Today we’d like to introduce you to Ananya Singh. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Merging the poignant details of Dr. Ananya Singh’s journey with her professional triumphs creates a tapestry rich with experience, achievement, and the vibrancy of a life lived fully in the pursuit of excellence.
At 34, Ananya stands as a paragon of the adage that dreams have no expiry. With roots firmly planted in the Indian academic soil, where she competitively secured her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the College of Art, University of Delhi, and her Master of Fine Arts at the Maharaja Sayajirao University, her aspirations soared high and wide, crossing oceans to global platforms such as the Jenesys Youth Exchange Programmed in Japan. This foray into the international arena would shape her worldview and fortify her dreams of a life enriched with global experiences.
Embracing the dual mantle of educator and mother, Ananya’s pursuit of a Ph.D. at Manipal University Jaipur was bolstered by the unyielding support of her family. The familial bonds gave her the strength to tackle the rigors of academia and the challenges of motherhood, especially as she grappled with postpartum depression and diabetes. The encouragement from her father Sudhir Kumar Baliyan and Mother Sunita Baliyan’s husband, Mahu Maharaj, and the steadfast support from her parents were her lighthouses during these stormy times.
Her scholarly achievements were not confined to the walls of the classroom. Ananya’s intellectual contributions were recognized on the global stage with paper presentations at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Oxford Universities. These experiences not only amplified her academic credentials but also stoked the fires of her ambition to contribute to the American educational and cultural landscape.
Ananya’s resume is a chronicle of her ceaseless quest for creative and academic excellence. The accolades she garnered, including the WDO World Design Organization’s Sustainable Mindset Award and recognition for her poster and logo designs at international competitions, are emblematic of her impact on design and its potential for societal change. The narrative of her life, a blend of personal milestones and professional achievements, is a testament to her belief in the boundless potential of dreams. With her four degrees, including an M.A. in Advertising from SCAD with a perfect GPA, Ananya navigates the competitive job market in Atlanta. Her story is not just her own but a shared saga of ambition, tenacity, and the indomitable human spirit.
Her next dream is already crystallizing – to ascend the TED Talk stage and share her narrative with the world, proving that with enough resilience and support, dreams can indeed become reality. Dr. Ananya Singh’s life story is a beacon of inspiration, a reminder that the journey of dreaming and achieving is a universal human experience, echoing the heartbeats of all who dare to dream.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At 34, I am a mother of one, charting a journey that has been both arduous and enlightening. My academic voyage commenced with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Art, University of Delhi, a feat achieved by surpassing hundreds of applicants for a mere eight available seats across India. This accomplishment was followed by a selection for a Master of Fine Arts from the esteemed Fine Arts Department of Maharaja Sayajirao University.
As a bright student in 2014, I was awarded the opportunity to participate in the International Affairs Jenesys Youth Exchange Programmed in Japan. This fully-funded international trip sparked a new dream within me—the dream of living and exploring beyond my homeland.
Post-master’s, I embraced academia, teaching at some of India’s finest institutions including the College of Art University of Delhi, and as a guest lecturer at Amity University, Sharda University, and others. Yet, the sky was my limit, and I aspired to reach higher; thus, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. Meanwhile, life’s natural progression led me to marry the love of my life, Mahu Maharaj, in 2016—a joyous union that culturally symbolized a significant milestone. We were blessed with a baby boy in 2017, a turning point that brought with it the intense struggles of post-pregnancy depression and diabetes. The dreams I held seemed to fade, causing a profound sense of melancholy.
Facing the isolation of motherhood at home, my parents stepped in when they perceived my distress. Bolstered by their support and my husband’s encouragement to continue dreaming and achieving, I took the entrance exam for a Ph.D. at Manipal University Jaipur and was selected with a full scholarship. Presented Research papers at the University of Harvard and the University of Oxford in 2019 again gave me new dreams.
The move to Jaipur, Rajasthan, with an 8-month-old baby, was daunting. As a young mother and a full-time scholar, the fear of not being able to give my best to both was overwhelming. My daily life became a testament to my commitment—I traveled multiple times a day to breastfeed my son, while also striving to excel in my research. I faced these challenges alone, as my husband could not join me due to his work commitments, though my parents were a constant presence of support.
Despite these hardships, I harbored a desire to fulfill my dream of studying abroad for international exposure and to gain a deeper understanding of the global education system. This dream was private, for as a mother and a married woman with a stable job in India, I was expected to be content. Yet, my interaction with students studying in the USA, particularly those at SCAD Atlanta, rekindled this dream.
One day, overhearing a conversation with one of my students, my husband suggested I take the course at SCAD. It was a moment of serendipity, stirring emotions deep within me. How could I leave my six-year-old son, yet how could I not pursue this dream? After much contemplation, I applied and was selected for the MA in Advertising at SCAD, a one-year course that seemed tailored to my situation.
Now, in Atlanta with a scholarship and four degrees, I face the challenges of the job market. Each day away from my son and family is difficult, but I am determined to pave the way for our reunion. America, a land that respects and appreciates talent, has welcomed me, and I am poised to make my mark.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a dedicated academic and creative professional, my work spans multiple facets of design and education. I specialize in communication design, with a focus on integrating brand strategy and creative execution. My expertise lies in digital branding, where I blend research-based strategies with innovative design solutions, a skill set honed through my extensive experience as a Creative Design Strategist and Brand Researcher.
I am known for my empathetic approach to design, a methodology that allows me to create impactful, industry-leading initiatives that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. My ability to direct cross-disciplinary teams and foster project unity is one of my notable strengths. I’m also adept in research analysis and project development, ensuring that the brands I work with not only stand out in the market but also have a lasting influence.
What fills me with immense pride is how I’ve seamlessly blended my role as an educator with my professional practice. Having the opportunity to teach at prestigious institutions like the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Atlanta as a Teaching Assistant Student also worked as full time Assistant Professor of Communication Design at Nirma University Ahmedabad in India has enriched my journey. It has enabled me to impart practical knowledge and foster creativity among the next generation of designers. I am dedicated to mentoring my students, guiding them through the complexities of design principles, campaign development, and brand strategy, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors in the design world.
What sets me apart is my international exposure and scholarly achievements, having presented papers at renowned conferences at Harvard and Oxford Universities. These experiences have enriched my perspective and enabled me to bring a global context to both my teaching and design work.
I am also distinguished by the recognition I’ve received for my contributions to the field, including awards for poster design and sustainable mindset initiatives. These accolades not only validate my professional endeavors but also reflect my commitment to advancing the design industry through sustainable and socially responsible practices.
In sum, my work is characterized by a fusion of design excellence, educational leadership, and a global outlook, all underpinned by a commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable design solutions.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most pivotal characteristic of my success has been resilience. This quality has enabled me to navigate the multifaceted challenges of balancing a demanding academic career with personal life transitions, such as motherhood and relocation. Resilience has been the backbone of my ability to persevere through postpartum depression, the rigors of doctoral research, and the complexities of teaching while nurturing a young family.
Resilience has also been instrumental in my pursuit of international exposure and continuous professional development. It has allowed me to view setbacks not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and learning. This trait, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep-seated passion for design and education, has been the cornerstone of not only surviving but also thriving in the dynamic and often unpredictable landscape of my profession.
In essence, resilience has fueled my journey, transforming dreams into achievements and aspirations into tangible outcomes, setting me apart in both academic and professional spheres.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/14ananyasingh
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna14artist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ananya.singh.16547/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananya-singh-7305516b/
Image Credits
Wisdom Warner https://www.linkedin.com/in/wisdom-warner-0454471b8/
