To our Sahiyo Community,

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved advisory board member, Neelam Khaki, on April 11, 2026

For over a decade Neelam worked as the Coordinator of the Peaceful Families Taskforce at API Chaya, a Seattle-based non-profit serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking who are from Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Asian and South Asian communities. She was a law graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science, and worked tirelessly to support survivors, educate communities on gender-based violence, including FGM/C, and find ways to build more peaceful communities. 

Neelam was an active member of the Sahiyo community, participating in our Activists Retreat program, and alumni activities including our alumni quarterly meet ups, and wellness workshops.

She also sat on the Washington State FGM/C Prevention Advisory Committee, and worked with fellow advisory board member Absa Samba regarding FGM/C in Washington State including legislation, community education, and care for survivors.

Neelam was a treasured member of our Advisory Board and she will be missed by her fellow board members, the Sahiyo Staff, and our whole community. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones.

Below fellow Advisory Board members and Sahiyo’s Staff reflect on Neelam’s life and legacy:

“Neelam was an enthusiastic Advisory Board member who was always willing to share her vast experience of bringing people together to advocate for change. The Sahiyo family will miss her contagious positivity. My heartfelt condolences to Neelam’s family, and to all the communities whose lives she touched so deeply.” – Zehra Patwa, Sahiyo Board Chair

“Neelam made an impression on me right away with her integrity and passion for the work. Even in a short time as an Advisory Board Member, she showed up wholeheartedly and was always willing to help. I am so grateful she was part of our Sahiyo community.”– Sakina Hassonjee Sharp, Sahiyo Advisory Board Chair

“I first met Neelam when she took part in Sahiyo’s 2024 Activists Retreat. Her compassion and willingness to learn about FGM/C and the knowledge she brought about broader gender-based violence issues within communities resonated with everyone at the retreat. Neelam always joined the alumni community meetings and wellness workshops and brought her kind energy to our sessions, even if it was only her joining the calls after work. I see Neelam’s passing as a tremendous loss not just for her family, but also for the community that benefited so much from her life of service to social justice causes.” – Samman Masud, Sahiyo Community Engagement Coordinator

Neelam’s immense dedication and compassion have left an indelible mark on all of us at Sahiyo, and she will be deeply missed by our entire community.