In the world of media, fashion, food, and entertainment, visibility can often determine success. For underrepresented voices, especially those from the South Asian diaspora, finding that spotlight is not always easy. This is where Neerja Patel, the visionary founder and CEO of Neerja Public Relations (Neerja PR), has built her life’s mission—to amplify South Asian talent, brands, and culture on a global stage.
Based in New York City, Neerja Patel has carved out a legacy over the past 15+ years, creating imaginative campaigns for hundreds of clients across industries. Her firm is a boutique powerhouse dedicated to elevating South Asian narratives that have long been overlooked in mainstream pop culture.
With deep expertise in marketing and PR, Neerja has worked with a stellar roster that includes global giants like Google, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, Walt Disney World, Lufthansa, Shopify NY, and cultural icons like AR Rahman, Zarna Garg, Vir Das, and Padma Lakshmi.
But beyond the brands and celebrities, Neerja Patel’s story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose—a journey that has made her not only a PR trailblazer but also a changemaker for the South Asian community worldwide.
Neerja Patel: From Mathura to Minnesota – Roots That Shaped Resilience
Born in Mathura, India, Neerja Patel moved to the United States at the age of seven. Like many immigrant families, her parents arrived with little, sharing a basement home with extended family while building a new life in Minnesota. Watching her parents’ determination to work hard and succeed in unfamiliar territory laid the foundation for Neerja’s own resilience.
The transition was not easy. With limited English skills and little cultural representation around her, Neerja often felt like an outsider. Yet, she found comfort and joy in holding onto her Indian roots—through temple events, Bollywood dance groups, and cultural performances. These formative years fueled her passion for South Asian arts and identity, and they would eventually become the core of her professional life.
The Accidental Path to Public Relations
For Neerja Patel, PR was not a childhood dream but an accidental discovery. After studying marketing and PR at the University of Minnesota, she moved to New York City in her twenties. Immersing herself in South Asian media, she began hosting television shows, interning on projects, and eventually becoming a marketing manager at an Indian television station.
Her true turning point came after she became a mother. While stepping back to prioritize her family, a friend asked her to handle PR for a role in the reboot of 90210. The project reignited her passion and gave her a vision—this was how she could merge her love for media with her devotion to the South Asian community. Soon after, Neerja PR was born.
Building Neerja PR: Giving Voice to the Underrepresented
When Neerja Patel founded her firm, there were very few South Asian publicists in America. Convincing clients of the value of PR was a challenge. Many didn’t understand why storytelling, media access, and cultural positioning mattered. Neerja’s determination, however, never wavered.
By centralizing communication strategies, building strong relationships with journalists, and delivering results, she turned skepticism into trust. Today, Neerja PR is synonymous with creative campaigns that blend traditional values with modern storytelling, reaching multi-generational audiences across the globe.
Her portfolio speaks volumes—from high-energy concerts like AR Rahman’s sold-out 15,000+ capacity show at the Prudential Center to prestigious campaigns for Lufthansa Airlines. Whether she is hosting Diwali events at Disney World, shaping narratives for South Asian fashion weeks, or giving small businesses global recognition, Neerja ensures that South Asian identity is celebrated with pride and visibility.
Neerja Patel: A Recognized Changemaker
Neerja Patel’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored as one of JP Morgan Chase’s 100 Women to Know in America and recognized among the 7 South Asian PR Titans Shaping Global Narratives.
Her presence has been celebrated at some of the highest platforms of recognition—invited by U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to White House Diwali celebrations, and even ringing the opening and closing bells at both Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange. These milestones are more than personal achievements; they symbolize a broader recognition of South Asian culture in mainstream America.
Beyond PR: Leadership, Mentorship, and Impact
Neerja Patel’s influence extends beyond her agency. She is an angel investor in women-of-color-owned businesses, a mentor to young professionals, and an active board member in initiatives shaping South Asian representation.
Her advisory roles include the South Asian New York Fashion Week, The Jazba Collective, SALUTE (South Asian Leaders Unite to Empower), and Peepul Advisory—platforms dedicated to building visibility, fostering leadership, and elevating South Asian voices globally.
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