Indian American Yahoo Co-founder joins Obama team

President Barack Obama has appointed Chandigarh-born Srinija Srinivasan, 40, one of the three co-founders of Yahoo! as a member of the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars.

Srinivasan, currently vice-president and Editor-in-Chief at Yahoo! was herself a Presidential Scholar in 1989, a prestigious honour that is awarded to over a 100 high school students each year for outstanding achievements ranging from academia, arts and leadership.

In naming Srinivasan and 11 others to the Commission, Obama said, ‘The Commission on Presidential Scholars is charged with recognizing the future leaders of our country and honouring them for their outstanding achievements.

‘I am grateful that these impressive men and women have agreed to serve on this commission and help a new generation realize their potential and pursue their dreams.’

The eleven will join the National Teacher of the Year, Anthony Mullen, as members on the Commission, the White announcement said.