Rao Chalasani has served several investment firms in New York City as an innovator in information technology. A resident of New Jersey, Rao Chalasani supports Sakhi, an agency for survivors of gender-based violence among women from South Asia. He has a personal connection to the organization, helping it organize the Swarna Chalasani Scholarship Fund, named for his sister who died in the 9/11 attacks.
The word Sakhi means “woman friend.” It was founded in 1989 by five women professionals to fill an unmet need for South Asian women in the NY area. Although many religious and national groups were helping this immigrant community, none addressed its problem of domestic violence within marriages.
Drawing on the strength of survivors from many linguistic and ethnic groups, Sakhi strives to dismantle power structures that permit personal violence. Since abusive spouses maintain their position by controlling the purse-strings, Sakhi’s mission focuses on building economic self-sufficiency through skills training and education.
The Chalasani Scholarship Fund makes grants averaging $1,500 twice a year to help recipients obtain vocational certification and college degrees. Those interested in helping out can donate to Sakhi at www.sakhi.org/donate-now/.
The word Sakhi means “woman friend.” It was founded in 1989 by five women professionals to fill an unmet need for South Asian women in the NY area. Although many religious and national groups were helping this immigrant community, none addressed its problem of domestic violence within marriages.
Drawing on the strength of survivors from many linguistic and ethnic groups, Sakhi strives to dismantle power structures that permit personal violence. Since abusive spouses maintain their position by controlling the purse-strings, Sakhi’s mission focuses on building economic self-sufficiency through skills training and education.
The Chalasani Scholarship Fund makes grants averaging $1,500 twice a year to help recipients obtain vocational certification and college degrees. Those interested in helping out can donate to Sakhi at www.sakhi.org/donate-now/.
