Madhu Beriwal is a trailblazer in disaster and emergency management, globally recognized for her transformative contributions to building resilient communities through science and technology. With over 30 years of expertise, she has led initiatives that have saved lives and fortified infrastructure, including a Congressionally-mandated public protection program for chemical weapons and multi-billion-dollar disaster recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Maria.
As the founder and Chairwoman of IEM International, Beriwal has driven the company to become the largest minority- and woman-owned firm in its field, pioneering innovations that accelerate disaster recovery and ensure survivors receive vital resources faster than ever before. Her leadership has left a lasting impact in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.
A trusted advisor to national leaders, Beriwal serves on the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), offering critical insights on the resilience of infrastructure sectors, and she is on the Board of Directors for the Bipartisan Policy Center. She also has provided expert guidance to the Army Research Board and the Defense Science Board Panel on terrorism intelligence.
Beriwal’s visionary work includes leading the groundbreaking “Hurricane Pam” simulation, cited in the U.S. Senate’s Hurricane Katrina report as a model for effective disaster planning and response. Her strategic foresight continues to influence emergency management practices worldwide.
Inducted into the International Women in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Hall of Fame and honored as Enterprising Woman of the Year, Beriwal is a dynamic force in her field. She holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Economics from the University of Calcutta.