Meet Satya Nadella's philanthropist wife Anupama. Her visa battles, education and family background

While Satya Nadella is globally recognized for transforming Microsoft into a tech powerhouse, little is known about the woman who has been by his side through personal and professional highs and lows. Anupama Nadella, often affectionately called Anu, is more than just the wife of one of the world’s most influential CEOs.

From navigating challenging U.S. immigration rules to championing health care and mental wellness causes, her journey reflects quiet strength, compassion, and resilience.

Anupama Nadella's Family and Early Life

Anupama Nadella comes from a family rooted in public service. Her father, KR Venugopal, was an officer in the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), serving under former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. This civil service legacy is shared with Satya Nadella’s father, B.N. Yugandhar, who was also an IAS officer. Their fathers’ professional connection eventually brought Anupama and Satya together.

Anupama pursued architecture at the Manipal Institute of Technology, where Satya was also a student in the electrical engineering department. Their college acquaintance turned into a lifelong commitment when they married in 1992. However, the early days of their married life were far from easy due to complicated immigration rules in the United States.

Visa Challenges and a Life-Changing Sacrifice

Shortly after their wedding, Satya faced a difficult decision. At the time, he held a U.S. Green Card, while Anupama remained in India awaiting her visa. Due to U.S. immigration laws, spouses of Green Card holders often face years-long delays before being allowed entry. To reunite with his wife sooner, Satya chose to give up his permanent residency and revert to an H-1B visa, a move that shocked many. In his memoir Hit Refresh, Satya wrote, “Anu was my priority. And that made my decision a simple one.” The gamble worked, and Anupama joined him in the U.S. soon after.

The Nadellas went on to have three children, including their son Zain, who was born with cerebral palsy. Anupama devoted herself to caring for him, and his condition deeply influenced both parents. In interviews, Satya has shared how Zain’s life altered his perspective on empathy and leadership. Anupama once spoke about the transformative impact of service dogs and technology on Zain’s quality of life, describing how deeply connected he became to his canine companion.

Zain passed away in 2022 at the age of 26, a devastating loss for the family. Despite the grief, the Nadellas found purpose in advocacy, raising awareness about childhood disabilities and health care.

Championing Health and Mental Wellness

Following Zain’s passing, Anupama stepped into a more public role in philanthropy. She contributed $15 million to Seattle Children’s Hospital to support precision medicine neuroscience and youth mental health. Her efforts are part of a broader mission to improve the quality of life for children facing severe medical conditions. Beyond the U.S., she has also extended support to communities in India, including aid for women and farmers and pandemic relief funding.

While Satya Nadella’s leadership at Microsoft has earned him global admiration, he often credits his family for grounding him. Anupama has been his emotional anchor through the pressures of corporate life and personal loss. Her life reflects dedication not only to her family but also to a broader humanitarian cause.