Sheela Murthy
“After finding the courage to leave everything and everyone I knew, I am propelled as an immigrant to make the most of the opportunities before me.”
Sheela Murthy is a lawyer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and speaker, perhaps best known as founder and president of the Owings Mills, Maryland based Murthy Law Firm, which has been ranked as one of the world’s leading U.S. immigration law firms.
A native of India, Murthy and her husband, photographer and media specialist Vasant Nayak, established the MurthyNAYAK Foundation to channel their philanthropic contributions to nonprofits that serve the needs of women, children, and immigrants, particularly in education and health care.
Sheela Murthy is featured in ZeeTV’s Those Who Made It.
Over the course of her career, Murthy has received numerous awards, recognitions, and honors. Whether for her leadership in the field of U.S. immigration law, her business acumen, community leadership,…
Generous with her time and her talents, Sheela Murthy has given much to organizations that serve communities locally, nationally, and globally. She has a seat on numerous boards and councils, which are critical to the operation of these organizations. As a part of these active, governing bodies she shares in the responsibility for overseeing activities and voting on affairs. Board memberships are not intended to be permanent positions, but typically last for two-to-five years, depending upon the organization.
Following the events of 9/11, Sheela Murthy and Vasant Nayak responded by establishing the MurthyNAYAK Foundation, a family foundation created to support nonprofit organizations that serve women, children, and immigrants in the United States, especially around Baltimore, MD. They also support NGOs that serve women and children in India, particularly around Bangalore. Thus they work to give back to their adopted country and their native homeland.
An international, nonprofit health organization affiliated with The Johns Hopkins University, Jhpiego has worked to prevent the needless deaths of women and their families for 40 years and in more than 155 countries.
The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) was founded more than a century ago, on the principle that access to art and ideas is integral to a vibrant and healthy city. This is at the core of the BMA and what they do. The Board of Trustees offers leadership in support of the core mission of the institution, and commitment to ensuring its strength.
The Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA) is among the top art colleges in the country. Founded in 1826, it is the oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design in the country. MICA has a deep commitment to the community of Baltimore.
At United Way of Northeast Florida, they work to create a community of opportunity where everyone has hope and can reach their full potential. The ALICE Report publishes annually each spring to shed light on financial hardship and inspire people to join them in solving the daily challenges these families face.
Among Murthy’s past service to boards, councils, and committees:
