Asha Sharma – Champion of Environmental Justice and Sustainable Agriculture
Asha Sharma is a respected leader in the fields of environmental justice, agricultural sustainability, and climate policy. With over a decade of professional experience across advocacy organizations, research institutions, and government, she has built a career dedicated to improving the health of communities and the environment. Currently serving as the State Policy Manager at Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, Asha works tirelessly to advance equitable policies in California, focusing on environmental health, land use, and agricultural practices.
A rich blend of policy expertise, grassroots organizing, scientific research, and international experience marks her journey. From directing national agroecology campaigns to representing frontline communities in legislative hearings, Asha’s work reflects a deep commitment to justice and systemic change.
Asha Sharma at Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability
State Policy Manager
Since May 2024, Asha Sharma has served as State Policy Manager at Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability (LCJA), a nonprofit organization that partners with communities in California’s most underserved areas to address environmental inequities and promote economic opportunity.
In this role, Asha develops and advances state policy campaigns shaped by community voices. Her responsibilities include:
- Coordinating with local leaders to translate on-the-ground needs into legislative solutions.
- Advocating for fair land use, clean air and water, and climate resilience.
- Providing testimony at California legislative hearings on environmental and housing bills.
- Engaging with policymakers to ensure the inclusion of marginalized communities in decision-making.
Her hybrid role in Sacramento allows her to remain closely connected to both policymakers and the grassroots movements that drive LCJA’s mission.
Past Leadership – Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network
Organizing Co-Director
Before joining LCJA, Asha served for three years (May 2021 – May 2024) as Organizing Co-Director at the Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA).
Here, she led national campaigns to promote agroecology and reduce pesticide dependence. Key contributions included:
- Building coalitions between farmworkers, scientists, and environmental groups.
- Campaigning for safer food systems and farmworker protections.
- Elevating community-led agricultural practices that improve soil health and biodiversity.
- Advocating for regulatory reforms to address pesticide drift and contamination.
Her work at PANNA cemented her reputation as a bridge between science and community organizing.
Strategic Policy – Waxman Strategies
Director Role
From May 2020 to May 2021, Asha held the role of Director at Waxman Strategies, a public affairs firm specializing in environmental, health, and technology policy. At Waxman Strategies, she:
- Directed advocacy strategies for sustainable agriculture and environmental health.
- Coordinated with policymakers to advance progressive environmental policies.
- Worked closely with clients to shape campaigns that addressed pressing climate and food system challenges.
This period strengthened her legislative strategy skills and broadened her network in policy circles.
Academic Contributions – University of California, Davis
Graduate Student Researcher and Teaching Assistant
Asha’s academic background is rooted in science and practical fieldwork. Between September 2017 and March 2020, she served as a Graduate Student Researcher and Teaching Assistant at UC Davis, focusing on International Agricultural Development with a specialization in soil science. Her research explored:
- Soil health improvement techniques.
- Climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- International agricultural systems, particularly in low-resource settings.
She also taught courses and mentored students, sharing her expertise in agroecology and sustainable farming.
Contributions to the Union of Concerned Scientists
Asha’s relationship with the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) spans multiple roles:
- Consultant (June – August 2017)
- Tropical Forest and Climate Initiative Project & Research Assistant (October 2014 – October 2016)
During her time at UCS, she:
- Supported climate and tropical forest policy initiatives.
- Conducted research on deforestation and climate mitigation.
- Contributed to advocacy efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Her time at UCS gave her a strong foundation in climate science and policy analysis.
Early Career and International Experience
Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture
In 2017, Asha worked as a Mobile Market Associate for the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture, increasing access to fresh food in underserved communities.
International Travel
From October 2016 to May 2017, she embarked on an eight-month backpacking journey through Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. This experience deepened her understanding of global agricultural systems, cultural approaches to sustainability, and community resilience.
The Wilson Center and White House Experience
- Research Assistant and Social Media Manager at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Feb – Aug 2014).
- Chief of Staff Intern at the White House Council on Environmental Quality (Sep – Dec 2013), where she supported federal environmental initiatives and gained firsthand insight into government operations.
These early roles exposed her to high-level policy environments and international diplomacy.
Education
University of California, Davis
- Master of Science in International Agricultural Development (2017 – 2020)
- Focus: Soil science, climate-resilient agriculture, and global food systems.
- Graduated March 2020.
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government, Geology (2009 – 2013)
- Developed a strong interdisciplinary foundation in politics, earth sciences, and environmental policy.
Honors & Awards
Bill Archer Fellowship
Awarded by The University of Texas System in August 2013, the Bill Archer Fellowship is a prestigious program that places students in policy internships in Washington, D.C. This honor recognized Asha’s academic excellence and leadership potential.
Asha Sharma’s Impact and Philosophy
Bridging Science, Policy, and Advocacy
Asha Sharma’s career reflects her unique ability to connect scientific research with policy action and grassroots organizing. Whether it’s advocating for pesticide reform, advancing equitable housing and land use policies, or championing climate-smart agriculture, she brings a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Commitment to Equity
Asha’s work is grounded in the belief that environmental justice must center the voices of those most affected by pollution, land inequity, and climate change. She actively works to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that underserved communities have the resources and representation they deserve.
Global and Local Perspective
Her combination of international travel, field research, and local advocacy allows her to approach challenges from both a global and community-specific perspective. This adaptability makes her a highly effective policy leader.
Conclusion
Asha Sharma stands out as a dynamic force in environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, and climate policy. Her journey from the halls of the White House Council on Environmental Quality to the fields of UC Davis, the advocacy campaigns of the Pesticide Action Network, and now her leadership at the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability showcases a career built on integrity, expertise, and unwavering commitment to justice.
By blending policy strategy with grassroots engagement, Asha continues to influence California’s environmental and agricultural landscape—ensuring that progress is not only sustainable but also equitable for all.
