Dear Friend,

We are pleased to announce that the Adhikaar Board of Directors has decided to hire two Co-Executive Directors, and that our own Narbada Chhetri has been selected as one of the incoming Co-Executive Directors. We are thrilled to have her in this new role and gain her guidance in achieving dignity and respect for the Nepali-speaking community in the US. A search for the second Co-Executive Director is underway.

Narbada brings 16+ years of experience in Adhikaar’s management and growth. She has been the powerhouse of our member-led organization. Narbada first joined Adhikaar in 2007 as an Organizer and currently serves as the Director of Organizing and Programs. Over the past several years, she has led our workers’ rights, immigration, health care, and language justice work at Adhikaar. She has been a fierce advocate for the rights of the Nepali-speaking communities in NYC and nationally; and has overseen a range of programs, campaigns, and services that directly support our community members.

In the past, she successfully organized and campaigned for the passage of the New York State Domestic Workers Bill of Rights and the New York State Nail Salon Workers Bill of Rights. With her guidance, we have a robust anti-labor trafficking survivors program where nine survivors have secured victories, and over $300,000 in lost or stolen wages has been recovered. Before coming to the U.S., she worked as a human rights activist in Nepal for 15 years.

Narbada will assume the role of Co-Executive Director in the summer of 2024. Meanwhile, the search for a second Co-Executive Director has begun in earnest.

Once again, we would like you to join us in congratulating Narbada Chhetri as she prepares to start this exciting next phase of her work at Adhikaar!

Sincerely,

Maneesha Kelkar, Interim Executive Director

Astha Sharma Pokharel, Board Chair