The South Asian Solidarity Movement (SASM) was founded in 2021 to move our communities beyond apathy and into action — confronting injustice, challenging oppression, and practicing cross-racial solidarity. Through quarterly gatherings and community engagements, we create spaces for learning, reflection, and collective growth. We bring together people from diverse racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds to engage hard truths and conversations often left unspoken in communities of the global majority. Grounded in an honest reckoning with our histories of colonization and harm, we also recognize the privileges we hold as a diaspora — and the responsibility that comes with them to dismantle the systems that divide us and work toward collective liberation. We welcome anyone who feels called to this work, while unapologetically centering the voices, experiences, and leadership of the Global Majority.
Our team brings together educators, therapists, and practitioners who live this work, personally and professionally, and are committed to building more just and inclusive communities.
OUR LEADERS
CINDU-THOMAS GEORGE
Founder and Principal Trainer of Shakti Training and Tenured ProfessorInclusion and Belonging Strategist, Educator, Keynote Speaker, and Mom.
REBEKAH JAMES LOVETT
Founder of Thambusami, Consulting, Coaching & Management for BIPOC ProfessionalsWriter, Story Teller, Dreamer, Collaborator, and Co-Founder of Revive Brands
Consultant, Psychologist, Musician & Keynote speakerRAHUL SHARMA
Founder of Strategic Inclusion Consulting, Founder and sitarist for the music group Funkadesi, and former Associate Professor at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
POOJA SHAH
Photography and Brand Design
Founder & Creative Director of TEMBO TONES®
SHANTA N. KANAKOLLU
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Speaker
Founder of SNK Therapy PLLC
AMMARA KHALID
Founder of RIA Psychological Services, ConsultantPsychologist, Author, Keynote Speaker and Renaissance Woman
ANKUR VARMA
Psychotherapist (LCPC) AND Mental Health Advocate, Director of Outreach & Training at Shaikh & Associates
Founder of Brown Man TherapyWe are deeply grateful to our Advisory Council for their dedication, wisdom, and commitment to SASM’s mission. Their leadership ensures SASM’s longevity and impact.
OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL
NEENA HEMMADY
LGBTQ+ Rights Trailblazer & Com-Ed Executive
RADHIKA SHARMA
35 year Educator, Prevention Specialist & Activist
Seasoned DEI Practitioner, Facilitator & Leader