My Story

I am Dr. Rashmee Sharma, Co-Founder/Co-CEO of Roshni Media Group, FireTalk777, and RAYWA-Autism. As a professor of English Literature, a published author of a series of Coffee Table books on Global and Emerging Leaders, an award-winning poet, book author, educator, and a celebrated journalist, I am honored to be recognized worldwide.

In the poignant words of Maya Angelou, "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." This sentiment resonates deeply with my life's narrative, filled with challenges, triumphs, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge and compassion.

At a tender age, I confronted the profound loss of my husband, a valiant soul in the Indian military, a loss that tested my resilience and determination. The decision to uproot my life and relocate to Seattle, Washington, with my young children in tow was not merely an act of physical relocation but a symbolic gesture of embarking on a journey toward personal and academic growth.

In the spirit of Frost's enduring lines, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by," my professional path veered towards academia and literary endeavors. The release of my inaugural book of verse, "Amber in the Ocean," was met with critical acclaim and served as a testament to my creative spirit and unwavering dedication to the written word.

As an educator at the prestigious University of Washington, I was struck by the dearth of cultural understanding among my students, a realization that ignited a flame within me to illuminate the often overlooked narratives of the South Asian diaspora. Through tireless research and journalistic endeavors, I endeavored to paint a vivid and authentic portrait of South Asian excellence to combat stereotypes and foster cross-cultural appreciation.

My aspirations culminated in the birth of a visionary project, conceived alongside my esteemed partner, Mani Kamboj—the Roshni Media Group—a multimedia platform dedicated to championing diversity and amplifying underrepresented voices.

In a recent chapter of my journey, I have expanded my mission to cultivate awareness and advocacy for neurodiversity and autism through the symbolic establishment of RAYWA-Autism. In the timeless words of Helen Keller, "Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." Inspired by Keller's unyielding perseverance in the face of adversities, I am steadfast in my commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate world for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through education, support, and community engagement.

With each endeavor, I strive to embody the spirit of resilience, empathy, and literary grace that defines my professional odyssey—a narrative punctuated by compassion, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of storytelling.