About Vahati
Vahati is a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, fostering emotional resilience for South Asian immigrant women. We offer a safe and supportive space to connect, share experiences, and build a strong community.
Learn more at Vahati.org
Ways to Connect with Vahati
The Driving Force Behind Vahati
What started as a single spark has grown into a thriving network, powered by the strength of collaboration and unwavering support. At Vahati, every connection, every volunteer, and every shared experience contributes to our journey of growth and empowerment
After living in the United States for almost a decade, loving the tech professional journey, problem solving and engineering, I observed patterns of immigrant life coming from different backgrounds, the shift post COVID-19 and interviewed more than 80+ S.A. Immigrant women. I set on a mission to foster emotional resilience, bring awareness and insights into the roots of this challenge to be able to navigate the unkwnows of the life with grace and courage! Everyday at Vahati is a chance to grow – for the community and for the team – which makes this journey absolutely fulfilling!
Surabhi BoobFounder
I’m a recent Master’s graduate with an academic and professional background in Law and Management Sciences. During my job search, I came across Vahati through a connection and the organization’s mission statement instantly made me realise how important it was in a country like USA. As an immigrant myself I was also able to resonate with this. The hardships become easier to digest if you have a community to discuss it with and rely on in any situation. So becoming a part of this organization and contributing in any way was a no brainer and I am very happy to play a small part towards something so meaningful.
Kushagra PawarHR & Recruitment Lead
I’m a digital marketing strategist with a track record of scaling small and mid-sized businesses to seven-figure revenues in just two years. After moving to the U.S. to explore innovation and sustainability, I faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and navigating the startup industry. My personal mission of creating safe spaces where immigrant women can dream boldly and thrive aligns perfectly with Vahati’s vision. I am dedicated to raising awareness about this inspiring community, ensuring that every immigrant woman knows she has a strong support system to lean on.
JessicaMarketing Director
I am a Data/AI/ML Product Manager with 10+ years of tech industry experience in India & US. I moved to the US in 2021 for a second Masters. Despite my credentials, it was not easy navigating a tough job market, layoffs, and visa issues. Balancing career aspirations with personal milestones was an added challenge. As I discussed my issues with others, I realized I wasn’t alone. I wanted to help other women facing similar challenges and be better together. That led me to discover Vahati. Now, I plan to spread the mission across US, first by starting a Bay Area chapter.
Sandhya
NallarkkiniyanProgram Director and Regional Ambassador – SF Bay Area
A Dynamic Leader with passion for driving data driven decisions and innovations. 17+ years of immigrant life in the USA taught me how to be resilient, see the bigger picture in life while contributing back to the community in any possible way.
Deepti KandpilePartner & Sponsorship
Lead
I’m a Product Manager with 5 years of experience, and I moved to the US 2.5 years ago for my MBA at UC Berkeley. Despite a strong educational background, my journey has been full of challenges. Job hunting was tougher than I expected, and I often felt alone without guidance or mentorship. Missing family, festivals, and the warmth of home made it even harder. Each struggle taught me resilience and the importance of connection. Vahati’s mission resonates deeply with me, as I understand how crucial it is to have a community that supports you. I’m excited to help create that sense of belonging for others, just as I wish I had during my own journey.
Himanshi AroraOps Lead
I work as a data scientist, helping businesses optimize processes and increase revenue with data. I came to the US in 2021 for my master’s at Duke. Being the first person in the family to study abroad, I didn’t get a heads up about culture shifts and loneliness that were waiting for me outside the RDU airport. Over the years, I have experienced the happiest moments of my life but my sadness was lifted by many amazing South Asian women I met at Duke. I admire their reselience and by being a part of Vahati, I want to help create a safe space where we can come together and become our best selves.
Shruti PandeyCopywriting &
Automation
Lead
Having been in the US for over two years, navigating the journey from academics to professional life has been both challenging and enlightening. Transitioning between states, making meaningful connections, and celebrating festivals like we did back home became increasingly difficult. While I had a place to call home, I missed having a community to share stories and experiences with. That’s when I discovered Vahati—a space to share journeys, celebrate, and find belonging. I joined Vahati to support others going through similar transitions, fostering resilience, and uplifting one another along the way.
KamnaSocial Media Execution
Lead
I moved to the U.S. in August 2023 to pursue my Master’s in Information Systems at USF, navigating cultural shifts, loneliness, and self-doubt as a first-generation international student. Vahati became my anchor, connecting me with inspiring South Asian women who uplifted me and helped me find confidence in my voice and abilities. Now, as an aspiring data analyst, I hope to give back to this empowering community, supporting others as Vahati has supported me.
