Sudha Pennathur
Sudha Pennathur is an Indian jewelry, scarf, holiday ornaments, & art objects 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, MBA at University of WashingtonBusiness approach
Pennathur has sought to keep the art of Indian Craftsmanship alive by employing local artisans to create jewelry, clothing and decorator items. Pennathur wanted to match American consumers' tastes with the skills of India's deep reserves of artisan labor.Career
Pennathur started her own business,, in 1985. Pennathur was formerly employed by Levi Strauss and Carter Hawley Hale Stores. She also has worked at Carson Pirie and Scott & The Bon Marche.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
- 2011 - 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc. - WPO Women of Color Honoree
- 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 recognized by a Certificate of Commendation by the City of Los Angeles
Non-Profit Boards
- - Member, Board of Trustees
- Goodwill San Francisco/San Mateo/Marin - Board of Directors
- - Advisor/Ambassador
- Board Member & supporter of whose focus is to facilitate the preservation, restoration and interpretation of historical and natural resources on Angel Island.
- Sudha is a long time supporter and former Board President of in Mill Valley. The Redwoods is a non-profit active home for seniors in Mill Valley, CA.
- Pennathur has served on the board of for 6 years, two of those as co-chair.
- Donor to the The Sarvodaya International Trust aims identify and support those Gandhian institutions and voluntary organizations 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.
Philanthropic Work
SUDHA'S TREASURES ANNUAL BENEFIT SALESince 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. Over the past 20 years Sudha has donated over $1,200,000 to the Bay Area non-profits to benefit our local communities. Past beneficiaries include:
2024
- Berkeley Rep
- Marin Symphony
- Vivalon
- Marin Symphony
- Goodwill SF Bay Area
- Aquarium of the Bay
- meemli
- Goodwill San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin
- Parks California
- Whistlestop
- Marin Villages
- Marin Symphony
- Berkeley Rep
- Whistlestop
- North Bay Children's Center
- Marin Villages
- Equal Rights Advocates
- Whistlestop
- North Bay Children's Center
- Bread & Roses
- The Redwoods
- Angel Island Conservancy
- Gateway Public Schools
- The Friendship Club