Jhumkee Iyengar
Member – Advisory Board, Uday Gujar Foundation
Jhumkee Iyengar is a seasoned product designer and social entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience spanning the United States and India. Holding a Master’s in Design from IIT Bombay and an MS in Human-Centered Design from Tufts University, she has held leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies and has been an independent consultant and educator. In 2017, at the age of 57, she
founded Ohrna, a social enterprise that trains unskilled rural women in sustainable craftsmanship, empowering them to create eco-friendly products from jute and Kantha embroidery. Her work bridges traditional Indian crafts with contemporary design, aiming to provide financial independence to homebound women and preserve time-honored crafts.
Major Career Achievements:
Founder of Ohrna (2017–Present): Established a social enterprise that trains rural women insustainable craftsmanship, creating eco-friendly products from jute and Kantha embroidery. Ohrna has empowered over 100 women, providing them with skills and income opportunities.
Principal Consultant at User In Design: Provides design consulting services, specializing in human-centered design strategies for various organizations.
Adjunct Faculty at IIT Kanpur: Teaches courses on People-Centered Design and Innovation, sharing her expertise with postgraduate students in design and management.
Global Recognition: Showcased Ohrna’s products at international platforms like NYNow in New York, representing Indian craftsmanship on a global stage.