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Dhaya Lakshminarayanan is an American comedian, storyteller, television host, and writer known for her sharp wit and insightful humor. Born in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, and later raised in Birmingham, Alabama, she grew up in a Tamil-speaking Hindu household, learning English through educational programs like Sesame Street.
A two-time graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dhaya holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Planning and a Master of City Planning with a focus on Energy Economics and Infrastructure Finance. Before venturing into comedy, she built a successful career as a venture capitalist and management consultant.
Transitioning to the entertainment industry, Dhaya became the host of "High School Quiz Show," an Emmy Award-winning series on Boston's WGBH. She has been featured on NPR's "Snap Judgment" and has performed at renowned venues such as San Francisco's Punchline Comedy Club, Cobb's Comedy Club, and the Brava Theatre. Her festival appearances include SF Sketchfest and the Desi Comedy Fest, America's only South Asian comedy festival.
In 2016, Dhaya received the Liz Carpenter Political Humor Award, an honor previously bestowed upon comedians like Samantha Bee and Wanda Sykes. She was also named one of KQED's "Women to watch," recognizing her as a leading artist and creative in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Beyond her performances, Dhaya is a member of the Writers Guild of America (West) and has contributed her writing talents to various projects, including consulting on MSNBC's Richard Lui's book "Enough about me." She has also been invited to speak at numerous panels and conferences, sharing her insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.
Dhaya's unique blend of intellectual background and comedic talent has made her a distinctive voice in the world of comedy and storytelling.
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