After Reaching Economic Freedom, Rashmi Rises as a ‘Responding Hero’ in Her Community

February 9, 2023

West Bengal, India

Rashmi always took pride in her studies. Financing her schooling was difficult for her father, who is a painter and does not earn much. She is also the eldest of her parents’ daughters, a status which brought other challenges. According to local customs, her younger sisters could only get married if she did so first. At the age of 23, Rashmi was forced to marry and quit her job at a nursing home. She moved in with her husband and mother-in-law and gave birth to a baby girl. 

A neighborhood friend told Rashmi about Nomi Network’s training program. By nature, Rashmi is optimistic, focused, and committed, so it was no surprise when she excelled in the program. Rashmi also often extended a helping hand to other trainees. Although the first phase of her training was virtual due to the pandemic, she learned garment-making in person during the technical skills phase.

Currently, Rashmi runs her own small tailoring business and loves working for herself! Since her involvement with Nomi Network in 2020, Rashmi has served as a community outreach worker during the pandemic, providing valuable PPE and virus updates to her community. Rashmi has also served in our Disaster Relief Program as a “Responding Hero” as her neighborhood recovered from a flood. Rashmi is a true role model in her community and believes she has finally found a sense of purpose.

*Name changed to protect privacy

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Help us create pathways to safe employment for survivors and girls at risk of human trafficking. Nomi Network is looking for committed and inspiring individuals to provide mentorship, workshops, seminars, internships, and work exposure to teen girls facing adversity and lack of opportunities in Dallas. This application will help us get to know you more as we seek to onboard and connect mentors with girls.


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Nomi Network Volunteer Interest

Help us create pathways to safe employment for survivors and girls at risk of human trafficking. Nomi Network is looking for committed and inspiring individuals to provide mentorship, workshops, seminars, internships, and work exposure to teen girls facing adversity and lack of opportunities in Dallas. Please take 5 minutes to record your interest in the volunteer opportunities below.


This information is strictly confidential and will be used only as reference when matching volunteers with youth who come from similar backgrounds. (Check all that apply)

We aim to provide a team of mentors of the girls in our program. With this model, there are two kinds of mentors:

1. Mentor Team Member- This mentor is a part of a team and will provide specific support to the mentee based on her area of need. This role can be virtual and the commitment can be 1 or 2 years with the expectation of a monthly check-in with the mentee. This mentor's experience aligns with the mentee's career interests and will help her in specific phases of her career path. For example, they may walk her through the college application process, help her look for a job or internship, or assist her in gaining access to resources like scholarships, fellowship programs, or government assistance. This mentor might also help her gain specific skills such as networking, public speaking, interviewing, financial acumen, entrepreneurship, self-motivation, etc.

2. Mentor Team Lead- This mentor will be based in Dallas and commit to 1-2 years with their mentee leading her team of mentors. This high-level commitment includes coordinating with Nomi Network staff and the multi-disciplinary team prior to the girl's discharge from the Dallas County Juvenile System. They will be a part of her re-entry plan and treatment, and build face-to-face rapport. The mentor team lead will set up monthly or bi-monthly meeting with the mentor team to assign roles and projects to the other mentors based on the mentee's needs. Nomi Network's Mentor Coordinator will support each mentor team lead throughout the 2 year process.

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Thank you for recording your interest in volunteering with Nomi Network to provide crucial ways for adolescent survivors to break down barriers to economic empowerment. We will get back to you with more specific expectations and lay out clear ways to implement these opportunities for youth in our program. Our partnerships team will work with you to set up a timeline and coordinate efforts. Depending on the area of involvement, training may be required.