AI and data senior manager Bahrani to receive UWO Outstanding Young Alumni honors

Receiving a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Outstanding Young Alumni Award is Amy (Gearhart) Bahrani, an AI and data senior manager with Accenture Federal Services, who resides in Lake Bluff, Illinois.

Bahrani earned a UW-Oshkosh bachelor's degree in political science and religious studies in 2011 and went on to earn a Master of economics in international relations at the University of Wales in December 2012.

Bahrani is employed by Accenture Federal Services, a $5.5B organization supporting mission-critical federal clients.

Standout employee

Garrett Berntsen, chief AI and data officer with Accenture, said Bahrani stands out for her strategic acumen, operational excellence and ability to foster high-performing team culture.

He said she brings a rare combination of industry depth, cross-functional fluency and the ability to activate complex partnerships. She understands the evolving needs of the Defense Industrial Base and is adept at translating cutting-edge technology -including digital engineering and next-generation AI-into solutions that address real mission challenges.

"She builds trust quickly, communicates with clarity and confidence and unites diverse stakeholders around shared objectives," he said, calling her a reliable partner committed to developing talent and elevating others' strengths.

Justin Shirk, managing director with Accenture Federal Services, said Bahrani is one of the most capable emerging leaders he has worked with across many years of federal consulting.

"She brings a unique ability to understand operational needs, translate them into practical technical solutions and ensure they directly support the warfighter," Shirk said. "This combination of strategic thinking and ability to build strong, trusting client relationships is a strong indicator of her long-term potential."

He added that Bahrani is a committed mentor who invests in junior staff and actively helps shape their career paths-both within Accenture and in her work with Women in Aerospace and Upwardly Global.

Engaging with non-profits, industry and public sector organizations broadens awareness of opportunities in defense and technology and participation from individuals who may not traditionally consider the field.

Titan impact

Bahrani said growing up, the odds of building a successful career were not in her favor.

"I was the first in my family to graduate college and was raised in a household where finances were always tight," she said, adding that she carried an IEP (individual educational plan) throughout her education as she didn't know how her own mind worked.

"High school was a struggle, but UW-Oshkosh changed everything," Bahrani said.

The Study Center and professors who invested in her, helped her find her footing.

She graduated from UWO with a 3.8 GPA and then from a master's program in Europe with a 4.0, and where her master's thesis was chosen for publication.

"What I am most proud of is the life I have built on the other side of all that," she said. "I did not let dyslexia define my ceiling, nor did I let poverty write my story."

Today, she works in a field where her contributions matter to national security and she comes home to children who are watching her show them what resilience and grit looks like in practice.

"I am proud of the professional I've become, but even more so of the parent I am-and I attribute UW-Oshkosh with a lot of that," she said.

Civic engagement

In her community, she serves on the board of directors for Women in Aerospace; participates in AviationWeek's 20 Twenties Program; as a visionary for Blood Cancer United, a national patient-advocacy organization; and served seven years on the leadership council for Upwardly Global, guiding strategy, fundraising and membership efforts while volunteering as a career coach for skilled immigrants and refugees.

Bahrani recently received Women in Technology's Emerging Leader recognition.

"It is a huge honor to be recognized by my peers in technology, especially given that I have liberal arts degrees," she said. "This feels like a recognition of my advancement and capabilities and a validation that the social sciences play a critical role in STEM advancement."

Oshkosh remains in her heart

Bahrani said she stays connected to multiple professors at UWO and is happy to mentor and provide guidance to any students they may send her way.

The proud Titan said most of the people who work for her and are her peers and leaders attended Ivy League or similar prestigious global institutions.

"I proudly display my UWO diploma in my office-knowing that I break the mold. I want people to know the kind of talent that our university produces."

Bahrani says she would tell current and future Titans to pursue the thing that challenges and excites them-even if that wasn't the original plan.

She advises, "Take confidence in your education and the foundation you've built."

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh will celebrate the talents and successes of eight alumni during Homecoming 2026 this October. Amy Bahrani is among three top graduates to receive the Outstanding Young Alumni for their professional and civic accomplishments within 15 years of receiving their degrees; four will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award for their accomplishments in their professional fields; and one will receive the Alumni Outstanding Service Award for making exemplary contributions to support UWO through volunteer efforts, energy, leadership and/or philanthropic donations.

Learn more:

Eight UWO alumni to be honored at 2026 Alumni Awards Celebration Homecoming Weekend

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