In today’s fast-evolving world of branding, culture, and storytelling, Archana Misra Jain stands as a force of vision and transformation. With over two decades of experience in marketing, communications, and strategic brand-building, she has redefined what it means to create meaningful connections between people, culture, and commerce. From shaping narratives for Fortune 500 companies to amplifying underrepresented voices through her own ventures, Archana has carved a path that is both entrepreneurial and deeply impactful.
Archana Misra Jain: The Early Journey of Leadership and Resilience
Born in Brazil, raised in New York City, and carrying South Asian heritage, Archana’s multicultural background shaped her worldview and her approach to leadership. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and later earned her Master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communication from New York University.
Beyond academics, Archana also underwent rigorous leadership and service training through four years in the U.S. Marine Corps ROTC program. This blend of discipline, creativity, and global perspective became the foundation of her career.
The Rise of a Brand Strategist and Crisis Expert
Archana’s career began in high-profile corporate environments. She worked in public relations with Edelman and the Ermenegildo Zegna Group and held key positions at Bear Stearns Investment Bank. These experiences sharpened her expertise in crisis strategy, brand storytelling, and data-driven campaign design. Over the years, she built a reputation as a trusted strategist who could not only safeguard brands in challenging times but also elevate their voices to inspire trust and loyalty.
Her work has been featured in some of the world’s most influential publications, including Elle, Vogue, The New York Times, Huffington Post, Adweek, Vice, and Vox. As a public speaker, she has shared her expertise at the Cannes Film Festival, DreamWorks India, Zara International, Soho House London and Mumbai, Microsoft Accelerator, and Create & Cultivate, among many others.
Archana Misra Jain: Founding Product of Culture – Building a Movement
In 2017, Archana founded Product of Culture (POC), a media platform, creative agency, and cultural hub designed to amplify South Asian and other brands of color. What began as a vision soon became a global community.
Through POC, Archana and her team combine content, commerce, and events to create opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs, and storytellers. For Millennials and Gen Zs of South Asian descent, POC is more than an agency—it is a movement of reclaiming narratives and rewriting how their communities are represented.
Under her leadership, POC has launched initiatives like the Founder’s Summit, the South Asian Film Festival of America (SAFFA), and the Product of Culture Shop, all designed to celebrate creativity and foster collaboration across industries. Thousands of creatives, from filmmakers to designers and entrepreneurs, have found a platform to connect and thrive because of her work.
Beyond Business – A Commitment to Community
Archana Misra Jain’s influence extends far beyond her entrepreneurial ventures. She is a dedicated community builder and advocate for women and people of color in the arts and entertainment industry. She serves as a board member for South Asian Women in Entertainment, the Arts Council of America, and as chair of the Impact Arts Alliance. She is also a founding member of Vidiots Foundation, furthering her mission to create spaces where diverse stories and talents can shine.
Her role as the Festival Director of SAFFA showcases her passion for amplifying South Asian voices in cinema, ensuring that filmmakers who often go unheard are given a stage to share their art and impact global audiences.
A Global Voice for Culture and Impact
Archana’s career is a testament to resilience, innovation, and community impact. Whether she is guiding global corporations through branding strategies, investing in businesses led by women and people of color, or amplifying creatives through POC, she consistently builds bridges between culture and commerce.
Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that brands and people are more powerful when they connect through authenticity and shared values. This approach has allowed her to create campaigns and partnerships that are not only profitable but also transformative.
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