BURLINGTON, MA—Saheli, a community-based non-profit organization in Massachusetts whose mission is to empower South Asian women to lead safe and healthy lives, announced its Chief Guest and Keynote Speakers at its Nirbhaya fundraiser gala on Dec. 8, 2019.
Neelam Wali, chair of the Saheli’s Nirbhaya gala, said entrepreneur and business woman Geeta Aiyer will serve as the keynote speaker while politician and New Hampshire State Representative Latha Mangipudi will be the chief guest.
“Saheli is excited to announce our chief guest and keynote speaker for Nirbhaya 2019. We at Saheli are indebted to our friends and community members who have always come forward in times of need to help our survivors,” said Ms. Wali. “Advocating for helpless is only possible because of the time and commitment we receive from our donors and well-wishers.”
Ms. Aiyer is president of Boston-based Boston Common Asset Management and board chair and co-founder of Direct Action for Women Now, known as DAWN. She is an innovative entrepreneur, a generous philanthropist, a passionate social worker, and a dedicated community leader.
Ms. Aiyer’s commitment towards women’s rights and her work in the area of gender-based violence is an inspiration to Saheli.
Ms. Mangipudi is State Representative in New Hampshire House of Representatives and chairperson of USINPAC New Hampshire Chapter. Also, she is the first Indian-American elected to the New Hampshire State House following a high-profile election in Nov 2013.
She was re-elected in 2014 and 2016, 2018 and continues to represent Ward 8 in Nashua, NH. As a fourth term Legislator, Ms. Mangipudi has served as a member of Criminal Justice and Public Safety, and currently serves on the State, Federal, and Veteran’s Affairs Committee.
Ms. Mangipudi received The Spirit of New Hampshire Awards, signed by the Governor of New Hampshire, in 2015 for outstanding contributions to volunteerism. Saheli deeply appreciates her continuous efforts to involve the South Asian community in political advocacy.
Saheli’s biennial fundraising event “Nirbhaya” will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, at Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.
In 2018 alone, Saheli provided 183 women and 300 children with counseling, legal, and financial assistance, and in many cases, shelter, and protection in the area.
While addressing the issue of domestic violence in the South Asian community, the event will be a fun evening filled with food, friends, and music as Saheli celebrates more than 23 years of service in New England.
To buy tickets or to donate to Saheli, please go to https://saheli-nirbhaya.eventbrite.com. Ticket prices are shown below. For information about Nirbhaya, sponsorship opportunities and group table purchases, please write to info@saheliboston.org
Saheli’s Tax ID # is: 03-0547972 for income tax purposes. All donations are tax deductible and receipts will be sent.
If your company matches charitable donations, please send an online form to the above address and Saheli will submit it. Thank you for your help.
Early bird ticket prices (until 11/1/2019):
Ticket type: Age 13+: Individual: $75
After 11/1/2019: $85
Table of 10: $700.
SUGGESTED DONATIONS:
- $1,000 to provide 50 hours of Helpline support services to survivors of abuse
- $750 to provide 25 people group therapy and support
- $500 to provide educational assistance to 1 South Asian domestic violence survivor
- $250 to train one volunteer to become an agent of social change in the community
- $100 to buy 2 monthly subway tickets for a woman to obtain crucial services.
