PRF Announces Progression of Ashwarya Chand as Grants and Communications Lead

Pacific Recycling Foundation is proud to announce the progression of Ashwarya Chand into the role of Grants and Communications Lead – a key move as the Foundation accelerates its efforts to address the mounting waste management crisis through grassroots-driven, implementable recycling solutions.

Chand has been part of the PRF team since early this year, previously serving as a Project Officer. She holds a strong academic background with a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Biology and Chemistry), a Graduate Certificate in Education, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change. Her unique blend of scientific knowledge, climate education, and community insight will be instrumental in advancing PRF’s grant strategies and reinforcing the organisation’s messaging and advocacy around proper waste management, transparency, and accountability.

“This is not just a staffing announcement; it is a statement,” said Amitesh Deo, Founder of PRF.

“We are confronting the chronic funding gap faced by grassroots recycling organisations like ours and challenging the outdated notion that locals or women cannot lead in these strategic roles. Chand’s progression is part of that transformation.”

Traditionally, expert funders dictate the structure and focus of climate and recycling-related funding, often without any meaningful consultation with the local organisations doing the work on the ground. PRF aims to shift that dynamic.

“Nobody consults anybody when they decide what kind of funding opportunity is advertised. We are trying to change that narrative,” said Deo.

“We are saying to donors and development agencies to talk to us. Let us help shape what these grants should look like, so they are tailor-made to our realities on the ground. That is the element of true partnership that is often missing.”

In her dual role, Chand will lead PRF’s grant strategy while also ensuring the Foundation’s messaging remains aligned with its vision of a just, inclusive, and sustainable recycling ecosystem. Her work will amplify the voices of the often-overlooked Collection Pillars of Recycling, those involved in the informal collection of recyclables, and advocate for scalable and context-specific solutions.

“Through this appointment, PRF is dismantling narratives, uplifting local expertise, and showing what real climate action looks like when it starts with the people who are most affected,” added Deo.

Chand’s appointment also reflects the growing credibility of PRF as an organisation, attracting highly capable professionals who want to drive systemic changes in this space.

“In the past, our work did not attract individuals like Chand, but that’s changing now. This is also a powerful story; she is from Koronivia, Nausori, and now works at PRF’s office, which is also located in Koronivia. It is a full-circle moment for her and for us as an organisation,” Deo shared.

This strategic progression is part of PRF’s larger effort to bridge the gap between funding partners and grassroots realities.

PRF invites all partners, donors, and institutions to engage in meaningful, collaborative conversations that move beyond tokenism and towards truly impactful solutions.