The Tahirih Justice Center has served over 34,000 immigrant survivors fleeing gender-based violence since 1997. Across our five locations, our dedicated staff members provide holistic trauma-informed services to immigrant survivors and their families through legal representation and social services, policy advocacy, and community outreach and training. Tahirih staff exhibit a high level of cultural humility, speak multiple languages, and, above all, are committed to creating a world without violence.
Meet our San Francisco Bay Area Managing Attorney, Payal Sinha.
“Being able to help individuals who have faced unimaginable challenges find safety, justice, and empowerment is incredibly rewarding. And witnessing the strength and resilience of survivors is deeply inspiring.”
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you want to work at Tahirih?
I’ve been working in the area of Interpersonal Violence for about 11 years and had the opportunity to be awarded the California Senate Certificate for avid advocacy in California Bills. Also, I am an avid cook and I love Anime!
I’ve heard Archi Pyati, our CEO, at an event in Los Angeles speaking about Forced Marriage Initiative Project, which made me deeply appreciate Tahirih’s mission and its expansive approach to assist gender-based violence survivors. I have deep appreciation for interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the multifaceted issues surrounding gender-based violence and commitment to work together to support survivors, which is why I started as Pro Bono Attorney before joining Tahirih.
What do you do at Tahirih?
I currently serve as the Managing Attorney at Tahirih Justice Center San Francisco Office and oversee the legal team and pro bono work at the SF Region and providing technical assistance and trainings to service providers and pro bonos.
What about your work at Tahirih do you find most inspiring?
Being able to help individuals who have faced unimaginable challenges find safety, justice, and empowerment is incredibly rewarding. And witnessing the strength and resilience of survivors is deeply inspiring.
What about your work at Tahirih do you find most challenging?
Providing compassionate and effective legal representation while also prioritizing the well-being and mental health of clients requires a delicate balance and can be emotionally draining.
How do you see Tahirih making a difference?
Tahirih makes a difference by assisting survivors in full scope representation in partnership with brilliant pro bono partners that expands its capacity to serve a lot more survivors. This unique mentorship and co-counsel program is incredibly helpful that allows to serve many survivors throughout the year.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned during your time in this role at Tahirih?
The most important lesson is the immense power of empathy and advocacy in effecting positive change. By approaching each case with empathy, actively listening to survivors, and advocating fiercely on their behalf, we can make a tangible difference in their lives and contribute to broader social change.
Outside of work, what is your favorite thing to spend your time on?
Reading books and love food (SF Team is all about food and reading books)!
