We are so proud of the work we’ve accomplished this year. We’ve witnessed what true grassroots-led and mutual-aid-based solutions can look like. We are creating models and testing new organizing ideas to push for our voices and our narratives to be included in the fight for change. In making a lasting impact now, we are also building for a better future for generations to come.
Before we close out the year, we want to update you on some staff news:
In November, we welcomed Astha Sharma Pokharel as the newest Board Member. Astha is currently a Clinical Teaching Fellow at the UC Berkeley School of Law International Human Rights Law Clinic. Prior to joining the clinic, Astha was a Bertha Justice Fellow at the Center for Constitutional Rights, worked on justice in Palestine, environmental
justice issues and to challenge the continued detention of immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about Astha here.
In October, three new staff joined our team, Aatish Gurung, Dolma Sherpa, and Yangchen Dolma.
Aatish joins us as the Communications Coordinator, Dolma joins Adhikaar as the Nail Salon Organizer and Yangchen is the new Domestic Worker Organizer. We are so proud to bring all three on, as they are a testament to the strength of our community and organizing work. While new to staff, they are not new to Adhikaar at all. All three have been organizing with Adhikaar for
years as member leaders, interns and fellows. They also represent the diversity of the Nepali-speaking community. Read more about them here.
In bittersweet news, we are saying goodbye to our long-time Domestic Worker Organizer, Tsering Lama, who’s been with Adhikaar for the last six years. Tsering started engaging at Adhikaar as a volunteer English for Empowerment (EFE) facilitator in 2014 and joined as staff in 2016.
She has grown our domestic worker program including anti-trafficking work, been an integral part of case management, and managed the EFE and citizenship classes. Tsering leaves behind a strong member leadership, a growing member base in New Jersey and New York. We are grateful for the grit, dedication and joy she has brought in the last six years.
Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!
Be well,
Pabitra Khati Benjamin
Executive Director, Adhikaar