SACSS Joins Gloria Steinem for an Intimate Conversation on Women’s Economic Power

When entrepreneur Deepti Sharma received an invitation to join a private Talking Circle at the home of feminist icon Gloria Steinem, she extended that invitation to the South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS), recognizing the importance of ensuring immigrant women’s voices were represented in the conversation.

Held in the spirit of dialogue, listening, and collective action, the Talking Circle centered on the theme “Economic Power Is Women’s Power,” exploring how immigrant women forge pathways to financial independence and self-determination. Facilitated by Amy Richards and Jill Heller, the discussion invited participants to reflect on two powerful questions:

• What was the moment you realized economic independence was connected to your freedom, and what did that change for you?

• What is one thing—whether a policy, a program, or a cultural shift—that would most meaningfully change the economic trajectory for immigrant women in our communities?

Representing SACSS were Founder and Executive Director Sudha Acharya, Board President Devi Ramchandran, Director of Health Services Rehan Mehmood, Director of Family Services Mary Archana Fernandez, and Director of Development Anjali Maniam. Joining them were two SACSS clients who shared their lived experiences and their perspectives about the on-the-ground realities.

The gathering also brought together longtime SACSS supporter Lucy Hunter of the Silverman Foundation; SACSS Ambassador and Founder of Unapologetic Foods, Roni Mazumdar; Liya Thachil, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific American Task Force at the New York State Assembly; artist Vaidehi Kinkhabwala; and Saranya Turimella, Director of the SACSS Young Professionals Committee. Together, all of whom are changemakers committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment.

The conversation surfaced several thought-provoking themes, including the idea that gender equality is not simply about increasing the number of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. True equality also means bringing the values often associated with women’s leadership—collaboration, empathy, care, and community-building—into every sector and redefining what success and leadership look like. Participants reflected that meaningful economic empowerment requires both expanding opportunities for women and reshaping the systems and cultures in which they work and lead.

For the SACSS delegation, the Talking Circle reinforced what the organization witnesses every day: economic independence is often the turning point that enables immigrant women to rebuild their lives, gain confidence, and create lasting opportunities for themselves and their families. Through culturally responsive services, workforce development, financial literacy, legal support, and community advocacy, SACSS works to remove the barriers that too often stand between immigrant women and economic security.

It was a privilege to engage in conversation with Gloria Steinem whose warmth, generosity, and genuine curiosity made everyone feel welcome. Her willingness to listen, learn about the work of SACSS, and spend time meeting SACSS clients was deeply moving. Moments like these remind us of the power of connection, storytelling, and community. Her presence along with fellow advocates was both an honor and a reminder that lasting change begins by listening to the voices of those with lived experience.

SACSS is grateful to the Gloria Steinem Foundation for extending this invitation and to everyone who participated in creating a space where there is a diversity of voices and motivation to build a solution forward future.