Pahuna Sharma-Laden, founder and chief executive officer of Lagraphia in Madison, Wisconsin, has built a consulting firm that integrates marketing strategies with principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, known professionally as DEI. Through her leadership, the company focuses on helping organizations create inclusive marketing programs that resonate with diverse audiences, thereby enhancing their return on investment. With a firm commitment to social equity and inclusiveness, Ms. Sharma-Laden has become a recognized voice in the DEI field, helping businesses reach and authentically engage underrepresented communities.
Ms. Sharma-Laden’s academic background laid the foundation for her impressive career. She holds two master’s degrees: a Master of Arts in international communications from the School of International Service at American University and a Master of Arts in mass communication from Jamia Millia Islamia. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. Most recently, Ms. Sharma-Laden received credentials that complement her expertise in inclusive marketing, including a Google Ads certification and a DEI certification from Cornell University.
Her professional journey reflects a dynamic blend of marketing, strategic consulting, and social advocacy. Before founding Lagraphia in 2024, Ms. Sharma-Laden held prominent roles in several organizations. She served as vice president of marketing and organizational development at The Salt Room and as a strategic account executive at Pop-Dot Marketing, LLC. Earlier in her career, she worked with the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation as a marketing manager and associate, gaining experience developing campaigns that foster inclusion and representation.
In addition to her work in marketing, Ms. Sharma-Laden has made substantial contributions to social justice initiatives. She has been a consultant for Chadron’s Hope Foundation, which supports children with Down syndrome and single women facing social stigma. Ms. Sharma-Laden played a key role in developing an after-school program in partnership with an international school, providing a supportive environment for children of embassy staff, executives, and their families. She also sponsors local athletes and is involved in other community-driven initiatives.
Ms. Sharma-Laden co-founded the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Committee during her time in Tanzania, where she worked extensively with local female artists and UN Women to establish the Jasiri Women in Art consortium. This platform, which she named “Jasiri” (meaning “courage” in Swahili), was the first women’s artist consortium in Tanzania and gained international recognition through exhibitions and invitations from various embassies. Her branding expertise and dedication to promoting women in the arts have had various positive impacts on the Tanzanian arts community.
Advancing social equity has earned Ms. Sharma-Laden accolades, including a merit award and recognition in the article “Sustainable Insights from 40 Global Top Leaders.” Ms. Sharma-Laden is also a member of Rotary International, the Society for Diversity, and the Institute for Diversity Certification. Her involvement in these organizations reflects her belief in the power of collaboration and continuous learning. Ms. Sharma-Laden’s professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that DEI should not be treated as a goal but as an intrinsic part of everyday business practices. This conviction led her to launch Lagraphia and develop best practices for creating marketing materials authentically representing diverse audiences. Her downloadable manuals on inclusive marketing and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, or DEIB, best practices are just one of the many resources she provides to clients. Ms. Sharma-Laden also is in the process of launching a website that will further support organizations seeking to improve their inclusivity efforts.
Resilience and adaptability are cornerstones of Ms. Sharma-Laden’s success. Born and raised in India, she overcame societal limitations and financial challenges to pursue her education and build her career in the U.S. Her experiences growing up in a society where opportunities for women were often limited have shaped her determination to create a better future, not only for herself but also for other women. These experiences have also fueled her passion for empowering marginalized communities through her work. Over the years, Ms. Sharma-Laden has expanded beyond external marketing to include internal organizational transformation. Her DEIB consulting services help businesses cultivate an inclusive environment that reflects diversity at every level. By combining her cultural awareness with her business acumen, she has carved out a niche for herself in the marketing and consulting industry, setting herself apart from others in the field.
Looking ahead, Ms. Sharma-Laden’s goals include expanding Lagraphia’s client base and continuing to demonstrate how inclusive marketing can complement and enrich existing business strategies. She is involved in networking events such as the Madison Chamber of Commerce and recently participated in a pitch competition. Her business growth strategy emphasizes increasing visibility and solidifying her company’s reputation as a leader in inclusive marketing.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Sharma-Laden greatly values time with her daughter. She enjoys visiting local markets, hiking in nature, and exploring new culinary experiences. Her journey from a girl in India to the founder of a thriving consulting firm in the U.S. is a testament to her perseverance, creativity, and commitment to inclusivity. Ms. Sharma-Laden’s work continues to break down barriers, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented in marketing and beyond.