Sapna Maheshwari is an American journalist renowned for her incisive business reporting. Currently, she is a business reporter for The New York Times, where she delves into the intricate world of retail, uncovering trends, labor issues, and investigative stories that shape the industry.
Early Life and Education of Sapna Maheshwari
Born in the charming town of Mystic, Connecticut, Sapna Maheshwari’s roots trace back to India through her parents. Raised in nearby East Lyme, she nurtured a passion for storytelling and a curiosity for the business world from a young age.
Her academic journey led her to the University of North Carolina (UNC), where her dreams of a journalism career began to take shape. At UNC, she not only developed a profound love for business reporting but also embraced the vibrant culture of Chapel Hill and became an ardent fan of Tar Heel basketball.
Pioneering Career Path
Sapna Maheshwari’s career trajectory is a testament to her dedication and relentless pursuit of journalistic excellence. Her initial foray into the world of business journalism began at Bloomberg Businessweek, where she reported on corporate credit, stocks, and insurance companies. Her analytical skills and keen eye for detail soon caught the attention of the industry.
In 2013, Maheshwari joined BuzzFeed News as a senior business reporter. Here, she carved a niche for herself by covering major retailers and e-commerce. Her investigative prowess came to the fore with stories that resonated widely and sparked significant changes.
One of her most notable achievements during this period was winning a Front Page Award from the Newswomen’s Club of New York in 2015.
The award recognized her compelling feature on the abusive practice of on-call scheduling at America’s largest retailers, focusing on Victoria’s Secret. This story not only brought her accolades but also led to the elimination of the controversial policy by the company.
In the same year, Maheshwari won the “Investigative, Division 2” award from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers for her exposé titled “The Dark, Scammy History of JustFab and Fabletics.” This article shed light on the deceptive practices of the Silicon Valley startup, demonstrating her commitment to holding powerful entities accountable.
Joining The New York Times
In 2016, Sapna Maheshwari’s career took a significant leap as she joined The New York Times as a business reporter. Initially, she focused on the advertising industry, bringing to light the intricacies and challenges within this dynamic field. Her transition to covering the retail industry at the beginning of 2019 marked another milestone.
At The Times, Maheshwari continues to provide in-depth coverage of major retailers, the labor force, and evolving shopping trends, shaping public understanding of these critical sectors.
Beyond Journalism
Sapna Maheshwari’s talents extend beyond traditional journalism. She co-created a viral Tumblr called Onionlike with her best friend, showcasing her ability to engage audiences with humor and creativity.
Her social media presence earned her a spot on Time’s 140 Best Twitter Feeds of 2014, reflecting her influence and reach in the digital sphere. Additionally, she once emerged victorious in the Punderdome 3000, New York’s premier pun competition, highlighting her wit and versatility.
Personal Reflections
Despite her professional achievements, Sapna Maheshwari remains deeply connected to her roots. Her heritage and upbringing in Connecticut have profoundly influenced her perspective, enriching her storytelling with a unique cultural lens. Her journey from Mystic to The New York Times is a source of inspiration for aspiring journalists, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
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