Awaaz San Antonio

Who We Are

Awaaz (the "voice" in Hindi and Urdu) was founded in 2011 by Hema Bhakta, Sakina Sharp, and Tapasi Misra. The volunteer-run 501(c)3 non-profit was born from a need to address the stigma and silence surrounding family violence within the South Asian communities of San Antonio.

At Awaaz, everything we do is guided by the voices, needs, and lived experiences of survivors.

Empathy: We listen with patience, openness, and deep respect—without judgment, assumptions, or doubt. Our commitment is to understand each survivor’s story on their terms.

Empower: We strive to create a safe and supportive space where survivors can think, speak, and plan for their futures without fear. By offering a range of options, resources, and services, we support their journey toward independence and self-sufficiency.

Educate: We raise awareness about domestic violence within South Asian communities, highlighting its far-reaching and intergenerational effects. We also work to bridge gaps between survivors and mainstream service providers by fostering cultural understanding and sharing insights into South Asian traditions and norms.

Community engagement is key to helping Awaaz thrive. We hope that you will join Awaaz in our mission to help survivors break free from the cycle of family violence. Your generous donations will transform lives.