Ms. Archna Sharma, an Indian-origin professional based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was recently honoured with the Indian Achievers’ Award 2025, recognizing Indians worldwide for significant contributions to India’s progress. Originally from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, she embodies the global Indian spirit and is committed to uplifting her homeland.

What sets her apart is her unwavering dedication to empowering others. She turns challenges into opportunities, mentoring and supporting those around her. Her resilience – adapting, learning, and rising stronger – has been her greatest asset.

Her empathy and selfless leadership shine in her academic, professional, and mentoring roles.

Supported by merit scholarships, she excels in her MBA (Signature) and MS (SCM) at the University of Pittsburgh. Despite initial health setbacks, she thrives academically. She chose UPitt over top global business schools for its dual-degree opportunity and support. She holds a B.Tech. from UTU and a PGPM from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Recognized by leading organizations and global competitions, she has spent over a decade mentoring students and first-generation graduates. She led after-school programs for 50+ underprivileged children, volunteered as a companion for senior citizens, and mentored 40+ students in youth development. Her advocacy for gender equality and girls’ education continues as she mentors at Pennsylvania Women’s Work.

She attributes her resilience, compassion, and support to her parents, saying, “My parents gave me wings to fly, and my husband is the wind beneath my wings.” His steadfast encouragement has been crucial to her journey.

Her dedication, growth curve, and continued mentoring over the past decade led to her selection for the Indian Achievers’ Award 2025, following a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation. Her story of resilience, empathy, and inspiring change shows others how to unlock their potential. At IAF, we proudly celebrate Ms. Archna Sharma as a visionary leader whose influence uplifts communities, supports others, and empowers individuals to achieve their dreams.