Sudha Pennathur

Sudha Pennathur (born in Chennai, India) is an Indian jewellery designer and entrepreneur. Pennathur designs and brings Indian inspired jewellery and crafts to the American Market. Daughter of Dr. Krish Pennathur, noted Indian author of productivity and business management books.

Education

Pennathur studied commerce at Mumbai's Sydenham College, Business Administration at Columbia University, and Computer Science at University of Washington

Business approach

Pennathur has sought to keep the art of Indian Craftsmanship alive by employing local artisans to create jewellery, clothing and decorator items. Pennathur wanted to match American consumers' tastes with the skills of India's deep reserves of artisan labour. (This is in contrast to factory produced goods.)

Career

Pennathur was formerly employed by Levi Strauss and Carter Hawley Hale Stores. She also has worked at Carson Pirie and Scott.

Achievements

Worked with Indian Government to reduce red tape involved in exportation from India.

Awards

• 2014 – Girls Inc. – Strong, Smart & Bold Leader of Distinction

• 2013 – Bread & Roses Labor of Love Award (In recognition of 12 years of extraordinary generosity and devotion to the Bread & Roses mission of Hope & Healing Through Live Music)
• 2 October 1992 – Pennathur was presented the Entrepreneur Award from the Asian Pacific Women's Network at their 11th Anniversary Woman Warriors Awards Dinner, Which was recognised by a Certificate of Commendation by the City of Los Angeles

Charity Work

Pennathur has served on the board of Bread and Roses for 6 years, two of those as co-chair. (Bread & Roses is dedicated to uplifting the human spirit by providing free, live, quality shows to people who live in institutions or are otherwise isolated from society.)

Sudha is a long time supporter and former Board President of The Redwoods in Mill Valley. The Redwoods is a non-profit active home for seniors in Mill Valley, CA.

Donor to the Sarvdaya International Trust The Sarvodaya International Trust aims identify and support those Gandhian institutions and voluntary organisations which are of importance in the context of the objects and doing' laudable and commendable work in the moral, non-violence, peace, communal and racial harmony fields and in the Social, Cultural and Environmental spheres, on Gandhian lines.

Board Member & supporter (2009–2013) of Angel Island Conservancy whose focus is to facilitate the preservation, restoration and interpretation of historical and natural resources on Angel Island.

Since 2004, Sudha has opened a once-a-year holiday store that benefits local charities. 100% of the profits are donated to various charities that she supports. Past beneficiaries include Bread & Roses, The Redwoods, Angel Island Conservancy,Gateway Public Schools, and The Friendship Club

In 2016, Sudha was a major supporter of Big Sisters Big Brothers of the North Bay, Hospice by the Bay, NBCC (Northbay Children's Center), Equal Rights Advocates, & The Redwoods.

She is a founding member of the Kilpennathur School building in Pennathur, India.