Transformation

Experience

Education Transformation

Conceived and created deep learning experiences by combining a private metaverse and gaming technology to make career exploration and skill development fun, engaging and easily accessible for kids.

Junior Achievement of Chicago Metaversity

2021 - present

Mobilized the community to help restaurants survive the pandemic. This effort, Takeout 25, was awarded “Most Innovative Pandemic Startup” and was featured in a case study on social entrepreneurship by the University of Virginia, Frank Batten school of public policy and leadership. Takeout 25 is now a not-for-profit with an expanded mission that includes local food security and sustainability and has over 15,500 families and 100 restaurants in its network.

2020 to Present

Environmental Sustainability Transformation

Created and promoted Illinois’ first green dining hub in the western suburbs of Chicago in partnership with SEDAC/Illinois Green Business Program.

Advocated for and informed the award winning Climate Ready Oak Park plan that created Oak Park’s roadmap to net zero emissions by 2050. It received the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) 2023 Regional Excellence Award.

Spearheaded a private school’s sustainability efforts propelling it to national recognition by the US department of Education in 2022 as a Green Ribbon School. One of twenty-seven schools recognized that year for outstanding sustainability practices and responsible environmental education.

Climate Action and Energy Efficiency Ambassador with Illinois Green Alliance focusing on reducing emissions from buildings.

2019 to 2024

Retail Energy Transformation

Award winning work in Ontario, Canada with Ontario Energy Board and Oshawa power to ease the grid load and to make electricity more affordable for households by leveraging behavioral analytics to help consumers use less and less expensive electricity.

2016 - 2019

Banking Transformation

Enabled the Canadian banking sector’s recovery from the 2008 financial crisis by helping the banks leverage data, knowledge of global and local regulatory mandates, and technology solutions to meet the regulatory requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act, EMIR, FATCA etc. to better manage systemic risk. Helped conceive, create and commercialize a technology product for FATCA withholding requirements.

2010 to 2015

Energy Transformation

A third of the world oil moves through pipelines in the US as crude to refineries and as products from refineries to markets. The efficient movement of this oil requires careful planning and scheduling using sophisticated technology. Was responsible for leading a global team to assure the quality of this solution.

2007 - 2009

Manufacturing Transformation

Supply chain planning and shop floor scheduling for two globally recognized brands, Ford and Morton Salt. This effort was instrumental in Ford’s ability to handle the great recession of 2008 more effectively that other American car makers. Helped Morton Salt reconfigure and modernize its supply chain processes.

2004 - 2007

Absolutely amazing what a determined individual can accomplish in his own small circle. A fantastic result during an unprecedented time in our history. You go, Ravi Parakkat and Takeout 25.
— LO ANN
Takeout 25 engaged and mobilized the community to support local businesses. This support saved businesses and saved jobs. Amazing!
— MICHELLE VANDERLAAN