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Narbada Chhetri

Director of Organizing & Programs

Narbada Chhetri leads the workers’ rights program at Adhikaar, advocating for the rights of the community’s sisters and brothers and assisting with access to services. She led Adhikaar in successfully campaigning for the New York State Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in 2010, and in 2015 was at the helm of the New York State Nail Salon Workers Bill of Rights. She currently represents Adhikaar on the National Domestic Workers Alliance board of directors.

She has completed the 2012-13 Union Leadership Institute at Cornell University and the 2014 Coro Immigrant Leadership Program. Her campaign focus also includes organizing beauty technicians (nail salon) workers for their health and safety at the workplace. She oversees a range of programs, campaigns and services that support members to develop the skills & knowledge needed to secure better jobs and to live with dignity and respect in the U.S.

 In her current role Narbada empowers Nepali-speaking immigrants to speak up about the injustices they face, and to learn about and assert their legal rights. With her close guidance, 9 trafficking survivors have secured victories and over $300,000 in lost or stolen wages have been recovered. Prior to coming to the U.S. in 2006, Narbada worked as a human rights activist in Nepal for 15 years, working in many issue areas including anti-trafficking. Her own experience of struggle and story is a tool to educate and empower others. She currently lives in Woodside, Queens, with her daughter.

Contact: narbada@adhikaar.org