Anahita Mehra isn’t coming to USC Annenberg from Delhi, India, to make a splash. She’s coming to make a difference. 

Mehra runs her own communications consulting company, helping firms position their sustainability initiatives on a global platform by developing outreach strategies for everything from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to social media campaigns. She is pursuing her master’s degree in digital social media to maximize her efforts moving the needle on social and environmental issues.

“I want to work where I’m able to make an impact,” the 29-year-old said. 

While her consulting work gives her the opportunity to contribute creative ideas, Mehra wants to come to USC to learn the right tools to help her clients build their brands, gain more followers and expand their reach as they share their sustainability narratives online.

Mehra was first introduced to the world of social media and digital marketing through her parents’ textile company in India. She had long encouraged her mother to promote the business online, and she helped grow the family firm by promoting their goods on Facebook and Instagram.

“You’ve got to get the product out there,” Mehra said.

Mehra was born and raised in Varanasi, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. While working toward a degree in literature, she interned at an organization that assisted victims of gender-based crime, including acid attacks and domestic violence.

The experience inspired an interest in policy and impact, so Mehra went on to earn a law degree and work for The Global Education and Leadership Foundation, which promotes sustainable development through entrepreneurship. Mehra developed a gender initiative and oversaw communications for the foundation.

“In rural areas in India, women are still primary caregivers. They look after their households and they look after their villages,” Mehra said. “They know the real problems and they have so many ideas about solutions that would directly benefit them and their children.”

After getting married in February, Mehra stepped down from the foundation in order to focus on her consulting business and prepare for her move to Los Angeles.

While exploring graduate programs, USC was the only option Mehra considered. She said she loves the vibrant campus culture and wide array of distinguished faculty and guest speakers. She also likes that the inclusive campus is a safe space for her as a woman of color and recent arrival to the U.S.

“USC just welcomes you,” Mehra said.

When Mehra isn’t working or studying, she loves to cook, swim and spend time at the beach. She’s also an avid reader who enjoys both reading and writing poetry and articles on topics ranging from relationships to social issues and politics.

After she completes her degree, Mehra said she wants “100% to stay in the impact space,” whether focused on sustainability, gender equity or another issue that aligns with her values.

Looking to the future, Mehra plans on developing a platform to support a women’s entrepreneurship network so female professionals can learn from each other’s experiences.

When it comes to social media as an industry, Mehra sees an opportunity for women to dominate.

“Women are ruling social media,” she said. “It is more of a woman’s world.”