Ihitashri Shandilya

Discover My Professional Journey, Technical Expertise, and Passion for Culture and Women’s Empowerment. Join me on a transformative journey where art, technology, and social impact converge.

Experience

Founder CEO  @  MITHILAsmita /  2012 to Present

Established in 2012 as a social enterprise MITHILAsmita embarked on a mission to support rural women artists and promote various Indian art forms, particularly Madhubani. Also establishing its charitable trust in 2014, MITHILAsmita collaborated with government bodies, museums, corporates, and individuals to explore untapped markets for traditional art, including museum shop souvenirs and corporate gifts. Expanding its reach, the organization extended support to women clusters practising diverse art forms and textiles, such as Phulkari, Kantha, Gond painting, Warli painting, Patua, tribal jewellery, Zari embroidery, Dhokra crafts, Mulberry silk, Bhagalpuri silk, and more, which received the esteemed Geographical Indication tag by the Government of India. Recognized with multiple accolades, including a prestigious UN award in 2020, it was my honor to lead MITHILAsmita towards becoming an umbrella organization empowering traditional and indigenous women artists across rural India.

Clore Fellow  @  Tate UK/  2021 to 2021

During my tenure as a Chevening Clore Fellow, I had the privilege of undertaking my Clore secondment at Tate, encompassing both Tate Modern and Tate Britain. My focus revolved around developing a volunteer retention and re-engagement strategy in a post-COVID era, along with spearheading the digital implementation of volunteer resources. This experience enabled me to utilize my cultural, analytical, and technical skills while immersing myself in the extraordinary works exhibited at Tate. I gained invaluable insights into their operations, strategy, and partnerships. Moreover, I had the unique opportunity to shadow esteemed leaders of the institution and actively participate in meetings and negotiations with board members, further enriching my professional journey.

Head Of Technology @  Federation of Indian Women Entrepreneurs FIWE  2016 to 2017

In my role as Head of Technology, I had the honor of empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs who were members of the Federation of Indian Women Entrepreneurs. I provided guidance and assistance in leveraging technology, including website development, digital marketing, and design, to enhance their businesses. This opportunity allowed me to utilize my technical expertise to shape and strengthen the women entrepreneurship ecosystem in India.

Founder  @  MITHILAsmita Folk Art Gallery /  2011 to 2016

I embarked on a creative journey by establishing and managing MITHILAsmita Folk Art Gallery in Bangalore for a span of six years. As a cultural entrepreneur, I harnessed my skills in technology, communications, marketing, and networking to promote authentic handmade Madhubani paintings and Madhubani lifestyle merchandise to an urban audience conscious of sustainability. The gallery served as a platform to market and sell Madhubani art and craft while also disseminating information about this rich heritage art form and its talented traditional artists. Additionally, it provided opportunities for young individuals from universities and schools to volunteer and intern, contributing their skills in management, technology, and more, to support the Indian artisan ecosystem.

Package SAP Consultant  @  IBM  /  2007 to 2012

During my tenure at IBM, I had the privilege of implementing and supporting SAP Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) solution for numerous global clients, primarily in the United States and Europe. I also had the opportunity to serve as an onsite lead for a German client based in Dresden, Germany, where my leadership and crisis management skills were highly valued and appreciated.

Development Specialist  @  SAP Labs  /  2006 to 2007

During my time at SAP Labs, I had the privilege of working as a Development Specialist and serving as an expert techno-functional consultant. I provided invaluable support to clients who had implemented SAP Supplier Relationship Management Solution, while also being the global point of contact for SAP Catalogue Content Management Solution, catering to the needs of clients across the globe.

Software Developer  @  Patni Computers (Igate)   /  2004 to 2005

Throughout my software developer role at Patni, I successfully designed and developed numerous business software solutions utilizing Java and J2EE technologies. These solutions catered to the needs of multiple clients based in the United States, showcasing my proficiency in delivering tailored software solutions to meet their specific requirements.

Education

B.Tech (Hons.)  @  National Institute of Technology /  2000 to 2004

I successfully obtained my B.Tech (Hons) degree in Electrical Engineering from the esteemed National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, one of India’s premier technical universities.

In recognition of my accomplishments, I was bestowed with the esteemed Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015, honoring my outstanding contributions and achievements following my education at the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra.

Entrepreneurship Course @ ISB /  2013 to 2013

In 2013, I successfully completed the prestigious entrepreneurship program under the ISB Goldman Sachs 10000 Women’s Program. This program equipped me with valuable management knowledge and skills, empowering me to effectively lead and manage my newly founded enterprise, MITHILAsmita.

Acumen Fellowship  @  Acumen /  2014 to 2014

In recognition of my outstanding social entrepreneurial and leadership abilities, I was chosen as one of the twenty Indian leaders to join the inaugural cohort of the Acumen Fellowship in India. This prestigious opportunity provided a platform to enhance my skills, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and make a lasting impact on social challenges in the region.

Arts & Its Markets  @  Sothebys, UK /  2014 to 2014

Recognizing the need to complement my formal cultural education, I sought to bridge the gap in my knowledge of the arts market and its management and marketing aspects. As a result, I embarked on a transformative journey to the cultural capital of the world, London, where I enrolled in a prestigious certificate course titled “Art and Its Markets” offered by the renowned Sotheby’s Art Institute. This immersive experience provided invaluable insights and expertise in navigating the intricate dynamics of the art industry.

Cultural Entrepreneurship Certificate Programme  @  Harvard SAI /  2016 to 2016

Selected as one of the esteemed top 40 cultural leaders of India, I had the privilege of participating in a prestigious cultural leadership certificate program conducted by Harvard University’s South Asia Institute in 2016. My notable contribution of establishing an art alliance at the conclusion of the program was recognized as a significant highlight and an exceptional outcome of the program.

Australia India Youth Dialogue  /  2018 to 2018

Recognizing my exceptional efforts in promoting and preserving the rich heritage of Madhubani paintings in India, I was honored to be chosen as an Indian delegate for the prestigious Australia India Youth Dialogue in 2018. This esteemed opportunity provided a platform to exchange ideas and foster cultural exchange between the two nations.

Chevening Clore International Fellowship  @  Clore Leadership, UK /  2019 to 2021

In 2019, I had the privilege of being selected as the Indian recipient of the prestigious Chevening Clore International Fellowship, awarded by the UK government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. This recognition was a testament to my exceptional contributions to the artisan ecosystem and the empowerment of Madhubani women artists in India. Completing the fellowship in December 2021, it marked a significant milestone in my cultural entrepreneurship journey, providing unparalleled opportunities to engage with global cultural leaders, collaborate with peers, and learn from industry experts. The program also included transformative experiences such as residential sessions, insightful training courses, and a memorable secondment at the esteemed National Museum of the UK, Tate. Throughout this journey, I was guided by a dedicated mentor Kathleen Soriano (a highly respected cultural leader of the UK) who helped me broaden my horizons, expand my vision, and adopt more agile strategies in my pursuits.

Industry Disruptor by UN WOMEN (Sustainable Fashion Accelerator Programme)  @  The Do School, Germany /  2021 to 2021

In 2021, I successfully completed an Industry Disruptor Program offered by UN Women, The DO School Germany, and H&M. As one of the chosen entrepreneurs in the cohort, I joined other top sustainable fashion innovators from India in a transformative certificate course aimed at scaling up our ventures while upholding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Women’s Empowerment Principles set forth by UN Women. This program equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills to drive positive change in the fashion industry while championing sustainability and women’s empowerment.