Leading with Cultural and Lived Experience
As we open Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month join us to hear from Sipra Jha, Asian Women United of Minnesota’s Shelter Director! Being an immigrant herself and working alongside refugees throughout her journey spending close time with domestic violence survivors and refugees, she shares about the power of compassion, teamwork, and staying committed to helping others.
Click here to listen to the full episode!
“This is where I want to be, and this is what I want to do.”
As a young girl in India, Sipra Jha witnessed systemic and racial injustice, an experience that later shaped how she navigated her own immigrant journey in the United States. Her exposure to refugee communities and domestic violence shaped a deep sense of purpose early on. When she entered the shelter at Asian Women United of Minnesota (AWUM), everything aligned for her: her values, education, and lived experiences. It was more than just a job, it was a calling to her purpose, and an opportunity that felt clear and personal. After years of searching, Sipra found a sense of clarity when she came to AWUM, marking the moment when her passion and purpose came together.
“The win is for the team, if one of us fail, we all fail.”
Sipra shared how valuable it is to support one another when we see that others need it. Her belief in collective care and shared success drives how she works with her team. She shares how creating a supportive work environment where people actively look out for one another has become a core value for her. When one team member is struggling, others are encouraged to step in and help, reinforcing a culture of mutual responsibility. The idea is that the group will be strengthened by individual success, especially in emotionally demanding work such as that at a women’s shelter like AWUM. It also ties into her broader commitment to empathy, both for colleagues and the survivors they serve. Keeping her team’s well-being as a priority shows how pivotal it can be to support one another.
“I feel sometimes that leader has to become a follower.”
Sipra believes that leadership is rooted in humility, listening, and adaptability. She describes leadership not as control, but as a position to hold space, honor perspectives, and guide with care. In her experience, effective leadership means sometimes stepping back and allowing others to share their expertise and a chance to lead the way. This approach is especially important in a team-centered, culturally in tune environment where trust and understanding are key. While she acknowledges that leaders must occasionally make difficult decisions, she emphasizes that transparency and shared understanding are essential for building leadership as a dynamic, collaborative process rather than a fixed position of authority.
Sipra Jha’s lived experience has instilled in her the values of uplifting those around her for the betterment of the collective. Her views on community reflect in the way her teams show up for each other and those in need. Her dedication to advocacy and leadership demonstrates what’s possible when we uplift and support one another.