“We want to reach out to community through the universal medium of Art. We are so excited to bring The Art Affair back with a big bang this year.  Art has the power to transcend boundaries and heal hearts.” Today’s woman dreamer, Ruchika Yadav, is a chartered accountant with a passion for giving back and the creative arts. In her Women Who Win interview, Ruchika shares her personal and professional journey in public accounting at the Big 4 Firms, and how she gives back and serves the community. She shares exciting details about the upcoming Saheli Boston “The Art Affair” event coming up on August 20th! Check out her inspiring story and this wonderful event!

1. You are a chartered accountant with experience in accouting and finance. Tell us more about your personal and professional journey. 

My name is Ruchika Yadav. I was born and brought up outside US and have settled in the US since 2005. I studied to be a Chartered accountant in India and now serve as a Finance Executive within the Biotech Industry. I have worked at Public Accounting firms like KPMG and Deloitte, and Biotechnology Companies like Genzyme, Sanofi, Akebia. During my school days I was passionate about art and learned various styles of art, oil, acrylic and watercolors. I always dreamed of making a contribution to society using my skills and education. I am an artist by passion when I am not working and like to use oil on canvas as a medium of expression. I remember, as a child my summer holidays spent at orphanages organizing programs, birthdays, donation drives and my parents always taught me how to bask in the pleasure of giving and serving unconditionally. It truly is the most rewarding feeling to know that my work or actions have made a positive difference, however small in the life of someone who needed it.

2. You are passionate about giving back. Tell us more about your community service work, and how you aim to help others? 

I have been involved in many community service organizations over the past years here in Massachusetts.  I also love to be on stage as an actor and have been part of stage plays with “Hindi Manch”, a well-recognized non-profit organization in our community promoting the Indian language and culture.  I am a big cheerleader for non-profit organizations serving the community in MA. During COVID times, I co-founded “Care4Janitors” and served the most vulnerable community needs. I joined Saheli in 2021 as Treasurer and Board member and have been engaged in fund raising events and managing and improving the financial processes at Saheli. 

3. Tell us more about your work with Saheli and The Art Affair Project? 

Saheli is an organization based in Boston and has been around for more than 25 years serving the victims of domestic violence and their families. Saheli plays a crucial role in fostering safety, empowerment, and healing for victims of domestic violence. Saheli’s presence in the Boston community has undoubtedly made a significant difference in the lives of many, and their continued efforts are likely to bring positive change for years to come. This organization and the leadership have been dynamic and tenacious in their approach to clear obstacles and providing assistance in diverse forms of support such a legal, immigration support, mental health, housing and food assistance to address the unique situations and requirements of the individuals they serve.  Saheli constantly relies on its very loyal supporters and donors and designs unique fund raising and community outreach events to reach out to the community.

In 2021 along with the President Neelam Wali, I conceived “The Art Affair” concept for Saheli’s annual gala. We wanted to reach out to community through the universal medium of Art. We could not host this event in 2021 due to mandatory social restrictions on public gatherings at the planned time and hence this idea was relaunched this year in 2023. 

We are so excited to bring this unique event back with a big bang this year.  Art has the power to transcend boundaries and heal hearts. Through the power of art, we aim to raise funds for Saheli's essential services, which empower immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This highly anticipated art exhibition and auction is scheduled on August 20th between 3 and 7PM at the Academy of Creative Art at 12A Street in Burlington MA and will bring together artists and art enthusiasts from across Massachusetts to support Saheli. “The Art Affair" will transform the Academy into a grand art gallery showcasing the extraordinary works of talented artists. Attendees will have the opportunity to appreciate and acquire these remarkable pieces through an exciting auction. All proceeds from the auction will directly contribute to Saheli's mission.

This event is privileged to have esteemed chief guests, Santhana Krishnan the founder of South Asian Art Gallery, a social entrepreneur who is committed to giving back and making meaningful social and environmental impacts for future generations and Lynda Roscoe Hartigan is The Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Executive Director and CEO. As a curator, scholar, and museum executive, Lynda Roscoe Hartigan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Peabody Essex Museum

4. How can folks register and attend The Art Affair?

We are offering an unforgettable afternoon filled with artistic inspiration, live music, delectable wine and hors d'oeuvres, captivating performances, raffle prizes and ample networking and socializing opportunities. Tickets are priced at $35 per person, and all are welcome to attend this exceptional event in support of immigrant survivors. Please buy your tickets now:

You can register and learn more about the event here - The Art Affair 2023 – Saheli (saheliboston.org)