Vichitra Sharma has a Masters degree in International Affairs (Economic and Political development, specialization) from Columbia University, New York. In a long and distinguished career, Ms. Sharma has worked as a journalist, a trainer, and a development and communications advisor. She has worked as a political and diplomatic correspondent, and associate editor with leading Indian newspapers, including the Economic Times, the Times of India and the Hindustan Times, the Business & Political Observer and Grassroots- Reporting the Human Condition, taught editing and reporting at media schools, Communications & Public Affairs Advisor to International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) London, and Communications Officer to European Union’s Health Sector Reforms program and UNICEF’s Maternal Mortality program. Prior to joining GDN, Ms. Sharma worked as Communications Consultant with the World Bank, New Delhi. At the Bank she was responsible for providing program and event communications support, including development of print and audio visual media and advocacy material.