Leading with Compassion and Purpose: A Conversation with Deepali Gulati
At the heart of meaningful social change are leaders who combine strategy with empathy. Deepali Gulati, Executive Director of Saheli Boston, embodies that balance—guiding one of the region’s most vital organizations supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
In our video interview, Deepali shares the story behind her work, the mission that drives Saheli Boston, and the importance of culturally responsive support for survivors in immigrant communities.
Building Safety and Empowerment for Survivors
Saheli Boston has long served as a critical lifeline for South Asian and Arab women and families navigating domestic violence and other forms of gender-based harm. Since joining the organization in 2020, Deepali has helped strengthen the programs that empower survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
Under her leadership, Saheli has expanded key survivor-centered services, including:
Immigration advocacy
Legal support and referrals
Housing stabilization
Economic empowerment initiatives
These programs recognize that safety involves more than leaving a harmful situation—it requires access to legal protection, stable housing, financial independence, and a supportive community.
Strengthening the Organization
Over the past year, Deepali stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director, guiding Saheli Boston through an important period of growth and transformation. During this time, she helped streamline operational systems, strengthen compliance, and deepen partnerships with public agencies and community organizations.
Her strategic leadership has also helped secure significant funding to support the organization’s mission, including federal grants and a major award from the Cummings Foundation. These resources are helping ensure Saheli’s long-term sustainability while expanding its ability to serve more survivors.
Expanding Outreach and Prevention
Beyond direct services, Deepali has also focused on prevention and community awareness—essential components in addressing domestic violence at its roots.
She spearheaded the expansion of Saheli’s Outreach and Prevention initiatives, building partnerships with schools, universities, and community groups to foster education and dialogue around healthy relationships and survivor support.
One of her most visible initiatives is the organization’s annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, which has quickly become a powerful community tradition dedicated to healing, solidarity, and advocacy.
Leadership Grounded in Empathy
Deepali brings both professional expertise and heartfelt compassion to her work. She holds a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Harvard Extension School along with advanced degrees in communications—skills that help her balance strategic leadership with effective storytelling and advocacy.
More importantly, she leads with a deep understanding of the cultural and systemic barriers many survivors face.
Her commitment to amplifying survivor voices, breaking down barriers to support, and building safer communities is why she has been recognized as a Woman of the Year honoree.
Watch the Interview
In the video interview accompanying this feature, Deepali reflects on the challenges survivors face, the power of community partnerships, and the vision she holds for Saheli Boston’s future.
Her story is a reminder that lasting change happens when compassion, leadership, and community come together.