Meeta Parti
Gurugram
Summary
Accomplished Deputy Communications Lead at USAID, adept in media and crisis communications and stakeholder engagement. Spearheaded high-impact campaigns, including a $943 million development aid initiative, leveraging technical skills in social media and analytics. Recognized for leadership with multiple awards, I excel in strategic communications, content development, and fostering partnerships.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Communications Lead and Media Lead
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
New Delhi
06.2008 - Current
- Develop and implement a comprehensive corporate communications strategy to enhance USAID’s reputation and visibility across multiple platforms
- Proactively anticipate reputational challenges and implement strategic messaging and crisis response plans
- Oversee external communication agencies to execute high-impact media campaigns and public engagements
- Develop key messaging, press releases, speeches, and digital content to bolster USAID’s public presence
- Highlight the success of USAID’s $943 million development aid to India by positioning the country as a hub for technology and innovation
- Cultivate strong relationships with senior leadership, government officials, private sector stakeholders, and media representatives to shape narratives and build trust
- Oversee high-profile media engagements and VIP events, including visits by the U.S
- President, U.S
- Ambassador, and other senior officials
- Drive the adoption of technology to revolutionize communications strategies by leveraging expertise in social media management, WordPress, Google Analytics, Canva, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and AI-driven solutions such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude for innovative, result-oriented outcomes
- Serve as a knowledgeable resource and mentor, guiding staff and new employees through technical challenges, skill development, and evolving role requirements to ensure their success in a fast-paced work environment
- Ensure consistent and impactful branding and marketing practices that align with institutional goals
- Orchestrated landmark visits and events—including three U.S
- President's visits to India, Congressional delegations, and a tuberculosis campaign with Amitabh Bachchan—demonstrating exceptional coordination and execution skills
- Secured high-profile interviews, facilitated impactful media visits, and responded to press queries to address problematic narratives
- Ensured that USAID’s achievements were not only documented but also celebrated, driving awareness and fostering partnerships to further the organization’s mission in India
- Led the development of the 'Best of Year Results' report for seven consecutive years at USAID/India, a strategic storytelling tool showcasing the Agency’s impact on the U.S.-India partnership
- Led crisis communications during COVID-19 by delivering timely media outreach and managing high-pressure situations; produced press releases, fact sheets, social media messaging, and daily updates to promote USAID’s multi sectoral pandemic response
- Completed intensive training at the U.S
- Foreign Service Institute in Strategic Planning for Public Diplomacy, along with two leadership programs at the U.S
- Federal Executive Institute
- These programs provided a strong foundation in leadership development, from aspiring leader to senior executive
- Served as a fellow on the press team at the USAID Global Office, where I managed key media relationships, responded to press inquiries, coordinated press advances, and monitored media coverage while gaining invaluable insights from top global communications leaders
- Spearheaded USAID/India’s first media monitoring service, establishing a daily press clipping system that provided timely insights and enabled proactive engagement with evolving media narratives
- Earned multiple accolades, including the U.S
- Embassy Meritorious Honor and Mission Honor Awards, for leadership and mentorship in strategic communications, establishing a reputation as a go-to expert for USAID global staff
Advocacy Specialist
Urban Health Resource Center
New Delhi
07.2006 - 05.2008
- Designed and executed a media advocacy strategy to elevate urban health issues in public discourse
- Created compelling communication materials and managed high-profile advocacy events
- Developed thought leadership pieces, including opinion editorials and media campaigns, to influence policy discussions
- Authored nine influential opinion editorials featured in top-tier Indian newspapers
- Secured 59 press articles under two years, significantly amplifying urban health issues
Media and Advocacy Officer
Oxfam India Trust
New Delhi
10.2004 - 06.2006
- Led media strategies on critical social issues such as food security, trade, and gender-based violence
- Strengthened advocacy and media relations capacities of civil society organizations
- Developed and executed impactful IEC campaigns and managed Tsunami emergency relief programs
- Coordinated a highly effective advocacy campaign for Oxfam's 'Make Trade Fair' initiative, challenging inequitable WTO agricultural trade rules that force developing South Asian nations to open their markets to foreign produce
- Successfully recruited acclaimed singer Lucky Ali as the brand ambassador, organizing one-on-one interactions with farmers to significantly amplify the campaign's impact
Asst. Manager, Media and Advocacy Unit
Association for Stimulating Know How (ASK)
Gurgaon
07.2004 - 09.2004
- Integrated media advocacy into core program strategies to enhance public awareness and engagement
- Partnered with NDTV to deliver a compelling feature on the school supported by ASK for Teachers Day, effectively elevating its profile and engaging the community through impactful storytelling
Senior Program Officer
Center for Advocacy and Research (CFAR)
New Delhi
10.1997 - 04.2004
- Led media research and advocacy initiatives on child rights, gender, and social issues
- Organized media sensitization workshops and built partnerships to shape public narratives
- Produced multimedia advocacy materials, including documentaries and short films
- Co-authored multiple media research studies on critical social issues including child rights, female feticide, gender, and disability, contributing valuable insights to public discourse
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Journalism
Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan
India01.1996
B.A. - English (Hons.)
Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University
Delhi, India01.1994
Skills
- Media and crisis communications
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Communications
- Content development
- Agency and vendor management
- Technical Skills
Accomplishments
- ABCD
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading
- Writing
- Geopolitics
Languages
- English, Fluent
- Hindi, Fluent
- Punjabi, Limited
Timeline
Deputy Communications Lead and Media Lead
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
06.2008 - Current
Advocacy Specialist
Urban Health Resource Center
07.2006 - 05.2008
Media and Advocacy Officer
Oxfam India Trust
10.2004 - 06.2006
Asst. Manager, Media and Advocacy Unit
Association for Stimulating Know How (ASK)
07.2004 - 09.2004
Senior Program Officer
Center for Advocacy and Research (CFAR)
10.1997 - 04.2004
Post Graduate Diploma - Journalism
Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan
B.A. - English (Hons.)
Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University
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