Sandya Dandamudi is the President of GI Stone, located in Chicago. Founded 29 years ago by her mother Rani Dandamudi, GI Stone is WBE/MBE certified, a signatory to Union Local 21, and a vital employer.
Sandya’s deep knowledge of stone and her “get it done” attitude has propelled GI Stone as the leading stone company in Chicago. GI Stone is unique in its versatility by executing both Exterior and Interior work – with an impressive resume that includes notable developments such as 9 Walton, One Bennet Park, The Ritz Carlton, The Four Seasons Hotel, Wolf Pointe, The Tribune Tower, Northwestern Outpatient Hospital, The Northwestern Kellogg’s School of Business parking garage, One Chicago Square among others, and currently the list includes the Obama Presidential Center – there is not a project that GI Stone cannot do.
Sandya is also on the Board of the Chicago Marble Contractor’s Association and is an active participant in contract negotiations. She is actively engaged in mentoring, sponsoring, and training apprentices for The Marble Setters Union – Local 21. She has a personal commitment to encouraging individuals who do not have a traditional background in the construction industry.
As a child of immigrants, Sandya understands what the American Dream is all about – her parents realized it and she and her two siblings have greatly benefited from their years of hard work. This family drive has led to her conviction that everyone deserves to participate in that dream.
Sandya has an unwavering interest in assuring the existence of services that support emotional health, access to nutritional food, and promoting self-expression and identity.
Furthermore, due to her global travels for the stone business, she believes in connecting our communities together and that the wellbeing or failure of one community affects the others.
She also believes that through the medium of the arts lies a powerful tool that needs to be valued and is active in promoting artistic expression in disenfranchised youth.
Board memberships
- The DuSable Museum of Black History & Educational Center – Vice Chair and Trustee – 2019 – Present: A museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting experiences and achievements of the people ofAfrican descent and the African Diaspora. And an educational and learning center.
- The Anti-Defamation League – Midwest Region – Board Member – 2024 – Present: An organization committed to stopping the defamation of Jewish people and all people to secure justice and fair treatment to all.
- South Asians in Real Estate (Saire) – Founding Member and President – 2024 – Present: An organization created to foster a vibrant and inclusive community that promotes, empowers and elevates South Asian professionals in the commercial real estate industry
- National Indo American History Museum – Advisory Board – 2018 – Present: An organization devoted to the history of Indo Americans through preserving oral histories, storytelling, school programs, promoting art and literature and the collection of artifacts.
- Greater River North Business Association – Board Member – 2020-2023: An association committed to promoting businesses in the area through mentorship, resource development and networking.
- River North Resident’s Association – Development and Land Use Committee – 2018 to present. An oversight committee charged with reviewing proposed residential and commercial projects in the River North area for recommendations to the Alderman’s office.
- Revive Center for Housing and Healing – Vice President – 2013-2021: A 108-year-old nonprofit organization involved in permanent supportive and affordable housing for the chronically homeless in Chicago’s west side and a service provider for individuals with addiction issues.
- Unite States Service Organization (USO) – Trustee – 2009-2016: An organization created solely to support the men and women of the armed forces and their families.
Memberships
- VISTAGE The world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders.
- THE CHICAGO NETWORK An organization whose purpose is to empower women to lead, the membersbelieve that it is critical to be intentional about including all women, more specifically, women of all colors.
- THE ARTS CLUB OF CHICAGO A Private club that is dedicated to nurturing and fostering the arts.
- The Chicago Club – A private club that connects and enriches the lives of Chicago’s most impactful leaders
- National Stone Institute – An Industry organization that sets standards and promotes the stone industry.
- PWC – Professional Women in Construction – promoting women owned businesses and Women Professionals and mentorship of women.
