Asha Sharma: A Trailblazer in Environmental Justice and Policy Leadership
In the realm of environmental justice, agricultural sustainability, and public policy, few names stand out with as much dedication and impact as Asha Sharma. Currently serving as the State Policy Manager at the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, Sharma’s career journey reflects an unwavering commitment to equity, climate resilience, and community-centered advocacy. Her professional history spans influential positions across non-profits, policy think tanks, and research institutions, each role strengthening her expertise in driving systemic change.
Early Career Foundations
Academic Roots and Passion for Policy
Asha Sharma’s academic journey laid the foundation for her career in environmental and agricultural policy. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government, with a minor in Geology, from The University of Texas at Arlington in 2013. Her dual interest in political systems and the environment set her on a path where policy and science could merge to address urgent global challenges.
Sharma’s academic pursuits didn’t stop there. She went on to obtain a Master of Science in International Agricultural Development from the University of California, Davis, graduating in March 2020. Her graduate research and teaching work at UC Davis deepened her understanding of sustainable agriculture, food systems, and the intersection of environmental justice with community health.
Professional Journey
Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability
In May 2024, Asha Sharma stepped into the role of State Policy Manager at the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability in Sacramento, California. The organization is known for advocating on behalf of low-income communities and communities of color, particularly in rural and underrepresented regions of California.
As State Policy Manager, Sharma’s role involves developing and overseeing legislative strategies that address pressing environmental justice issues. Working in a hybrid capacity, she collaborates directly with community leaders, policymakers, and coalition partners to craft solutions that prioritize public health, climate resilience, and equitable infrastructure development.
Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network
Before joining the Leadership Counsel, Sharma served as the Organizing Co-Director at the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) from May 2021 to May 2024. In this role, she championed agroecology, farmworker rights, and pesticide reduction policies. Her leadership at PANNA emphasized building grassroots power and amplifying the voices of those most affected by industrial agriculture’s harmful impacts.
Waxman Strategies
From May 2020 to May 2021, Sharma worked as a Director at Waxman Strategies, a Washington, D.C.-based firm that blends advocacy, communications, and strategic advising. At Waxman Strategies, she focused on campaigns related to sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and public health protections, leveraging her experience to influence both public opinion and legislative action.
University of California, Davis
While pursuing her master’s degree, Sharma served as a Graduate Student Researcher and Teaching Assistant at UC Davis from September 2017 to March 2020. She researched sustainable farming systems, soil science, and climate-resilient agriculture, while also supporting academic instruction for undergraduate courses. This period marked a deep dive into the technical aspects of agricultural sustainability, which later informed her advocacy work.
Union of Concerned Scientists
Sharma’s collaboration with the Union of Concerned Scientists occurred in two key phases:
- Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative Project & Research Assistant (Oct 2014 – Oct 2016): She supported research on deforestation, climate policy, and sustainable land use.
- Consultant (Jun 2017 – Aug 2017): She provided expertise on policy development and environmental program strategies.
Her work here strengthened her understanding of global environmental challenges and the policy mechanisms needed to address them.
Other Notable Roles
Sharma’s career is also marked by diverse early experiences, including:
- Mobile Market Associate at the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture, promoting local food access.
- Research Assistant and Social Media Manager at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, where she contributed to research dissemination.
- Chief of Staff Intern at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, gaining direct insight into federal environmental policymaking.
- A period of international travel through Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India broadened her cultural perspective on environmental and agricultural systems.
Core Skills and Expertise
Environmental Justice Leadership
Across her roles, Sharma has been at the forefront of ensuring that environmental policies address the needs of marginalized communities. Her work bridges science-based solutions with on-the-ground advocacy.
Agricultural Sustainability
With her UC Davis background in soil science and agricultural development, Sharma is equipped to address the challenges of climate-resilient farming and pesticide reform.
Policy, Strategy, and Advocacy
From state-level legislative campaigns to national advocacy, Sharma’s experience in policy strategy ensures that community voices influence decision-making at all levels.
Education
- Master of Science (M.S.) in International Agricultural Development, University of California, Davis (2017–2020)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government, The University of Texas at Arlington (2009–2013)
Her blend of political science, geology, and agricultural studies uniquely positions her to tackle environmental challenges from both policy and scientific perspectives.
Honors & Awards
- Bill Archer Fellowship (Aug 2013) — Awarded by The University of Texas System, this fellowship provided Sharma with opportunities to work on policy issues in Washington, D.C., further shaping her career trajectory in public service and environmental advocacy.
Impact and Vision
Asha Sharma’s career reflects a consistent vision: to create equitable, sustainable systems that serve both people and the planet. Her leadership at the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability is a continuation of this mission, focusing on policies that not only address climate change but also dismantle systemic inequities.
Through her work, Sharma demonstrates that meaningful change requires both grassroots power and strategic policy engagement. Whether advocating for farmworker protections, climate-resilient infrastructure, or pesticide reform, she blends scientific expertise with community organizing to achieve long-term impact.
Conclusion
From her early internships in Washington, D.C., to her current leadership role in Sacramento, Asha Sharma embodies the qualities of a modern policy leader: informed by science, rooted in community needs, and unwavering in her commitment to justice. Her trajectory across organizations like the Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network, Waxman Strategies, and the Union of Concerned Scientists showcases her adaptability and depth of knowledge.
As climate change and environmental inequities continue to shape public discourse, leaders like Sharma play a critical role in guiding policy toward a more just and sustainable future. Her story is not just one of professional success but also of purposeful service—proof that impactful change begins when expertise meets passion.
