Saheli is here to offer non-judgemental culturally sensitive domestic and sexual violence services that are vital to the wellbeing of client survivors of domestic and sexual violence while keeping in mind their unique cultural beliefs and upbringing.
MEET SAHELI
Our Team
In Hindi, “Saheli” means friend- a trusted person who listens, supports, and stands beside you. That is at the heart of what we do. Meet the Saheli's who bring this mission to life. Our team of advocates, counselors, community organizers, and dedicated professionals works alongside survivors and their families, helping them navigate difficult moments with compassion, dignity, and support.
Deepali - Executive Director
Deepali joined Saheli in 2020 as a Domestic Violence Advocate and now serves as Executive Director, supporting hundreds of South Asian and Arab survivors through immigration advocacy, housing, legal navigation, and economic empowerment. She also expanded Saheli’s Outreach and Prevention work by building partnerships, leading workshops, and launching the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk.
Guided by her belief that “no woman should ever feel hopeless or vulnerable,” Deepali is committed to ensuring every survivor has access to dignified, culturally and linguistically responsive support. She brings compassion and strategic vision to strengthening systems and expanding inclusive services so no one is left behind.
Fun fact: She enjoys traveling, learning about different cultures, and watching movies to recharge.
Deepa - Office Operations Manager
I am Deepa Agrawal, Office Operations Manager at Saheli, where I am deeply committed to supporting its mission of empowering and uplifting our community. Saheli’s work is close to my heart because it creates meaningful impact and safe spaces for those who need it most. Outside of work, I enjoy painting, making new friends, and actively contributing to Indo-American community organizations such as IAB, Hindi Manch, and IAGB.
Romila - Domestic Violence Program Manager
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.
Lopa - Senior DV Advocate
I’m Lopa, a domestic violence advocate at Saheli. I joined Saheli in 2020, and over the past four years, I’ve become deeply committed to supporting our survivors. I am passionate about women’s rights and believe strongly in empowering women financially, emotionally, and socially. Beyond work, I enjoy singing, staying fit and shopping.
Majd - Mental Health Support
I’m a compassionate mental health counselor specializing in supporting survivors of domestic violence and their families. I help survivors navigate the impact of domestic violence, process trauma, and rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment. My approach focuses on providing trauma informed care in a safe empowering space, allowing domestic violence survivors to process trauma in a supportive environment. I assist survivors in enhancing their recovery through realization of how trauma affects mental health and functioning. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, long walks, and spending time with family and friends.
Elaha - Domestic Violence Advocate
My name is Elaha, and I work at Saheli as a Domestic Violence Advocate. With a background in law and politics in Afghanistan, Saheli’s mission is deeply important to me because it empowers survivors and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities. Outside of my work, I enjoy reading and spending quiet time learning new things.
Wafaa - Domestic Violence Advocate
I’m Wafaa, an Arabic-speaking Domestic Violence Advocate dedicated to supporting survivors through crisis intervention, legal advocacy, and empowerment. Working with Saheli allows me to stand alongside survivors as they navigate some of life’s most challenging moments—whether that’s securing safe housing, obtaining protective orders, or building resilience through trauma-informed care. Beyond my advocacy work, I find joy in birdwatching, exploring the outdoors, and traveling to experience new cultures—journeys that continually deepen my empathy and broaden my perspective as an advocate.
Jagriti - External Relationships and Communication Lead
Hi, my name is Jagriti. Being part of Saheli means a great deal to me. As the External Relations and Communications Lead, I truly value the work we do. The cause is deeply important to me. Historically, many South Asian survivors did not have the option to leave unhealthy relationships, and Saheli is helping change that narrative. Being part of this mission fills me with pride.
Beyond my work at Saheli, I’m passionate about animal welfare, community building, and curating meaningful events.
Libby - Grant Writer
Libby Ellis is a multifaceted nonprofit professional with over 25 years of fundraising services. She joined Saheli after working for six years with Casa Myrna in Boston as the Development Manager and grant writer. Before that, Libby was the Development Director at Action for Boston Community Development. Since 2010, she has also provided grant writing and fund development services as a
freelance contractor for many organizations that serve marginalized populations and vulnerable people.
Namita Aggarwal - Staff Attorney
Namita Agarwal is the founder and principal attorney of Agarwal Law Offices, a Massachusetts immigration practice. Since 2011, she has helped survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and exploitation get humanitarian immigration relief, including VAWA self-petitions and U and T visas. Her survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach helps immigrant women and families move toward safety, independence, and hope.