Can you share a bit about your background and how it influences your support for women? What challenges have you faced personally that have shaped your approach to supporting other women?

I co founded an organization called Asha Rising in India, which exists to provide permanent housing for elderly women who were once trafficked into the sex trade as girls--and who are now without support systems as they age. Our oldest resident is 91! This aged-out population of survivors is a highly vulnerable yet neglected demographic all over the world. Many women who have experienced trafficking often find themselves without support, family, financial resources, and care once they get older. At Asha Rising, we provide not only housing, but also a community and refuge. We offer a variety of classes and take care of our residents' needs related to health and well-being. Above all, we work to ensure that our residents feel loved and valued at all stages of life.

What initiatives or projects are you currently involved in to support women in your community?

I also co-chaired the Board of Center for Domestic Peace in Marin County for several years (and I am still an avid supporter!). This organization works to both end and prevent domestic violence through its myriad programs, which include offering a shelter, second-step housing (to women and children who have fled an abusive home), and classes for perpetrators to unlearn their abusive behavior. I also currently serve on the Board of Freedom Forward in San Francisco, which works to prevent the sexual exploitation of young people by addressing some of the broken systems that lead to their vulnerability. We work with the foster care system as well as other systems to ensure that young people don't fall through the cracks and have support when they need it most. To that end, we created a center called HYPE in San Francisco, which offers youth a refuge and wrap-around services that attend to several needs (i.e. housing, employment, legal, emotional support, social connection etc.). I also teach sexual ethics and work with a variety of schools to ensure that young people have the critical tools, language, and frameworks they need to create cultures of safety, ethical relating, and justice for all.

What impact have your efforts had on the lives of the women you have supported?

My writing has appeared in various publications including The New York Times, The Atlantic, Brevity, Three Penny Review, Crab Orchard Review, and Alaska Quarterly Review (forthcoming).

How can others best support your efforts?

To support these efforts, please consider donating to any of the amazing organizations I'm involved with that are doing great work to uplift women and girls both locally and around the world.

Follow the organizations listed:

@centerfordomesticpeace

@freedomfwd

This article is part of our International Women's Day series. Read about other inspiring women:

From Teen Mom to Trailblazer: Meet Samora

Nurturing Creativity & Parenthood at Interlude Artist Residency: Meet Elsie

Breaking Barriers as a Female Firefighter: Meet Mindee

Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women: Meet Roshni