Anjali Sud to Pace Grads: “Be You,” Draws on Indian Heritage

India-West Staff Reporter

NEW YORK, NY – Anjali Sud, the CEO of Tubi and daughter of immigrants from India, inspired graduates at Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems with a message about authenticity, optimism, and impact in an ever-changing world.

Sud, a trailblazer in the tech and media space, served as the keynote speaker at the school’s commencement ceremony on May 20 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. She was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

In her speech to the Class of 2025, Sud encouraged students to embrace their individuality and lead with conviction. “Get out there and be passionate,” she said. “Be brave. And most of all, be you. The world is waiting for you, and we need you.”

Now CEO of Tubi, the most-watched free streaming platform in the U.S. with over 97 million monthly users, Sud reflected on her upbringing in Flint, Michigan. She spoke about how her background as the daughter of Indian immigrants shaped her resilience and leadership style.

“One thing I’ve seen across every technologist, entrepreneur, or innovator I admire,” she said, “is a deep sense of optimism. Surround yourself with optimists.”

A strong advocate for inclusive storytelling and accessible technology, Sud emphasized the importance of translating ideas into real-world solutions. “Ideas are powerful, but impact comes from real products that help real humans,” she said. “You each possess the power in your brains and fingertips to build things. So use your craft. Hone your craft. Accelerate your craft.”