Tanu Phoenix is the Board Secretary of Saheli Boston and a passionate advocate for women’s rights and domestic violence prevention. Deeply committed to Saheli’s mission, she believes every survivor is not just a victim but a victor, deserving of dignity, safety, and empowerment. Through her leadership and service, Tanu supports Saheli’s work in creating compassionate, judgment-free spaces where survivors can heal and rebuild their lives with confidence and hope. Outside of her advocacy, she finds joy and renewal in dance, storytelling, and writing, which reflect her creative spirit and commitment to human connection.

Ruchika serves as a Board Member and Treasurer of Saheli, where she provides strong financial leadership and strategic oversight to support the organization’s transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. She plays an active role in strengthening Saheli’s financial systems while remaining closely engaged in its mission to empower survivors of domestic violence. Beyond her governance role, Ruchika is an avid artist who works with oil paints and mixed media. Her artwork has been featured and auctioned at Saheli fundraisers, and she curated Saheli’s signature art fundraiser, The Art Affair, bringing together local artists in support of Saheli’s work. Through both her professional expertise and creative passion, Ruchika contributes meaningfully to Saheli’s impact and growth.

Usha Vakil co-founded Saheli in 1996. Usha has been a board member since its inception in August 1996 and served as the Chair of the Board of Saheli for 18 years. Under her leadership, Saheli grew from a small volunteer-run community organization into a multiservice agency serving a diverse statewide population.

In 2015 Usha transitioned to the role of a board member and leads the community fundraising efforts. She has taken the Domestic Violence Training program and supports the Domestic Violence team, as needed.

She is a Senior Project Manager at Iron Mountain.

Aruna Krishnamurthy is a Professor in the English Studies Department at Fitchburg State University. She has served Saheli as a volunteer and enjoys using her writing skills and literary background to support the organization’s mission and vision and help shape new initiatives. Aruna is deeply engaged in Saheli’s work and strongly committed to advancing the cause of domestic violence prevention.

Romila Sadasivan is a Domestic Violence Program manager at Saheli. Working with Saheli gives me the unique opportunity to empower South Asian and Arabic-speaking women survivors through a lens of cultural humility towards their journey to safety and independence. My hobbies are nature walks, reading and listening to music.

Shehla Gull serves on the Board of Directors at Saheli. She supports Saheli because of its noble mission to help empower women and make a difference in their lives. As a South Asian woman, she is inspired by Saheli’s work of uplifting women in South Asian and Arab communities and providing culturally sensitive help tailored to their needs. Outside of work, Shehla enjoys classical Indian dance forms like Kathak, working out at her local gym, and spending time with friends and family. She also loves the sea and sea life. Fun fact about her: she has two cats named Kismish and Snowbell.

She serves as Co-chair of Asian American & Pacific Islander caucus, NH, as well as State Director for South Asians for America in New Hampshire.

She works as a physical therapist. Sumathi earned her BA and MS from University of Lowell, MA.