Charana is a communication expert with over a decade of experience in advocacy, marketing, public relations, media relations and stakeholder engagement. As an accredited journalist with the Media Council of Kenya and a member of both the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR-UK), she upholds the highest standards of ethical communication and strategic storytelling.

Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in journalism & mass communication from the University of Nairobi and later earning a master’s degree in digital communication from the United States International University – Africa (USIU-A). Her research set the foundation for her advocacy in ethical media and digital responsibility. Her pioneering work titled: Digital Advertisements and the Proliferation of Misinformation has become a pivotal reference in the study of digital media ethics.

This study critically examined the ethical dilemmas of modern advertising, exposing the far-reaching impact of clickbait in shaping public perception. Her recent co-authored research with professors from Kenya and the Netherlands earned her the opportunity to speak at the 2nd ACM Celebration of Women in Computing in Africa (AfricaCWIC 2024). During this event, she presented her work on: Gender Bias in Digital Media and its Implications for Shaping Fair and Inclusive Policies in the Tech Industry a pivotal topic as Kenya progresses towards a more digitized economy.

A passionate advocate for truth, justice, and societal transformation, Charana leverages strategic communication to address systemic inequities that drive lasting, positive change—particularly within marginalized communities. As a leading voice for the younger generation, she was recently appointed Director of Communication at Youth Transforming Narratives, a global youth-led movement that focuses on decolonizing narratives and amplifying youth voices in global decision-making; she continues to challenge the status quo. Through research, storytelling and speaking engagements, she advocates for youth representation beyond tokenism, ethical digital media practices and the inclusion of Global South perspectives in AI and digital discourse—countering biases that prioritize elite voices.

Charana’s advocacy work continues to earn her a place in boardrooms working with industry leaders and policymakers to champion social justice and ethical practices. Known for her capacity to build meaningful networks, foster strategic stakeholder relationships, and lead initiatives that drive positive societal outcomes, she has become a sought-after voice for organizations committed to transformative change.