Sharmista Chaudhury
Summary
Strategic communications leader with 14+ years of experience across media, philanthropy, academia, and consulting environments. Expertise in thought leadership, media relations, stakeholder engagement, executive communications, and narrative strategy. Proven track record of translating complex ideas into compelling public narratives, leading high-impact communication initiatives, and strengthening organizational visibility across diverse audiences and platforms.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Head – Communications
A.T.E. Chandra Foundation
Mumbai
2023.01 - Current
- Lead strategic communications, PR, and narrative building for a philanthropic foundation advancing water security, climate resilience, and stronger nonprofit institutions in India.
- Directed development and dissemination of 40+ strategic content assets including reports, articles, executive narratives, and sector insights.
- Manage media engagement and visibility strategy across national and industry platforms.
- Led the development and launch of the organization’s digital platform and knowledge hub.
- Design communication strategies for high-level convenings engaging senior leaders across government, academia, industry, and civil society.
- Advise leadership and external partners on positioning, messaging, and strategic storytelling.
- Manage the media grants of the foundation.
- Philanthropic foundation advancing water security, climate resilience, and stronger nonprofit institutions in India.
Senior Knowledge Associate
Illumine Knowledge Resources
Mumbai
2020.08 - 2022.01
- Coordinated with university leadership and faculty to implement training programs, aligning educational initiatives with institutional goals.
- Managed research studies and produced impact reports to evaluate effectiveness of education interventions.
- Developed digital learning resources and training materials for universities, enhancing educational access at Gujarat Technical University and Biju Patnaik University of Technology.
Communications Advisor
Xynteo
Mumbai
2018.08 - 2020.04
- Designed communications and engagement strategy for Xynteo Exchange/India 2022, facilitating collaboration among 500+ global leaders.
- Developed multi-stakeholder engagement campaigns that increased awareness and participation in waste management initiatives.
- Led strategic communications for sustainability and behavior-change initiatives (Waste No More) implemented across 1500+ schools in Maharashtra.
Adjunct Faculty
Old Dominion University
Virginia
2017.01 - 2018.01
- Guided students in research and academic writing, enhancing skills in interpersonal communication and public speaking.
Graduate Teaching Fellow
University of Oregon
Eugene
2015.01 - 2017.01
- Conducted research on development communications, CSR, new media trends in South Asia, and multimedia storytelling.
Senior Correspondent
The Week
Mumbai
2010.01 - 2015.01
- Authored long-form stories and conducted interviews and field reporting in politics, governance, and development, shaping narratives that resonate with audiences.
- Covered national business, policy, education, technology, and social issues for one of India’s leading news magazines, contributing to informed public discourse.
- Earned two Laadli Media Awards for significant contributions to reporting on gender and society, highlighting critical social issues.
Assistant Producer
Bloomberg India (UTVI)
Mumbai
2009.01 - 2010.01
- Researched and coordinated television segments on education, business, and advertising, overseeing scripting, studio coordination, and post-production to ensure timely delivery and quality content.
Education
MA - Media Studies
University of Oregon
USA2017-01
PG Diploma - Journalism
Asian College of Journalism
Chennai2009-01
BA - English Literature
St. Xavier’s College
Mumbai2008-01
Skills
- Strategic Communications
- Corporate Communications
- Public Relations
- Media Relations
- Executive Communications
- Reputation Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Thought Leadership
- Brand strategy
- Content Strategy
- Digital Communications
- Digital planning
- Event communications
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Sector analysis
- Data storytelling
- Leadership Positioning
Awards
- Laadli Media Award (National), Best Human Interest Story
- Laadli Media Award (Western Region), Best Human Interest Story
Languages
- Hindi
- Bengali
- English
- Hindi
- Bengali
Professional Development
Dasra Social Impact Leadership Programme, 2025-2026
Timeline
Head – Communications
A.T.E. Chandra Foundation
2023.01 - Current
Senior Knowledge Associate
Illumine Knowledge Resources
2020.08 - 2022.01
Communications Advisor
Xynteo
2018.08 - 2020.04
Adjunct Faculty
Old Dominion University
2017.01 - 2018.01
Graduate Teaching Fellow
University of Oregon
2015.01 - 2017.01
Senior Correspondent
The Week
2010.01 - 2015.01
Assistant Producer
Bloomberg India (UTVI)
2009.01 - 2010.01
MA - Media Studies
University of Oregon
PG Diploma - Journalism
Asian College of Journalism
BA - English Literature
St. Xavier’s College