Our Advisors

Sushma Barokoti, MSW

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, REFUGEE WOMEN’S NETWORK (RWN)

Sushma Barokoti holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from India and Masters in social work from Marywood University in Pennsylvania. Sushma believes in feminist philosophy and practices participatory approach of community development to empower women, men and children.

She has been instrumental in growing the programs, staff and revenues at RWN significantly to enhance access to services for refugee and immigrant families, especially women. Sushma loves gardening in her free time and loves exploring the great outdoors with her husband, daughter and son.

Kimberly Dong Breen, Dr.P.H., M.S.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH & COMMUNITY MEDICINE, TUFTS SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Dr. Dong Breen’s research focuses on food and nutrition security, dietary quality, and health care access as determinants of health. Current projects explore HIV prevention among carceral-impacted individuals, unmet nutritional needs among people participating in methadone treatment programs, and a community health worker (CHW)-led intervention to improve lung cancer screening.

Dr. Dong Breen’s education interests focus on bolstering inter-professional educational opportunities, CHW trainings (Tufts COHERE) to focus on cultural traditions and building linguistic capacity in the health care workforce, community-driven development of nutrition curricula for CHWs, and culinary medicine.

Asian American Women’s Political Initiative

LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Asian American Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI) is the only national-level political leadership organization for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women. AAWPI’s mission is simple: they work to ensure that AAPI women have a voice in our democracy.

Research Within REACH would not exist without the support, mentorship, and leadership of the AAWPI fellowship team and community. What began as an idea rooted in community-based research and storytelling was nurtured, challenged, and made possible through AAWPI’s investment.

Diana Hwang is the Founder and Executive Director of AAWPI. Described by POLITICO as “nothing short of a change agent,” Diana has built transformative spaces for Asian American women and gender-expansive leaders to grow, organize, and lead.
Darlene Vu serves as AAWPI’s first Chief Operating Officer. She oversees the organization’s operations, hiring, and finances, and plays a critical role in sustaining and strengthening AAWPI’s mission and impact.
Aubrey Tang was one of AAWPI’s inaugural National Civic Impact Innovators and currently serves as the Massachusetts State Director and Social Media Coordinator.
Ahra Cho was a 2024 AAWPI Georgia Fellow, a 2025 Selection Committee Member, and now serves as the Georgia State Director and Curriculum Director.
Claire So was an AAWPI Pennsylvania Fellow in 2024, and now serves as the Pennsylvania State Director, continuing to support leadership development and community-building efforts across the fellowship network.
Victoria Huynh is a longtime community organizer with more than 18 years of experience. As AAWPI’s former Chief Program Officer, she led programs that cultivated civic leadership and community empowerment.

Amishika Dhaurali

OPERATIONS & MEDIA SUPPORT

Amishika Dhaurali is a youth and community advocate, social sciences researcher, and Tufts University alum whose support has been instrumental to the growth of Research within REACH. She has contributed extensively to event logistics, photography, outreach, and behind-the-scenes coordination, helping bring community-centered programming and storytelling initiatives to life.

Drawing from her background in advocacy, research, and youth engagement, Amishika offers thoughtful guidance grounded in care, collaboration, and community impact. Her ongoing support, creativity, and encouragement continue to shape the vision and execution of Research Within REACH’s work.

Shubhecchha Dhaurali

Shubhecchha Dhaurali (pronounced sue-betcha dur-all-e) is a 1.5-generation Nepalese-American immigrant and the first woman in her family to complete higher education.

Shubhecchha is passionate about challenging whose knowledge is valued and equipping community members with tools to tell their own stories through data and research. She has led initiatives bridging academic research and grassroots advocacy, with a focus on health equity, youth empowerment, and narrative change in her current and past roles.

Research within REACH was borne from her Civic Incubator Fellowship with the National Asian American Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI), and reflects her commitment to building community-led research infrastructure and transforming how knowledge is produced and used.

FOUNDER, DIRECTOR