Mahak Dutta

Mahak Dutta

Canada

I am an aspiring Communications Specialist, holding an intensive four years of academic and practical experience in communications. I have degrees in Sociology and Journalism and have worked as a Content Specialist with digital marketing agencies in New Delhi, India for about one year. I currently reside in Canada and have recently completed my higher education in communications.

My intent behind becoming a Global Peace Ambassador for Global Peace Chain lies in a strong belief in building peace and working for the greater good. Professionally speaking, I myself aspire to use my skills and expertise in communications for the non-profit sector and would consider it highly fortunate to be working for the greater good.

On another note, I feel highly passionate about the causes of climate change and environmental sustainability- I not only follow eco-friendly practices in daily life (and motivate others to do so), but also want to augment it by working towards this cause professionally. This is the reason why I am rapidly trying to increase my network in this sector; and have come to terms with workers in United Nations Association in Canada Toronto Branch (UNACTO), Network for Business Sustainability (NBS) and other communication agencies which are doing meaningful work in this area.

My focus area lies in the way the issue of climate action and sustainability is communicated and propagated in today’s time. In my desire to provoke community engagement and breakthrough action for this cause, I independently worked on a research paper last year which addressed “the climate change debate in communications by discussing how communicators have failed to persuade the public about climate change; in a time when they are supposedly the masters at the art of persuasion.” This was followed up by another provincially segmented report outlining: the main environmental challenges faced by Ontario, public policies being implemented by the government after the 2019 election, and the intellectual initiatives that communities can take to bring a positive change. I am currently working on a more comprehensive research paper focussed primarily upon identifying factors responsible for the lack of awareness, especially in such unprecedented times. My motive is to fairly communicate that how there is widespread public understanding of climate change (on varied levels), but not enough engagement to mobilize communities. Besides, my aptitude for working as a communicator is supported by previous research and writing experience for news media, long-form articles, reports, literature reviews and op-eds.

I have also volunteered as the Director of Networking with the Toronto chapter of International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and as a Digital Strategist for Farmwork to Feed Canada (FW2FC)- a volunteer organization providing national service through collaboration with Canadian farmers and the agri-business sector to address COVID-19 related challenges to Canada’s food supply. I work to support volunteer relations, social media engagement, media relations and strategy with them. Besides, in the past I have studied development journalism, arts and culture, and social and religious issues in vast detail. I have also worked as a Manager for the Human Resources Department of AIESEC, India- an international youth-run non-profit organization that provides young people with leadership development opportunities and global volunteer exchange programs.

I honestly believe that it is imperative to mobilize the youth to strive for living in peace and harmony. Strengthening their voices is key for inclusive development and building a just society. And this is one of the most important objectives of my work in the development sector.

I am an outgoing individual who excels in team environments. I also believe that with my passion to strongly advocate peace building issues through my work and with my diverse skillset, I can formulate a constructive approach towards main goals of Global Peace Chain.