Welcome New Board Members
Sambhali U.S. has just added two new wonderful board members to its roster. Ruby Atwal has served on the Communications Committee since early 2025, assisting with website improvements and projects such as writing for the 2024 Annual Report. Saloni Rastogi is Sambhali U.S.’s newest board treasurer, bringing her extensive accounting knowledge to help the organization maintain its budget and report on finances.
They shared some information about themselves and their journeys to Sambhali U.S so the larger Sambhali community can get to know them.
Q: Please tell us about the professional, educational, and personal background you bring to your work at Sambhali U.S.
Ruby: My passion for education and gender equality has shaped nearly every chapter of my life. Growing up in the U.S. with parents from India, I witnessed how societal expectations can limit opportunities for women, and I became committed to challenging those barriers. I earned a master’s degree in education from Teachers College at Columbia University and spent several years teaching English, using literature to highlight social justice issues and encourage empathy for those facing discrimination around the world. Later, I transitioned into a career as a technical writer, where I honed my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, skills that have enabled me to increase awareness about Sambhali’s mission.
Saloni: I am a Certified Public Accountant with an MBA in Finance and over seven years of experience managing an accounting firm. In this role, I delivered a wide range of financial services, including project financing, debt restructuring, debt syndication, and financial analysis to help corporations in India address complex financial challenges. As an Indian woman, I feel a strong connection to Sambhali U.S. and its mission to empower women and girls to achieve economic independence, and I am excited to bring my financial expertise to support and advance this important work.
Q: Every board member has a unique journey to this role. Please describe yours.
Ruby: My connection to Sambhali U.S. began when I stumbled upon a volunteer opportunity that immediately resonated with my values. I wanted to get involved with an organization that truly changes lives through education, especially for women and girls facing systemic barriers. I began volunteering as a website manager and content writer, helping to tell Sambhali’s story to a wider audience. As I learned more about the impact of the organization’s work in Rajasthan, I felt compelled to deepen my involvement. Joining the board was a natural next step—a way to contribute more strategically and continue advocating for the empowerment of women and girls.
Saloni: I had been actively seeking opportunities to volunteer and use my time and skills to contribute to the betterment of society when I came across Sambhali U.S. After exploring their various programs, I immediately recognized that this would be an immensely rewarding experience to support an organization dedicated to creating a safe and empowering environment for women. Sambhali is dedicated to building their confidence and creating a holistic environment that enables women to stand on their own feet and experience true independence, a mission that I find both inspiring and deeply meaningful.
Q: What is important to you about serving on the Sambhali U.S. board?
Ruby: What matters most to me is helping to elevate the voices of the women and girls whose strength and determination fuel Sambhali’s mission. Their perseverance in the face of enormous challenges is humbling and deeply motivating. I see my role as helping to create more visibility, resources, and support so their stories—and their successes—can reach a broader audience. I believe that when women are given the chance to learn, lead, and make choices for themselves, entire communities benefit. That’s the kind of lasting change I’m proud to help support.
Saloni: Being on the board places me in a position of responsibility, allowing me to represent the values and mission of Sambhali U.S. It brings me personal joy and satisfaction to be associated with such impactful work. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness, share the impact of the organization on the lives of women, and highlight the inspiring stories of these incredible women, with the hope of encouraging more people to recognize and support the value of their work.
Q: Finally, what’s something that our readers might be surprised or interested to learn about you?
Ruby: As someone who has several chronic illnesses, it can often be challenging for me to leave my home. Volunteering for Sambhali U.S. has given me a meaningful way to make a real difference in the lives of women and girls halfway across the world from home. This inspired me to create a support group for other young women living with chronic illnesses, providing a space for connection, encouragement, and shared understanding. These experiences have deepened my empathy and compassion, reinforcing my commitment to standing with women who face immense struggles and helping them find their strength.
Saloni: I am an avid reader and traveler, as I believe stories offer a powerful way to understand another person’s world, culture, and history, and to see how these experiences color perspectives and influence worldview. I also dabble in amateur writing from time to time and enjoy camping and spending time outdoors.