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My name is Astha Sharma Pokharel. I grew up in Italy, but have always considered Nepal my home. In 2014, I moved to New York for law school. I immediately sought out a Nepali-speaking community. It was very personal. That fall, I attended Adhikaar’s Dashain celebration and fell in love. It felt like family and, soon, became a political home. In 2015, Adhikaar played a key role in helping pass a landmark legislation, including a bill of rights for nail salon workers, granting fair wages and better working conditions in an industry rife with exploitation. |
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Also that year, a massive earthquake struck Nepal. Once again, Adhikaar rose to be a place for the community to process the devastation, and later became a hub to learn about Temporary Protected Status.
In 2020, at the onset of COVID-19, hundreds of workers struggled as they lost their jobs. I was able to play a small part as a volunteer attorney, helping file unemployment insurance claims. Time and again, Adhikaar became a home away from home for hundreds of Nepali-speaking New Yorkers. I was invited to join the Board, and after five years, I am currently serving as the Board Chair.
I am excited to support Adhikaar as it transitions into its third decade. I am especially excited to partner with Mamta as the Interim Executive Director. She is strategic, calm, thoughtful, and grounded. She is a visionary who understands the community because she is from the community.
This has been such a difficult time for so many immigrants and working-class communities. But I know Adhikaar will continue to be a haven.
As we head into 2026, will you join me in making a gift so that Adhikaar can continue to be a gathering place for workers and families for years to come?
Thank you for believing in us,
Astha Sharma Pokharel Adhikaar Board Chair
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