2024
Pavithra Ashok Kumar
Pavithra Ashok Kumar is a communications and marketing professional with diverse experiences in this sphere. Her experiences span science communication and outreach at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (Bangalore Life Science Cluster), brand marketing and PR in the media and entertainment industry with the Technicolor Group, and academia. Pavithra puts her BA in English, Psychology and Journalism to good use along with her MSc in Cognitive Science while understanding her audience and crafting impactful communications across different platforms. She is passionate about storytelling in all its forms and seeks to grow her skills with every new story she tells.
Kabir Naik
Kabir Naik is a Development Communications Specialist focused on visual communication, highlighting climate inequality through innovative media strategies. With a background in Political Science from the University of Delhi, Kabir brings a nuanced understanding of socio-political dynamics to his work. An accomplished documentary filmmaker, he specialises in documenting the intersections of climate impact and social justice to catalyse meaningful change. He is the founder of Sunny Side South, a platform dedicated to developing inclusive climate communication solutions that aim to help communities in lower-income countries understand, adapt to, and combat the impacts of climate change. Recognised by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India as one of the “75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow,” his vision is to leverage media and communication as powerful tools for social justice, fostering global solidarity and collective action.
2023
Nonhlanhla Ngwenya
Nonhlanhla Ngwenya is a Zimbabwean journalist and communications consultant, with experience in both media and communications fields in Zimbabwe, including community media to regional correspondence. Nonhlanhla has held various roles at the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe and the Graca-Machel Trust’s Women in Media Network Zimbabwe. She is vice-chairperson of the WAN-IFRA Women in News Alums Zimbabwe Chapter and was recently appointed as the Zimbabwean Ambassador for the African Youth Policy Experts (AFRINYPE) Member of the Climate Action Directorate of Media and Publicity (2022-2025). Nonhlanhla has spoken on panel discussions related to the Zimbabwean media landscape, freedom of expression, media sustainability, sexual harassment in the newsroom and gender parity in the media. Nonhlanhla holds a BA in Media Studies and is passionate about innovative and creative communications and media in Zimbabwe.
Stories
Pavithra Ashok Kumar
“I found the embodiment of the values I had been drawn to when I applied for the communications fellowship in the many and diverse voices of the members and staff from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Being a part of this community is an experience I am deeply appreciative of and will carry with me throughout my life.
This is the perfect opportunity for someone who wants to develop their understanding of communications around climate advocacy, economic reform and systems change.
The fellowship provides unprecedented access to hundreds of diverse and impactful people who are dedicated to changing the broken systems around the planet and ensuring restoration is a priority. I’ve learnt a great deal about this multifaceted sphere during my fellowship with The Club of Rome, and I would encourage others to seize this unique chance as well.”
Kabir Naik
“The Club of Rome Communications Fellowship was a transformative journey that showed me how communications can inspire global change. I discovered the organisation’s profound mission to create a fairer and more sustainable world. From executing multimedia projects to collaborating with thought leaders, I gained invaluable skills and insights into using communications as a tool for impact.
What made this fellowship unique was the freedom to experiment and the unwavering support of a collaborative team. Whether it was crafting articles, producing video series, or analysing their reach, I was involved at every stage. This all-encompassing experience taught me how to transform ideas into tangible outcomes that drive meaningful narratives.
This fellowship has reshaped how I see communications—as a means to not only inform but also inspire and mobilise change. The experiences I’ve gained and the people I’ve worked with have given me the confidence and perspective to tackle future challenges with creativity and purpose. The lessons I’ve learned here will continue to guide me as I contribute to building a more just and equitable world.”
Nonhlanhla Ngwenya
“My experience as a Club of Rome Communications Fellow has been nothing short of transformative. From day one, I was exposed to conversations on sustainability, systems change and real-world challenges and was guided on how to communicate the urgent need for transformative action. I have developed expertise in crafting compelling narratives to engage diverse audiences and foster collective action.
Through opportunities to work closely with global thought leaders, I have gained first-hand insights into the complexities of driving sustainable change on a global scale. These interactions not only reinforced the importance of effective communication but also provided me with a network of influential contacts spanning diverse spheres.
The relationships and knowledge I gained during my fellowship have undoubtedly shaped my career trajectory, instilling in me a deep commitment to advocate for sustainability and empowering me to amplify and disseminate crucial information to influence positive change.”
