AWUM announces Sipra Jha as interim Executive Director
Minneapolis, MN. June 6, 2024 – After 14 years of stalwart service at Asian Women United of Minnesota (AWUM), Claudia R. Waring voluntarily resigned as Executive Director of AWUM. Although Claudia will no longer be on staff, she will continue to be an ardent supporter of AWUM’s mission. Sipra Jha has stepped in as the interim Executive Director, effective June 2, 2024.
“Departing AWUM is not an easy choice because the organization and its people are truly dear to me; this is a bittersweet decision. However, I strongly believe it is the right thing for AWUM. I am leaving AWUM in a very healthy place, and the organization is positioned for a new leader with fresh energy and ideas.” - Claudia R. Waring
Claudia R. Waring (L) and Sipra Jha (R)
| Photos by Ryan Stopera
As the interim Executive Director at Asian Women United of Minnesota, Sipra Jha offers extensive experience and profound understanding of AWUM’s mission. Sipra brings over 15 years of advocacy work supporting those who have been facing intimate partner violence. Sipra has been serving as AWUM’s Shelter Director since 2009. AWUM warmly welcomes her as the interim Executive Director.
Sipra’s deep belief in the nobility, capacities, strength, courage and self-agency of everyone who comes to AWUM for support, along with her collaborative spirit, and deep commitment to defend the rights of those most vulnerable, to preserve human dignity, and lift up women, all match seamlessly with AWUM’s mission to end domestic violence.
“My main work has been advocacy and fighting for justice for those who have been left out of the system and looking to live free of violence and fear.” - Sipra Jha
Sipra was born in India and earned a master’s degree in political science, international law, and women’s studies. She spent most of her early years doing intervention work, including working with Tibetan refugee women and children in Dharamsala, India. Woven into her advocacy work, she sought to bridge the gap between academia and activism. Sipra’s leadership extended beyond AWUM, including having served on the boards of Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women (now Violence Free Minnesota) and SEWA-AIFW (Asian Indian Family Wellness).
Asian Women United of Minnesota continues to move forward on its mission to end domestic violence by promoting safe and healthy relationships within the Asian-Pacific Islander community and beyond. AWUM participants remain our top priority; thus, delivery of our services is without interruption during this transition period.
AWUM Board of Directors and the entire AWUM staff express our deepest appreciation to Claudia R. Waring for her notable leadership for over a decade and convey our sincerest welcome to Sipra Jha as the interim Executive Director.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact Nancy at 612-724-0756 or nancy@awum.org.