Nirbhaya 2026
Saturday, December 5th 2026
Hyatt Regency – Cambridge
30 Years of Courage
30 Years of Hope
30 Years of Standing with Survivors
For 30 years, Saheli has stood beside immigrant survivors and their families—offering safety in moments of crisis, support through difficult transitions, and the tools to build brighter, independent futures. From safe housing and legal advocacy to mental health support, economic empowerment, and opportunities for children, we have walked alongside thousands of survivors as they moved from uncertainty toward hope.
Nirbhaya, Saheli’s biennial signature gala, celebrates this journey and the future we are building together. As we mark 30 years of impact, we invite our community to come together, honor the courage of survivors, celebrate those who have helped make this work possible, and invest in the next chapter of Saheli’s mission. Be Part of What Comes Next. Every contribution helps ensure that when a survivor reaches out, Saheli is there.
Individual tickets will be released soon – stay tuned and join us for an evening of courage, connection, celebration, and hope.
Tasneem Chipty
Tasneem is a world-renowned expert in antitrust economics. She has testified is many landmark cases involving brands such as Qualcomm, Apple, Amazon, Google, Jet Blue, and Big Tobacco. Tasneem was a partner at two global consulting firms before founding her own boutique consulting firm, Matrix Economics, which she sold in 2020 to AlixPartners. Tasneem now works as an independent expert, through her firm Chipty Economics.
In addition to consulting, Tasneem has served on faculties of Ohio State University, Brandeis University, and MIT.
She holds a PhD in Economics from MIT and Bachelors in Math and Economics from Wellesley College. She is a Trustee of the Peabody Essex Museum and has previously served on the global board of the America India Foundation.
Tasneem was born in Mumbai and moved to Worcester, Massachusetts at the age of six with her parents and sister. Together with Aleksander, she has two adult children, and in her precious spare time enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and philanthropy.
Aleksander Franz
Aleks is an avid engineer in the field of sensors and MicroElectroMechanical systems. He has worked as an academic research associate at MIT, in several start-ups, as well as at more established companies such as Qualcomm and most recently, Analog Devices.
Over the course of his career, Aleks has worked on multiple pioneering technologies, including micro solid-oxide fuel cells, micro-shutter-based displays, gene synthesis chips, and bio-sensors based on fluorescence lifetime imaging.
He co-founded Lilliputian Systems, a Venture Capital backed start-up which grew to about 100 employees over the course of 12 years.
He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from University of Michigan, and Masters and Bachelors degrees in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from MIT.
Aleks was born in Poland and moved to the Chicago suburbs at the age of 13 with his parents. Together with Tasneem, he has two adult children, and in his copious spare time enjoys playing blues harmonica, woodworking, internet surfing, and philanthropy.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES & BENEFITS
CORPORATE
Exclusive Legacy Partner designation
Opportunity for executive welcome remarks
Premier logo placement on all event materials, website, and digital communications
Full-page inside front cover ad in the Gala Program
Prominent recognition in the Annual Report
Featured social media campaign
Recognition during the Gala
Two premier tables (20 guests)
Prominent logo placement on event materials and website
Full-page ad in the Gala Program
Recognition in the Annual Report
Featured social media recognition
Recognition during the Gala
Premier table for 10
Logo on event materials and website
Full-page ad in the Gala Program
Recognition in the Annual Report
Recognition during the Gala
Prime table for 10
Half-page ad in the Gala Program
Logo on website and Gala materials
Recognition in the Annual Report
Recognition during the Gala
Reserved table for 8
Quarter-page ad in the Gala Program
Logo on website and Gala Program
Recognition in the Annual Report
Reserved seating for 4
Recognition in the Annual Report
Listing in the Gala Program
Website recognition
Recognition during the Gala
2 reserved seats
INDIVIDUAL
Recognition as a Visionary Circle donor
Premier name placement in the Annual Report
Full-page tribute in the Gala Program
Recognition on Saheli’s website
Featured social media recognition
Two premier tables (20 guests)
Recognition in the Annual Report
Full-page tribute in the Gala Program
Recognition on Saheli’s website
Recognition during the Gala
Premier table for 10
Recognition in the Annual Report
Full-page tribute in the Gala Program
Recognition on Saheli’s website
Recognition during the Gala
Prime table for 10
Recognition in the Annual Report
Half-page tribute in the Gala Program
Recognition on Saheli’s website
Reserved table for 8
Recognition in the Annual Report
Quarter-page tribute in the Gala Program
Reserved seating for 4
Recognition in the Annual Report
Listing in the Gala Program
2 reserved seats
Impact by the Numbers
2024-2026 (mid-year) The need for Saheli’s services continues to rise. Between 2024 and 2025, we experienced a 18% increase in survivors seeking support, driving the expansion of our family law and immigration legal services to help survivors achieve safety and stability. Amid Massachusetts’ ongoing housing crisis, Saheli provided more than 40 households with emergency rent, utility, and food assistance in the first half of 2026, helping families remain safely housed. With continued community investment, Saheli is projected to have 25% increase in survivors supported by the end of 2026 as compared to 2025, expanding access to culturally responsive advocacy, housing, legal services, and economic empowerment for immigrant survivors and their families.
740
Helpline calls received from South Asian and Arab survivors of Domestic Violence: we provide critical information about safety and available options.
237
Survivors received Economic Empowerment services: financial and computer literacy classes, assistance to obtain certifications, financial aid for professional training, career planning, and resources to find jobs.
125
Survivors received Housing Advocacy services: for survivors who have been displaced due to domestic violence.
78
Survivors received Mental Health Counseling sessions: on-going trauma-informed counseling services and help clients follow a path towards healing and independence.
849
Survivors received Saheli’s services: personalized plans keep survivors safe. The safety plan includes important next steps, tech safety, client advice, financial advice, and more.
422
Survivors received Legal Advocacy services: Saheli provides family law and client legal services with the goal of increasing survivors’ access to justice. We assist survivors in navigating the complex legal system.
146
Families received Housing Stablization support through utilities, food and rent assistance.
125
Survivors attended Therapeutic Support Groups: locations include Burlington, Quincy, and Shrewsbury.
