Sharon Mendonce

Sharon is an early-career researcher with experience supporting collaborative research initiatives across Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin. She facilitates the Alliance’s School Meals Nexus Enabler and supports the Alliance’s engagement in several global partnerships, including the School Meals Coalition, the Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems Coalition’s School Meals Working Line, and the Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems.

A significant part of Sharon’s role involves science communication. She transforms research findings and field activities into accessible and impactful communication products tailored to diverse audiences. Her research interests include the conservation and promotion of neglected and underutilized species, Indigenous Peoples’ food systems, and home-grown school feeding programs.

Previously, Sharon worked as a Food and Nutrition Consultant at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). In addition to her research and policy work, she has also worked as a cook in several countries and enjoys using food as a lens to explore and understand different cultures.

Sharon holds a B.Sc in Nutrition and Dietetics, Chemistry, and Human Development from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, India; a Postgraduate Diploma in Culinary Arts from Manipal University, India; and a Master’s in Food Innovation and Management from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy.