Akshita M Bhanj Deo
About Akshita M Bhanj Deo
Akshita M Bhanj Deo is a Partnerships and Program Specialist with extensive experience in strategic communications and partnerships, particularly in South Asia. She has worked with various organizations, including Global Citizen India and the International Rescue Committee, and has a strong focus on social issues such as education and rural entrepreneurship.
Current Role at Wadhwani AI
Akshita M Bhanj Deo currently serves as a Partnerships and Program Specialist at Wadhwani AI, a position she has held since 2021 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. In this role, she focuses on developing strategic partnerships and managing programs that align with the organization's mission. Her work involves collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the impact of AI solutions in addressing social challenges.
Previous Experience at Global Citizen India
Prior to her current role, Akshita worked as a Brand Strategist at Global Citizen India from 2018 to 2019 in Gurgaon, India. During her tenure, she contributed to brand development and strategic initiatives aimed at mobilizing support for global social issues. Her experience at Global Citizen India helped her build a strong foundation in strategic communications.
Professional Background in Communications
Akshita has extensive experience in communications, having worked as a Communications and Media Relations Associate at the International Rescue Committee from 2015 to 2016. In this role, she was involved in communications related to resettling refugees across 29 US program offices. Additionally, she served as a Senior Account Executive at Edelman from 2016 to 2018, where she managed client accounts and developed communication strategies.
Educational Qualifications
Akshita holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science and Human Rights from Bard College, where she studied from 2011 to 2015. She also participated in a senior project that involved a media case study on Armed Conflict Resolution in Northeast India. Earlier, she completed her International Baccalaureate at the United World College of South East Asia from 2009 to 2011.
Involvement in Social Initiatives
Akshita has been actively involved in various social initiatives, including her role as Co-Chair for the Bard College TLS Nepal Leprosy Project from 2013 to 2015. She has also participated in the Net Zero Fellowship at the SPG School of Governance, focusing on climate change mitigation and resilience. Her commitment to enhancing local connections with grassroots rural communities is evident in her professional endeavors.