Anuja NaikSocial Median Manager
Lead
I am a software engineer with 10 years of experience in the field. I moved to the United States almost 8 years ago, and my journey has been a roller coaster of experiences.Coming from a background where I had never lived away from home or stayed with roommates, the transition was challenging. I faced homesickness and various difficulties, but these experiences have shaped my career in the U.S. and taught me the importance of resilience and support.Understanding the struggles that immigrants face, I feel a deep connection to the cause of supporting the immigrant community. Emotional support and guidance have been crucial in this journey, hence I deeply resonate with Vahati’s missing and I wish to give back to the community. I would love to connect, learn from each one of you and make a positive impact.
Ashwini PisalRegional Ambassador:
Atlanta, GA
A passionate data science professional, on track to earn a Master’s degree from San Jose State University in May 2025. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering and began my career at Wipro Limited as a Linux Administrator, where I had the opportunity to support global banking institutions at both technical and project execution levels. I am also a trained Indian classical vocalist with a deep passion for music and actively volunteer to teach students and adults. Eager to contribute and support communities, I strive to share my knowledge and make a meaningful impact in any way possible to achieve Vahati’s mission.
Aiswarya RaghavadesikanBusiness Development Intern
I’m a graphic designer who loves storytelling through visuals. Moving to the U.S. was exciting but came with its challenges—adapting to a new culture, rebuilding my network, and finding my place in the creative industry. More than anything, I craved a sense of belonging. When I came across Vahati—a community where we share stories, lift each other up, and grow together—I felt I had found the right space to truly connect and thrive. Through my creative work, I’m passionate about fostering connections, celebrating diverse experiences, and empowering others to embrace their unique journeys.
Shreya NageshGraphic Designer
A recent graduate with a Master’s degree in Business Analytics, hoping to get some experience on connecting with different stakeholders, transforming business needs to technical actions, and help to monitor the process of projects. I enjoy working with the people at Vahati — everyone is dedicated to solving problems and passionate about contributing to meaningful work.
Jing ChenSoftware/Web
Development Manager
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Our Proud Sponsors
Our Design Partners
Proudly designed by our creative partners at Seepi.co, whose expertise in branding and web design helped bring Vahati’s vision to life. Their innovative approach and thoughtful design have played a key role in shaping an engaging and impactful digital experience.
Voices of satisfaction and success
We take pride in creating meaningful connections that uplift and empower women and are committed to creating spaces where connections flourish.
I thoroughly enjoyed the event and have already started applying the strategies I learned. The breakout sessions with like-minded women were incredibly helpful for putting theory into practice. I’ve already registered for the next session and would love to see more breakout sessions in the future, along with some fun quizzes to make things even more interactive. I have been in the U.S. for 2 years.
Ishwarya, Bothell, WA
The launch event was a wonderful experience, held in a cozy art studio that provided the perfect ambiance for a small gathering. I fully support Vahati Association’s mission, especially the focus on creating a support network for women. From the event, I realized the importance of such groups for women away from home, providing a sense of community and belonging. For future events, I’d love to see a more in-depth look at the services Vahati plans to offer. I’ve been in the U.S. for 32 years and am excited to support this cause!
Sunita Shastri, Seattle WA
I really appreciated how the event created an open space for participants to connect, share, and have conversations freely. The positive environment made it easy for everyone to engage. I realized how effortlessly conversations flowed when I could relate to others who had similar experiences and challenges. Moving forward, I’d love to see activities like workshops or debates, and maybe even collaborative art projects that allow us to create something meaningful together. I’ve been in the U.S. for two years now and look forward to contributing to more events like this.
Harsheeta, Seattle WA
I loved how the launch event emphasized women supporting one another. It’s often hard to feel connected in the U.S. without making the effort to meet others. I’ve learned that community is important, especially when we don’t have family nearby. The event showed me that I’m not alone in facing life’s challenges, and it’s easier to navigate them when we have others to lean on. For future events, I hope to see the momentum continue. I’ve been in the U.S. for 9 years and am excited to be part of this community.
Nischala, Seattle WA
I loved the informal, supportive atmosphere of the event—it felt like everyone was there to help each other. It made me realize I’m not alone in facing challenges; everyone has had their own struggles. Sometimes, I question my decision to live in the U.S., but hearing from others about the advantages here compared to India made me see it’s a case of “the grass is greener on the other side.” I’ve been in the U.S. for 9 years.
Vyshnavi, Seattle WA
I really enjoyed the event, especially because it provided great opportunities for social interaction and knowledge sharing. It was an amazing experience to put into practice what we learned. I was excited throughout the session and can’t wait for the next meetup. I love reading, but I often stop halfway through books, so these book club sessions are a great way to stay engaged. It’s wonderful to discuss chapters with like-minded people, and I’d love to see more knowledge-sharing clubs like this one.
Vandana, Cincinnati
As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the event and feel confident in applying what I learned to both social and workplace situations. The breakout sessions were essential in making the event more engaging, allowing participants to interact and learn more effectively. I would definitely attend again, as I found the experience enriching. I’m based in Redmond and have been in the U.S. for four years.
Deepika Ashok, Redmond
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