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, Jhpiego and Stevenson University.

She has also served in leadership roles for various boards and organizations, including with the Maryland Chamber Foundation, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Central Maryland and United Way International.

Sheela is also a generous philanthropist. In 2001, Sheela and and her husband Vasant Nayak co-founded the nonprofit MurthyNAYAK Foundation, dedicated to implementing socially transformative projects designed to improve the lives of women, children and immigrants – both in her birth country, India, as well as her adopted country, the United States.

Read: Indian American lawyer Sheela Murthy being inducted into Maryland Business Hall of Fame (April 24, 2023)

Sheela has received many awards and honors throughout her storied career, including honors from Ernst & Young, the Baltimore Business Journal, the Daily Record, SmartCEO magazine, the United Way and numerous others.

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce with 6,800+ members is the only statewide business advocacy organization and the leading voice for business in the state.