ALISHA

I am a content creator, poet and writer whose best work lies at the intersection of purpose and storytelling. I use language as a tool for education and healing by reshaping narratives around social issues through inspired content: brand communications, children's books, poetry, talks and other creative pursuits. In particular, I am passionate about issues related to girls and women, including colorism, gender equality, self-esteem, body positivity and postpartum mental health. I have just finished writing my first children's picture book about a dark-skinned Indian-American girl who struggles to accept and love herself.

I conceptualized the first-ever global social media campaign on toxic masculinity with ZEGNA, the world's leading Italian luxury menswear brand, at the onset of COVID. It was voted the third best of the year by Campaign magazine in the Middle East and also covered by Vogue India for its intent to break age-old stereotypes. This work ignited my passion for partnering with brands that create cultural change. I've also collaborated with major companies including Four Seasons Hotels and Level Shoes on brand campaigns related to mental health and motherhood.

My Instapoetry @wordsmithalisha has been translated into Arabic and shared by the UAE's former Minister of Culture, Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi. It has also been recognized by authors Elizabeth Gilbert and Glennon Doyle.

I began my career at Assouline Publishing in New York City in 2005 and went on to write about art, culture, hospitality and travel for Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, Robb Report and Travel + Leisure. I subsequently spent a decade in PR, working for APCO, Burson, Edelman and Flint Culture on accounts like Canon, Dubai Design District and Turkish Airlines.

I studied at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts after graduating from the Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai. I have lived across Asia, Europe, the USA, and the Middle East and am currently based in Dubai. I live with my husband, daughter and sweet little Maltipoo!