About Sweta Baniya
Sweta Baniya is a Humanitarian Technology Designer whose innovative work bridges the gap between technology and social impact, particularly in disaster relief and humanitarian aid. As a scholar at Virginia Tech, she has authored Transnational Assemblages: Social Justice and Crisis Communication during Disaster, a pioneering work that integrates Western and non-Western paradigms to create inclusive, culturally responsive solutions for communities affected by disasters. Her interdisciplinary expertise ensures that CPIT’s public interest technology (PIT) initiatives prioritize equity, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity in addressing urgent societal challenges.
Sweta’s professional background in journalism and non-profit communications provides her with a nuanced understanding of crisis communication and community outreach, essential components of CPIT’s mission to harness technology for the public good. Her ability to design digital tools tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations strengthens CPIT’s capacity to develop impactful solutions for humanitarian efforts. By combining her expertise in communication strategies and social justice, Sweta helps advance CPIT’s commitment to ensuring that technology is developed and implemented responsibly, with a focus on empowering those most affected by crises.
At CPIT, Sweta plays a pivotal role in leading the development of platforms that enhance crisis response systems, ensuring rapid, clear, and culturally appropriate communication during emergencies. Her work involves designing technology solutions that support disaster-affected communities and integrating strategies that improve engagement with marginalized groups. By leveraging her expertise in crisis management and humanitarian aid, Sweta supports CPIT’s vision of using responsible technology to create meaningful social impact.
Sweta’s interdisciplinary approach, which combines academic research, humanitarian advocacy, and technology design, ensures that the technology solutions are innovative and rooted in principles of social justice. Through her leadership, CPIT continues to address critical issues such as disaster response and humanitarian aid, ensuring impactful and equitable solutions.
