Founder & Board Chair

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Nasreen serves as the founder and Board Chair of the Empowerment Collective. Nasreen’s incredible life experiences are a symbol of extraordinary resilience and leadership. As a survivor of modern slavery in the forms of child labor and forced marriage, she has over come great challenges empower herself and become an artist, author, entrepreneur, and international speaker.

 

Nasreen perspectives and strategy for solutions stand as the foundation of Empowerment Collectives mission, championing the cause of a transparent global economic system, focusing on critical issues such as supply chain transparency, corporate responsibility, and the enactment of effective modern slavery legislation. Nasreen’s incredibly moving and inspiring keynotes and speeches have reached influential international platforms, including the United Nations, the European Union, and within major corporate settings such as Google and Amazon.

 

Her ability to engage with influential personalities on the issues of modern slavery, including Gloria Steinem and Pope Francis, significantly amplifies her efforts and voice in the moment to End Modern Slavery Now!

Board Member & Treasurer

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A survivor of modern slavery, Sana has triumphed over extreme poverty and an early arranged marriage. Her experience has inspired a deep commitment to empowering survivors in rural Indian communities, particularly in Bihar, through innovative micro-finance initiatives.

 

Balancing her role as a mother to two daughters, Sana is motivated by a profound desire to protect them from the hardships she faced. This personal drive is a key factor in her dedication to her work. Sana's intimate understanding of the challenges associated with poverty has endowed her with a unique insight into the transformative potential of financial empowerment.

 

As Treasurer of Empowerment Collective, Sana utilizes her knowledge in grassroots micro-finance to make strategic allocations that benefit the community. Her efforts are focused on creating sustainable and cyclical impacts, reinforcing the fundamental objectives of our organization.

Board Member & Secretary

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As secretary of Empowerment Collective, Rubina’s highly skilled grassroots leader, and joins the Empowerment Collective with a rich human services background spanning over a decade in aiding survivors of modern slavery. Her deep-rooted understanding of leveraging local resources for the benefit of victims underscores her incredible dedication to fostering impactful societal change.

 

Rubina's expertise extends beyond advocacy for survivors; she possesses a delicate grasp of navigating complex social issues, including caste and class dynamics, economic inequalities, and climate justice concerns. Rubina has pursued a steadfast commitment to education and personal development. Her extensive experience and specialized knowledge make her an invaluable member of our board at Empowerment Collective.

 

Rubina's contributions are characterized by a blend of passion and professionalism, essential qualities for addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by survivors of modern slavery.

Board Member

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Irshad’s life story, marked by overcoming formidable challenges in a predominantly male-dominated society, serves as an inspiration to many. As a mother of six, Irshad has demonstrated remarkable strength and determination. In her respected role as an elder within her rural community, Irshad Begam offers invaluable guidance to young women grappling with the intricacies of modern slavery.

 

Her efforts have been so important in guiding many at risk people away from the hardship of forced marriages, supporting choices rooted in love and mutual respect. This guidance not only reflects her deep understanding of societal and cultural sensitivities, but also her commitment to empowering women to make informed decisions about their lives.

 

She is a strong proponent of access to nutritious food and clean water, recognizing the fundamental importance of these resources in achieving holistic community well-being. Her dedication in this area further illustrates her comprehensive approach to societal improvement.

Board Member

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Rita is a incredibly strong survivor of modern slavery, she is the very symbol of resilience in the face of deep-seated discrimination, particularly in the face of the profound challenges associated with being from the 'untouchable' caste in rural Nepal. This marginalized group, historically deemed as 'Dalits' and subjected to severe social ostracization, faces significant obstacles in terms of social mobility, access to resources, and basic human rights.

 

Rita's journey, overcoming the entrenched stigma and discrimination inherent in her caste status, shows her remarkable dedication over the past decade, focused on empowering women within these communities, where caste-based discrimination exacerbates gender inequities. As a mother to three daughters and a committed wife, Rita's personal experiences have deepened her resolve to advocate for the freedom and safety of women and girls, especially those from Dalit backgrounds.

 

Her advocacy is shaped by her personal experiences and her first hand knowledge of the specific challenges faced by women from 'untouchable' castes. These challenges include restricted access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, heightened vulnerability to exploitation and abuse, and a pervasive lack of social justice.

 

Program Director

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Sahin Parvin's role at the Empowerment Collective is to oversee program development and execution, ensuring that the organization's projects align with the needs of donors, partners, and volunteers. Her primary responsibility within EC's circular leadership model is to facilitate communication between the leadership team and the survivors who benefit from EC's mentorship and support.

 

Her distinctive combination of artistic talent, entrepreneurial skills, and personal experiences makes her a crucial part of EC's mission to transform the lives and communities affected by modern slavery. Sahin's proficiency in multiple languages, including the dialects of the Nepal and Indian border villages, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, and English, has shaped her into a resilient leader. As a talented singer, she infuses her music with themes of women's empowerment and the struggle against modern slavery.

 

Her decade-long engagement with Local Women’s Handicrafts as a social business entrepreneur has given her vast experience in running grassroots programs in the most rural communities. She is the founder of Empowering Local Women, a mini-business dedicated to ethical and sustainable fashion. She has a unique ability to make everyone around her feel seen and heard, and she leads her relationships with care and thoughtfulness.