Manisha Davesar is a Punjabi-American artist and sociologist. She explores concepts of social justice and cultural-emotional expressions of grief and trauma; she is also interested in preserving heritage through traditional storytelling. As a sociologist, Manisha works in the non-profit sector looking at different social determinants of health, the gaps experienced by BIPOC communities, and the different intersections of life that contribute to our health and well-being.

She has combined her love of art, history, and sociology through her award-winning research that looked at how popular media (Comic Books & Cartoons) socialized kids and adults during wartime and social movements throughout US history. Though she has moved away from academic research, she continues to engage in grassroots community art opportunities through various mediums (watercolor/ acrylic/ print making/ photography).

With everything Manisha does, activism is at its core; she uses her understanding of social structures, root causes of systemic issues, and people’s behaviors through her sociological training to engage with art and cultures in a more meaningful way. She is interested in understanding the needs of underrepresented community members in her district when it comes to having expanded access to the arts and being able to equitably (and respectfully) engage with the beautiful, vibrant, diverse cultures in San Mateo County.

Manisha is originally from East San Jose and now resides on the coastside. She has a BA from SJSU and an MA from Cal Poly Humboldt.